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

What is a gis mapping technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Jon-Paul McCool

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gis mapping technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.07 an hour? That's $45,907 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 2,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a gis mapping technician?

Jon-Paul McCool

Associate Professor of Geography; Environmental Science Program Coordinator, Valparaiso University

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.

ScoreGIS Mapping TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.6

Avg. Salary $45,907

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.4

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.08%

Asian 3.21%

Black or African American 4.53%

Hispanic or Latino 13.17%

Unknown 3.66%

White 74.35%

Gender

female 32.62%

male 67.38%

Age - 44

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 - 44

Stress level

4.4

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a gis mapping technician

Explore gis mapping technician education requirements

Most common gis mapping technician degrees

Bachelor's

63.6 %

Associate

21.2 %

Master's

7.1 %

Start to develop specific gis mapping technician skills

Skills	Percentages
ArcGIS	19.60%
GPS	19.33%
ArcMap	11.11%
CAD	10.21%
Autocad	8.93%

Complete relevant gis mapping technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gis mapping technicians 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 mapping technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gis mapping technician resumes.

Research gis mapping technician duties and responsibilities

Generate GIS database updates manually and manage automated unix-base system to apply records to client database.
Perform technical GIS mapping and GPS data collection using GIS software, GPS equipment and other relate tools.
Manipulate spatial databases using ESRI ArcCatalog.
Improve collection methods of GPS field data and combine with existing data in order to find the best route.

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