How To Become A Geographic Information Systems Geographer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a geographic information systems geographer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Mark Revell

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) geographer uses geographic information system methods to study the earth and the distribution of its land, inhabitants, features and phenomena. They enter geographic data into GIS databases in order to analyze spatial and non-spatial information in it. They use the results of their findings to provide solutions in agriculture, urban and regional planning, disaster response, and formulating business strategies.

GIS geographers mostly work for the federal government. They may also work in private companies, research companies, construction companies, or colleges and universities. A successful GIS geographer should have analytical skills, math and statistical skills, relevant technical skills, communication skills, and attention to detail.

GIS geographers mostly work full time during business hours. The job also involves fieldwork, which may require them to travel to foreign countries and to the different site locations; hence, they may work extra hours.

What general advice would you give to a geographic information systems geographer?

Mark Revell

Manager, American Association of Geographers

Geography is an extremely broad, interdisciplinary field with a wide range of career paths. Geography graduates can be found in all sectors of the workforce in diverse areas such as transportation, city planning, business and marketing, environmental conservation, foreign intelligence, academia, and a host of other industries. Because our field is so diverse, the career prospects for some geographers are very different than others. For example, with budgets tightening there may temporarily be some challenging times ahead for those pursuing work in state and local government, or other industries that have been highly impacted by the pandemic. However, the overall job prospects for geographers are excellent. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the essential contributions of geographers working as data analysts at the state level, as well as NIH and other federal agencies and private firms where they have produced maps depicting the virus' spread. There are so many current social and environmental issues that have spatial components, geographers trained in the use of geospatial technologies are very likely to be in high demand through the foreseeable future and beyond.

ScoreGeographic Information Systems GeographerUS Average

Salary

4.6

Avg. Salary $58,644

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.1

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 48.15%

male 51.85%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

4.1

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

9.4

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a geographic information systems geographer

Explore geographic information systems geographer education requirements

Most common geographic information systems geographer degrees

Bachelor's

50.0 %

Master's

25.0 %

Diploma

20.0 %

Start to develop specific geographic information systems geographer skills

Skills	Percentages
GPS	71.42%
Esri	28.58%

Complete relevant geographic information systems geographer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New geographic information systems geographers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a geographic information systems geographer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real geographic information systems geographer resumes.

Research geographic information systems geographer duties and responsibilities

Manage and maintain mapping server and software including QGIS, ESRI, and SiteIntel software.
Prepare PCs for turn-in for disposal and destruction, removing all confidential data/recycle key parts/update inventory.
Recognize for excellent communication skills written/verbal with customers explaining in detail specific problems and procedures for repairing PCs.
Produce maps of environmentally sensitive area and maintain a GIS database for information relate to the project regarding water quality compliance.

Apply for geographic information systems geographer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a geographic information systems geographer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams