How To Become A GIS Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a gis manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

A Geographical Information Systems (GIS) manager is responsible for the oversight and supervision of a team of IT experts who produce geographical data using specialized computer systems. He/she undertakes technical duties such as managing system hardware and software and developing GIS applications.

They are also in charge of administrative functions like hiring, training, and firing staff and controlling budget and project costs. A GIS manager works closely with civil engineers, analysts, land representatives, account managers, and executive management. They can get employment in different industries such as the government, healthcare, transport, mining, or archaeology.

Essential skills that a GIS manager should possess include extensive experience in GIS, creativity, analytical skills, communication skills, and attention to detail. GIS managers work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. In case of urgent deliverables, they may be required to work extra hours.

What general advice would you give to a gis manager?

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

Professor, New Mexico State University

Start researching early, really early, as in when are still in college. ID 3 jobs you would really want to have, unpack the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed, then make sure you acquires these KSAs in your work at University. Secure and internship or co-op in college, as these often lead to permanent jobs. Doing this let's prospective employers get to know you and your work ethic, and this makes you a preferred candidate. Learn all you can about the people who are interviewing you, make reference to key things you learn, and get to know them as much as you can in an interview. After the interview, send a thank you email, noting how much you enjoyed meeting them and how excited you are about the potential job.

ScoreGIS ManagerUS Average

Salary

5.9

Avg. Salary $75,857

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%

Asian 2.86%

Black or African American 3.75%

Hispanic or Latino 17.69%

Unknown 4.45%

White 70.70%

Gender

female 22.46%

male 77.54%

Age - 46

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 - 46

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

2.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a gis manager

Explore gis manager education requirements

Most common gis manager degrees

Bachelor's

68.1 %

Master's

18.3 %

Associate

8.4 %

Start to develop specific gis manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Python	10.16%
Autocad	7.82%
Project Management	7.14%
Infrastructure	6.96%
Desktop	6.81%

Complete relevant gis manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gis managers 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 manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gis manager resumes.

Research gis manager duties and responsibilities

Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
Advance knowledge of GIS concepts and ESRI suite of software applications, including ArcGIS.
Develop GPS and web-enable data collection systems (application, procedures and training) for a comprehensive biological database.
Integrate GIS, GPS, & traditional survey data to produce high end mapping products for effective planning purposes.

Prepare your gis manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your gis manager 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 manager 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 manager resume templates

Build a professional gis manager 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 manager resume.

Apply for gis manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a gis manager 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 managers rate their job?

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Gis manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023

Pros

Creativity becomes more reachable, work becomes more appreciated. Both a pro and con: A wide variety of topics are covered under GIS Developer, and so knowledge of several tools, and many years experience is needed to be successful in this role.

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019