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Geographer vs gis analyst

The differences between geographers and gis analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a geographer has an average salary of $65,339, which is higher than the $63,718 average annual salary of a gis analyst.

The top three skills for a geographer include spatial data, arcgis and remote sensing. The most important skills for a gis analyst are GPS, spatial data, and data collection.

Geographer vs gis analyst overview

GeographerGIS Analyst
Yearly salary$65,339$63,718
Hourly rate$31.41$30.63
Growth rate-9%
Number of jobs1,64649,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Average age4143
Years of experience-6

What does a geographer do?

A geographer studies nature, land, and the earth's features. They gather geographic data through aerial field observations, maps, and satellite images. They conduct research through surveys, interviews, and other qualitative methods. They present the results of their research findings by writing reports. They may also advise others in using GIS, remote sensing, and GPS.

What does a gis analyst do?

A GIS Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of geographic information systems. They provide expertise, support, assistance, and guidance to various geographic variables in a specific area.

Geographer vs gis analyst salary

Geographers and gis analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

GeographerGIS Analyst
Average salary$65,339$63,718
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $93,000Between $47,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CityArlington, VADetroit, MI
Highest paying stateVirginiaDelaware
Best paying companyCoreLogicColliers International
Best paying industryGovernmentUtilities

Differences between geographer and gis analyst education

There are a few differences between a geographer and a gis analyst in terms of educational background:

GeographerGIS Analyst
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorGeographyGeography
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of California, Berkeley

Geographer vs gis analyst demographics

Here are the differences between geographers' and gis analysts' demographics:

GeographerGIS Analyst
Average age4143
Gender ratioMale, 74.2% Female, 25.8%Male, 72.7% Female, 27.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 8.1% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 14.5% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%8%

Differences between geographer and gis analyst duties and responsibilities

Geographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
  • Experience in obtaining and applying GPS data with ArcGIS.
  • Assist with elements of USGS NAQWA program, including data analysis and fieldwork.
  • Use ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcScene, ArcINFO, RockWorks, and prepare files for EarthVision.
  • Provide concept-build for additional MOUT's for all of DOD.
  • Plan and coordinate field surveys collecting environmental and infrastructure features with multiple attributes using handheld GPS and survey grade GPS.
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Gis analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage and collect data from NGA, NATO partners, and other organizations to support military training simulations.
  • Manage vector, raster, and cad data for cultural resources, public works, forestry and planning departments.
  • Manage the creation and development of a GIS mapping system for a local waste management company using ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online.
  • Construct, implement and manage state-wide seismic hazard and infrastructure mapping projects.
  • Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
  • Design and test web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Show more

Geographer vs gis analyst skills

Common geographer skills
  • Spatial Data, 19%
  • ArcGIS, 14%
  • Remote Sensing, 14%
  • Python, 7%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Esri, 6%
Common gis analyst skills
  • GPS, 8%
  • Spatial Data, 8%
  • Data Collection, 7%
  • Esri Arcgis, 4%
  • Database Design, 4%
  • CAD, 4%

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