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Gis manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected gis manager job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 36,400 new jobs for gis managers are projected over the next decade.
Gis manager salaries have increased 9% for gis managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,169 gis managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 20,605 active gis manager job openings in the US.
The average gis manager salary is $75,857.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,169 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 16,023 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 6,356 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,916 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,660 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $75,857 | $36.47 | +2.0% |
| 2025 | $74,359 | $35.75 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $72,883 | $35.04 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $71,322 | $34.29 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $69,706 | $33.51 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 80 | 12% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 47 | 6% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 402 | 5% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 277 | 5% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 48 | 5% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 222 | 4% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 37 | 4% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 29 | 4% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 24 | 4% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 22 | 4% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 284 | 3% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 271 | 3% |
| 13 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 210 | 3% |
| 14 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 182 | 3% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 122 | 3% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 95 | 3% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 55 | 3% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 53 | 3% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 46 | 3% |
| 20 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 29 | 3% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $77,491 |
| 2 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $95,722 |
| 3 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $70,443 |
| 4 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $78,875 |
Southern Oregon University
The University of West Florida
University of North Alabama
Southern Utah University
Georgia College and State University
Coastal Carolina University
Valparaiso University
University of North Alabama
New Mexico State University

Kennesaw State University

Austin Community College District

Central Connecticut State University

University of Indianapolis
Colgate University
University of Puget Sound

DePaul University
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: Diversify your skills, think about all the experiences you gained in your academic career, and look for ways in the professional world to compliment or enhance those academic experiences. Follow your interests and passions, wherever they may take you (it is Geography after all), and always look for ways to refresh your analytical, technical, and conceptual skills.
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: Geography is a great discipline for those who like many different things, so the best way to maximize your starting salary potential is to focus on the more technical or analytical skills you can employ as a geographer. Whether that is being proficient in demographic modeling using newer approaches, or knowing how to deploy deep learning algorithms in image analysis, keeping your technical skills sharp will increase your salary potential.
Dr. Jamie Trammell PhD: I expect we will continue to see geospatial sciences and spatial thinking integrated into every element of society, so the ability to move between disciplines and embrace new analytical skills (i.e. AI) will be key.
Professor Noel Healy: Geospatial technologies, like GIS, are rapidly evolving and are highly sought-after skillsets. Also, skills in data analysis, environmental modeling, programming skills in R are already increasingly important as industries and governments prioritize sustainability and data-driven decisions.
Professor Noel Healy: Focus on developing niche skills that are in high demand, such as GIS expertise, Coding in R, or environmental consulting. Additionally, consider roles in high-paying sectors like technology or government, which often value the diverse skill set that geographers bring.
Dr. Lara Bryant: Data collection and management are some of the most important skills involved with Geographic Information Systems used to analyze and visual information using maps. An understanding of Geographic Information Systems it vital.
Dr. Lara Bryant: Because Geography is such a broad field, keep your job search broad. As a Geographer understand be able to articulate what unique qualities and skills you can offer employers. For example, not only do you learn the physical process associated with erosion, but the impacts human development has had on increased erosion as well as possible ways to mitigate the impacts of erosion.
Dr. Jason Ortegren: I think a lot of geographers appreciate having a background education in human cultures and landscapes from around the world. The breadth of the discipline provides the geographer with perspective and insight about other places, insights that may not be available to the typical non-geographer. I don't dislike anything about being a geographer, but if there is a drawback, Geography as a discipline holds a much lower place in the social consciousness than it used to. Probably because Earth is mostly explored and fully observed (via satellites), the public view of the importance of the discipline of Geography may have suffered.
Dr. Jason Ortegren: Now, as ever, geography matters. Whether we are examining spatial variability in changes in the climate system, regional political preferences in the USA (or anywhere), or the optimal location for a new retail outlet, location matters. The digital revolution in Geographic Information Systems (and Science) has taken hold in both the public and the private sectors, and Geography traditionally provides this education and training.
Dr. Jason Ortegren: A geographer tends to focus on the spatial aspects of human and other natural phenomena, with an interest in why differences exist across space. One of the great things about being a geographer is that it can mean virtually anything; almost everything has a spatial component, and this is the realm of the geographer. Someone entering the field can be expected (most likely) to be a relative expert in cartography (map-making) as well as in the interpretation of spatial data. For many geographers, this involves some time in the field documenting observations along with time in the lab/office interpreting these observations and drawing conclusions. Thus, skill diversity is a defining feature of the discipline.
Dr. Jian Chen: Be open-minded when you start to search for your first job. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Geography, a degree in Geography prepares students for many different career paths...
Dr. Jian Chen: GIS skills, especially web GIS skills will become more important in the next 3-5 years...
Dr. Jian Chen: A data scientist is still one of the “sexy” jobs in the market. If you have a Geography degree, you can look for any data scientist position which has a geospatial component...
Jamie Spinney: While individual experiences can vary, geographers typically enjoy the intellectual challenges of working on complex problems facing the Earth and its inhabitants. Geographers also tend to enjoy the inherent variety of day-to-day tasks as they work on projects with real-world impacts. Some of the challenges that geographers face include fewer job opportunities than some other fields and they may experience information overload, which can be potentially overwhelming to constantly analyze and interpret data.
Jamie Spinney: On a day-to-day basis, Geographers typically collect data from a variety of sources such as field observations, maps, satellite imagery, and census data. Then they analyze these data to create maps and identify patterns and trends over space and time. However, geographers often work collaboratively with colleagues from various disciplines and provide a unique spatial and integrative perspective.
Jamie Spinney: Geography is a great profession to enter now for several reasons. Firstly, many of the complex challenges we currently face (e.g., climate change, resource management, and urban planning) require an understanding of spatial relationships and the ability to analyze and integrate a wide variety of data. Secondly, Geographers have a valuable set of unique tools and skills, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing, which collectively allow for more efficient data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Kathy Kozenski: At this time, thinking spatially is vital to solving problems; an employer is looking for someone who can aggregate disparate pieces of data and information in order to develop creative and unique solutions.
Kathy Kozenski: In order to maximize salary potential within the GIS/Geospatial Technologies field(s), an employee (future employee) needs to ensure adequate education and experiences.
Kathy Kozenski: Students who are Geographically Literate and capable of utilizing GIS (geographic information sciences/systems) and Geospatial Technologies enhance their opportunities for employment, across all disciplines and employment fields.
Dr. Doug Oetter GISP: Geographers study spatial patterns and the many cultural and environmental processes that create them. A geographer will often work with private industries and public agencies to help plot spatial data and make projections about future trends and scenarios. Many of our graduates work with local governments, planning consultants, and environmental engineering firms. Making maps is one of our primary roles, but we also conduct site assessments, cultural resource surveys, landform studies, and climate profiles.
Dr. Doug Oetter GISP: The profusion of ‘big data’ usually includes geographic location, and both public and private entities are extremely interested in tracking flows and changes over space. While most jobs won’t be called ‘geographer,’ a graduate trained in both human and physical geography who can demonstrate a solid set of geographic information science (GISc) skills will do very well in future job markets. Geographers collect, analyze, and present spatial data to build an advanced understanding of how the world works on a human scale.
Dr. Doug Oetter GISP: Recent graduates enjoy using a diverse set of tools and methods to examine how human civilizations adapt to changing conditions on a regular basis. Our students consider landforms, weather, history, culture, politics, and economics in their holistic assessments, and they offer considerable depth and knowledge to a wide variety of applications and tasks. The only annoying part of being a geographer is having to explain to others what it is that we do, because too many people don’t take geography classes in high school or college!
Coastal Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Two things come to mind: first, try to develop at least a passing competency in multiple skills, including at least some digital proficiencies like 3D modeling or GIS. And second, don’t neglect the soft skills like good research, communication, and writing. These skills will be important in every aspect of your career no matter what your focus may be.
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Be flexible and willing to learn. Your college training will be a great background for the field, but you’ll develop and refine your skills through hands-on experience, so be sure to ask questions, seek advice, and find a mentor to help you get started in the field.
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Digital skills are increasingly important in the field, including 3D scanning and modeling, GIS, and the use of drones for recording and assessing structures, among other things. Students and early career professionals should try to take courses that provide an introduction to these technologies, as they are increasingly becoming requirements for employment.
Valparaiso University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
Jon-Paul McCool: In terms of technical skills, the ability to utilize GIS for more than basic mapping. The ability to do more in depth analytical processes and to utilize the mobile components to the software. However, employers are stressing the need for new employees to have drive and individual initiative. Soft skills associated with independence, and the ability to learn on your own are going to be essential.
Jon-Paul McCool: Utilize your time as an undergraduate student to set yourself apart. Do some kind of research project that can show your ability to do more than only the assigned work in classes. Utilize your summers to gain additional experience by working relevant jobs and internships. To all extents possible, do not limit yourself spatially. Be willing to travel to far flung locations, at least for a few years, to gain relevant experience after graduating rather than being tied to one specific location or region. You are far more employable with a couple years experience rather than straight out of school.
Jon-Paul McCool: It is important to remember that the only person who can push your career forward is you. You have to go to places and events to get exposure to opportunities and you have to be willing to potentially move and learn new things. You really have to want to move forward with your career and you have to take a vested interest in it by pursuing additional learning opportunities such as workshops, joining professional organizations and attending meetings, volunteering, etc. A degree alone only distinguishes you from those who didn’t graduate. How are you going to stand out compared to the thousands of others graduating across the country with the same major?
University of North Alabama
Geography And Cartography
Michael Pretes: A good knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential for many Geography jobs. Also gaining in importance are skills in Remote Sensing, LiDAR, Web GIS, database management, and Python programming. But perhaps most important of all is good communication skills—oral, written, and visual.
Michael Pretes: Do your homework before applying and interviewing for jobs, so that you are familiar with industry salary ranges and expectations. Then negotiate before accepting a position. If you are just starting out and are nervous about salary negotiations, consult your university's career center for advice and practice interviewing and negotiating scenarios. You should also consider your work-life balance and whether salary or work scheduling and conditions are more important.
Michael Pretes: Geography and Geographic Information Science (GIS) are two of the most employable degrees out there and they offer the greatest variety of career opportunities. In addition to working as a GIS Technician or GIS Analyst, in which you would be creating maps and databases for many kinds of employers, some Geography and GIS graduates find work as airline pilots, law enforcement officers, in the diplomatic service or military, as historical preservation experts, as urban and community planners, land developers, in business location analysis and marketing, in the travel and hospitality industry, in agriculture, in natural resource management, and in business and law, among other fields. Many Geography and GIS graduates find jobs that involve working outdoors. My advice is to think about what kind of work you like to do, and where you want to live. Many jobs in Geography and GIS involve remote work, and some involve extensive travel. You can really choose your lifestyle and career with a Geography or GIS degree.
Neil Opfer: First off, know what competitive salaries are in your area of the country for the type of job you want as you never have to recover from a good start. Some companies, for instance, will offer salaries that are simply not competitive. As an example, a few years ago, we had one CM graduate starting at $70K per year at one firm (heavy-highway contractor) whereas another grad had been offered $42K per year for a commercial flooring contractor. That $42K was simply not competitive with the market whether that employer offering that salary knew it or not. Also, compare offers versus area living costs. Use cost-of-living calculators such as at bankrate.com If you, using this bankrate.com tool, were offered one job in Las Vegas NV at $80,000 per year versus another job opportunity in Los Angeles CA, you would need $122,000 per year as a comparable salary. Remember to measure yourself as to earning that salary on a regular basis. Don't take jobs where a bonus is promised to make up for a bad salary. Example here is taking a Superintendent Job where your Job ended up profitable but other jobs run by others overall didn't so taking that lower salary and not getting that bonus didn't work out so well. Again, benchmark yourself against what others in the industry in that same area are actually getting paid. If you truly feel you deserve a raise where you're at but can't get it you may need to change jobs to get to a higher salary scale. But that firm offering above-market salaries may be doing so because of internal problems (bad bosses, poor working conditions, insane hours, insane understaffing, etc.) so look before you leap. It's a given that to be successful as a working professional in construction, one cannot just work a 40-hour week. But you shouldn't be working 7-10s or more on a regular basis either. Again, through networking you perhaps can find out who are the 'bad employers.'
New Mexico State University
Department of Geography
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: 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.
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: Do your homework ahead of interviewing so you know what the market for the job is like. Sell the heck out of yourself in the interview, noting what a solid investment you will be to the company or agency. If an offer is happening and they offer you a salry, don't reply right away. Your hesitation may let them know you are looking for more. Ss you accept the offer, ask about upward mobility in the firm or agency.

Kennesaw State University
Department of Construction Management
Irish Horsey Ph.D.: Leadership and communication are among the most essential skills of a construction manager. Construction managers are responsible for ensuring that projects are built safely on schedule, within budget, and to the quality outlined in the drawings and specifications. To fulfill these responsibilities, construction managers must lead multiple teams, including primary, secondary, and third party players, on a construction project through effective oral and written communications.

Austin Community College District
GIS & GE Departments
Sydney Pruitt: Self-starters and those who bring new ideas to the table have the most success. Being able to listen, process the information, and take appropriate action while remaining calm is crucial.
Sydney Pruitt: Field Engineers help develop conceptual, logical, and physical geospatial data models. It is crucial to develop skills to collect and assimilate data sources, from authoritative data sources such as clearinghouses; from data collection in the field using surveying equipment, mobile devices, GPS units, or drones; from data creation through heads-up digitizing, geocoding, or COGO. Professionals will also perform attribute and spatial queries, often using query languages such as SQL, Python, and Arcade. Knowledge in a project management framework that includes documenting the project goal, scope, work breakdown structure, statement of work, defined deliverables, project summary, and project archive is important.
Sydney Pruitt: Professionals can find more success with familiarity with Computer-Aided Drafting, Geographic Information Systems, and Remote Sensing. Additionally, demonstrating professionalism, independent judgment, and complete and accurate surveys that adhere to project, organizational, and state standards.

Central Connecticut State University
Geography Department
Charles Button Ph.D.: Graduating geographers wishing to succeed in today's workforce need to have the following skills:
- Identify and classify physical and human features of the environment
- Observe, collect, and record geographic information from both primary and secondary sources
- Interpret maps, tables, graphs, photographs, and fieldwork data
- Organize and present information in a coherent manner
Charles Button Ph.D.: A geographer's resume should be sure to highlight skills and accomplishments that will distinguish them from others. Some of the more important things to include on a resume are:
- Internships
- Certificates (e.g., GIS certificate)
- Volunteer activities related to the job field you are applying to
- Honors (e.g., awards received)

University of Indianapolis
Department of Biology
David Polly Ph.D.: It is difficult to say if the pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates in geosciences. If it does, it is likely to accelerate changes in the job market that were already underway. Thirty years ago most graduates went into petroleum, coal, or other fossil fuel energy careers. The proportion of people going into those jobs has already been declining because of changes in hiring practices by energy companies and society changes in attitudes about fossil fuel. Because the pandemic has put a strong damper on travel, many of those companies have temporarily stopped hiring and have laid off workers. That trend may well continue. Meanwhile jobs in environmental geology, other sorts of mineral exploration, GIS, remediation, and research seem likely to continue to grow.
David Polly Ph.D.: Evidence of a good foundation in earth science and analytical skills stands out. That might be through degrees, coursework, internships, or other job experience. A combination of both will serve job applicants well.
Jessica K. Graybill: Coronavirus has brought both challenges and benefits to university students. Disruption of the in-person college experience has meant that students have needed to communicate their needs more clearly and readily to professors and deans, to become more responsible as campus - and global - citizens, and to be more flexible about what is possible for personal growth at this unprecedented moment. These are all lessons - personal and professional - that will assist graduates well as they enter workplaces also changed by the virus.
Jessica K. Graybill: Creativity and analytical skills are key, alongside the willingness to be familiar with a range of digital applications. For example, it will no longer be enough to just know SPSS or ArcGIS - students need to be familiar with navigating other digital and open-access platforms for data analysis. Entering the workforce in a post-pandemic world, Gen Z will need to be flexible about the times and places in which work occurs (in an office or from home), able to accommodate the health needs of themselves and others, and capable of engaging with - and perhaps even introducing - multiple kinds of digital programs and communications devices as they are rolled out and that will continue to connect us in new ways, and not always in person.
Jessica K. Graybill: A student majoring in economics to go into finance is one in a million and doesn't stand out. It's the unusual background that distinguishes a good resume from a great resume. For example, adding mad spatial analytical skills or fluency in a lesser spoken language to the economics skills changes the equation and makes a graduate memorable. Interesting resumes emphasize unique personal and professional paths because this indicates a graduate's mix of in-depth interests and endeavors that include creativity, risk-taking, and flexibility.
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: "I don't foresee any long-term COVID impacts on the geology job market. Employment in the environmental consulting fields (e.g., groundwater, slope stability, clean-ups) will only strengthen as:
-Water resource management becomes more critical.
-The Biden administration returns us to more environmentally-aware policies.
-Population growth drives development.
-The reality of climate change necessitates more long-term planning for natural disasters.
I suspect employment in the oil and gas industry will shrink, and coal, of course, is dead. "
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: The ability to write is always essential. Competence with data management tools/interpretation is also necessary (EXCEL at a minimum, and preferably additional mathematical/statistical packages, such as MATLAB or R). The same goes for GIS (ArcMap or QGIS).
Jeffrey Tepper Ph.D.: A student who has completed an undergraduate thesis has demonstrated a degree of independence / self-motivation / ability to meet a project - all essential traits in 'the real world.' Another resume 'enhancers' would be internships, working for the geologic firm (summer or part-time during the school year), or being a lab assistant (demonstrating skills with analytical equipment or methods). Anything relevant to the geoscience field that shows initiative, reliability, and creativity. Most geology graduates will have taken a similar slate of courses, so 'standing out' requires more than just good grades.
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: The pandemic has led to a tightening in the labor market that allows employers to be far demanding in terms of the skill sets and levels of experience they expect from potential employees. Workers are expected to do more with less and to have a broad array of skills. One thing the pandemic has highlighted is that everything is connected; we need to think holistically about issues, regardless of the economic sector. Luckily, geographers are well placed to do this.
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: GIS is only becoming more important across a variety of sectors, corporate, governmental, and nonprofit, and understanding how to use the technology to solve real world problems, without replicating the injustices that have often come with technological developments in key.
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: I see a bright future for geography graduates. Geographers literally study the world; they understand the connections between people and place, nature, and the built environment. And they acquire both critical thinking and technological skills that allow for a more complex understanding of how we make the world a better place.