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Job outlook for gis mapping technicians in the United States
Gis mapping technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected gis mapping technician job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,200 new jobs for gis mapping technicians are projected over the next decade.
Gis mapping technician salaries have increased 9% for gis mapping technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 3,608 gis mapping technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 7,686 active gis mapping technician job openings in the US.
The average gis mapping technician salary is $45,907.
Are gis mapping technician jobs in demand?
Gis mapping technician job and salary trends over time
Gis mapping technician jobs over time
Gis mapping technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,608 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,435 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,413 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,366 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,339 | 0.00% |
Average gis mapping technician salary over time
Gis mapping technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,907 | $22.07 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $44,724 | $21.50 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $44,098 | $21.20 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $43,065 | $20.70 | +2.1% |
| 2021 | $42,181 | $20.28 | +1.0% |
Gis mapping technician jobs by state
Most common states for gis mapping technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 152 | 11% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 79 | 11% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 540 | 8% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 75 | 8% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 52 | 8% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 392 | 7% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 235 | 7% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 219 | 7% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 735 | 6% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 631 | 6% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 353 | 6% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 341 | 6% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 76 | 6% |
| 14 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,015 | 5% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 326 | 5% |
| 16 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 202 | 5% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 162 | 5% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 155 | 5% |
| 19 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 95 | 5% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 87 | 5% |
Most common cities for gis mapping technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Bedford | 2 | 2% | $53,636 |
GIS Mapping Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of gis mapping technician experts
Coastal Carolina University
Valparaiso University
Austin Community College District
Central Connecticut State University
University of Indianapolis
Colgate University
University of Puget Sound
What general advice would you give to a GIS Mapping Technician?
Professor Noel Healy: Students should embrace both flexibility and specialization. There will be opportunities to dive into practical experiences such as internships or field research, in areas that might be both within, and outside your perceived expertise.
What GIS Mapping Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
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.
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA
Professor of AnthropologyCoastal Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a GIS Mapping Technician?
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.
Jon-Paul McCool
Associate Professor of Geography; Environmental Science Program CoordinatorValparaiso University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a GIS Mapping Technician?
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.
Sydney Pruitt
Department ChairAustin Community College District
GIS & GE Departments
What skills stand out on GIS Mapping Technician resumes?
Sydney Pruitt: When it comes to being a surveyor, field crew, GIS technician, GIS analyst, or GIS specialist, there are some key qualities and skill sets that stand out on resumes and increase your chances of success.
Field Engineers do not need to be extroverts but being welcoming to others is important. Employees need to be self-motivated, responsive, positive, and confident while accepting constructive feedback. When attending meetings or working with others, arrive promptly, take ownership of tasks, and present in discussions.
What soft skills should all GIS Mapping Technicians possess?
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.
What hard/technical skills are most important for GIS Mapping Technicians?
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.
What skills will help GIS Mapping Technicians earn the most?
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.
Charles Button Ph.D.
Chairperson and ProfessorCentral Connecticut State University
Geography Department
What type of skills will young GIS Mapping Technicians need?
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
David Polly Ph.D.
Professor, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Research Associate, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago Adjunct Professor, Biology Adjunct Professor, AnthropologyUniversity of Indianapolis
Department of Biology
What type of skills will young GIS Mapping Technicians need?
David Polly Ph.D.: Basic knowledge in earth sciences, ability to creatively analyze data, and adaptability. It is rare for a job for a graduate to not require data analysis, sometimes lots of it. Someone who can combine those skills with a firm foundation in earth sciences is likely to be very employable.
What type of skills will young GIS Mapping Technicians need?
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.
What experience really stands out on GIS Mapping Technician resumes?
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.
What type of skills will young GIS Mapping Technicians need?
Candice Luebbering Ph.D.: Graduates entering the workforce need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of their field. These will consistently inform and guide their work while the specific technology and platforms they use may change from job-to-job, or task-to-task. Having a solid foundation in core concepts, combined with the adaptability to learn and become familiar with new tools and software, will greatly help graduates in the job market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for GIS Mapping Technicians to find work opportunities?
Candice Luebbering Ph.D.: Surveying and mapping technicians are needed throughout the country as government and businesses incorporate and implement more geospatial data and technology in their regular operations.