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The differences between gis analysts and gis specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a gis analyst and a gis specialist. Additionally, a gis specialist has an average salary of $65,463, which is higher than the $63,718 average annual salary of a gis analyst.
The top three skills for a gis analyst include GPS, spatial data and data collection. The most important skills for a gis specialist are GPS, python, and data collection.
| GIS Analyst | GIS Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $63,718 | $65,463 |
| Hourly rate | $30.63 | $31.47 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 49,491 | 2,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
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.
A GIS Specialist plans, develops, and implements systems and databases for storing and accessing geospatial data. They create maps and graphs using GIS software and related equipment.
Gis analysts and gis specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| GIS Analyst | GIS Specialist | |
| Average salary | $63,718 | $65,463 |
| Salary range | Between $47,000 And $85,000 | Between $43,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Detroit, MI | Edison, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Delaware | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Colliers International | The Wonderful Company |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Energy |
There are a few differences between a gis analyst and a gis specialist in terms of educational background:
| GIS Analyst | GIS Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Geography | Geography |
| Most common college | University of California, Berkeley | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between gis analysts' and gis specialists' demographics:
| GIS Analyst | GIS Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.7% Female, 27.3% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 12.0% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 11% |