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The differences between gis developers and developer/consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a gis developer and a developer/consultant. Additionally, a gis developer has an average salary of $100,464, which is higher than the $98,508 average annual salary of a developer/consultant.
The top three skills for a gis developer include esri, C++ and arcgis server. The most important skills for a developer/consultant are java, project management, and javascript.
| GIS Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Yearly salary | $100,464 | $98,508 |
| Hourly rate | $48.30 | $47.36 |
| Growth rate | 21% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 82,279 | 257,985 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A GIS developer, also known as a geographic information system developer, specializes in designing and creating applications and software that gathers and features geographic data from different locations. In some industries, a GIS developer may also have the task of analyzing aerial imagery, developing databases and maps, and creating tools to facilitate various programs and projects. Additionally, a GIS developer usually works as a member of a software development team, which requires an open communication line for an efficient workflow.
A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.
Gis developers and developer/consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| GIS Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Average salary | $100,464 | $98,508 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $140,000 | Between $71,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Vermont | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Pacific Gas and Electric | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a gis developer and a developer/consultant in terms of educational background:
| GIS Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Geography | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between gis developers' and developer/consultants' demographics:
| GIS Developer | Developer/Consultant | |
| Average age | 39 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 84.3% Female, 15.7% | Male, 58.5% Female, 41.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.7% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 29.8% White, 52.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |