What is a gis analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

A GIS analyst uses geographic information systems (GIS) software to analyze and interpret spatial data. They collect, manage, and manipulate data to create maps and visual representations that aid in decision-making. GIS analysts work inenvironmental management, urban planning, and public health. They use specialized software to create and maintain databases, conduct spatial analyzes, and produce visualizations for stakeholders. In addition to technical skills, GIS analysts must communicate with clients and team members and multitask effectively.

What general advice would you give to a gis analyst?

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Professor, New Mexico State University

1. This is tough to answer, as geographers work in MANY different types of jobs. In a general sense, geographers use a geographic perspective and tools to answer a range of geographic questions. 2. People working in community development and planning use these tools to ask and answer questions about land use and transportation planning. 3. People working with The Department of Defense use these tools to help support mission critical tasks, manage assets, and make maps. 4. People working in consulting firms use these tools to help answer spatial questions that clients need answered, and to support business operations and decisions.

ScoreGIS AnalystUS Average

Salary

5.0

Avg. Salary $63,718

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.19%

Asian 14.54%

Black or African American 10.33%

Hispanic or Latino 11.09%

Unknown 5.01%

White 58.83%

Gender

female 27.34%

male 72.66%

Age - 42

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 - 42

Stress level

5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a gis analyst?

Pros

Potential for career advancement and higher salaries
High demand for GIS skills in many industries
Possibility of flexible work arrangements, including remote work
Opportunity to gain experience in data management and analysis
Potential for personal and professional growth through continuous learning

Cons

Can be mentally demanding and require long periods of concentration
May require working under tight deadlines with high accuracy expectations
May require working with outdated or incompatible software
May involve frequent travel or relocation for fieldwork or project implementation
Possibility of being outsourced to other countries where labor is cheaper

Key steps to become a gis analyst

Explore gis analyst education requirements

Most common gis analyst degrees

Bachelor's

73.5 %

Master's

15.4 %

Associate

7.5 %

Start to develop specific gis analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
GPS	8.21%
Spatial Data	7.80%
Data Collection	6.84%
Esri Arcgis	4.13%
Database Design	4.01%

Complete relevant gis analyst training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gis analysts 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 gis analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gis analyst resumes.

Research gis analyst duties and 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.

Prepare your gis analyst resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your gis analyst resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a gis analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable gis analyst resume templates

Build a professional gis analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your gis analyst resume.

Apply for gis analyst jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a gis analyst 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

How do gis analysts rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Gis analyst reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019

Pros

Creating maps, data sorting, spatial analysis, training, geo referencing, digitizing, creating shapefiles, map clipping/dissolving, map styling/decorating

Cons

programming

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019