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The differences between gis managers and gis specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-8 years to become a gis manager, becoming a gis specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a gis manager has an average salary of $75,857, which is higher than the $65,463 average annual salary of a gis specialist.
The top three skills for a gis manager include python, autocad and project management. The most important skills for a gis specialist are GPS, python, and data collection.
| GIS Manager | GIS Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,857 | $65,463 |
| Hourly rate | $36.47 | $31.47 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 20,605 | 2,029 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 8 | 6 |
A GIS Manager is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of teams of IT experts that produce geographical data. They research, evaluate, and procure new GIS equipment to increase project efficiency.
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 managers and gis specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| GIS Manager | GIS Specialist | |
| Average salary | $75,857 | $65,463 |
| Salary range | Between $48,000 And $119,000 | Between $43,000 And $98,000 |
| Highest paying City | Detroit, MI | Edison, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | American Water | The Wonderful Company |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between a gis manager and a gis specialist in terms of educational background:
| GIS Manager | GIS Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Geography | Geography |
| Most common college | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | University of California, Berkeley |
Here are the differences between gis managers' and gis specialists' demographics:
| GIS Manager | GIS Specialist | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.5% Female, 22.5% | Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 2.9% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 | 4% | 11% |