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

What is a gis project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a gis project manager. For example, did you know that they make an average of $41.21 an hour? That's $85,724 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 8% and produce 36,400 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a gis project 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 Project ManagerUS Average

Salary

6.7

Avg. Salary $85,724

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 3.74%

Hispanic or Latino 17.68%

Unknown 4.45%

White 70.72%

Gender

female 18.98%

male 81.02%

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 project manager

Explore gis project manager education requirements

Most common gis project manager degrees

Bachelor's

64.8 %

Master's

21.9 %

Associate

8.9 %

Start to develop specific gis project manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	16.72%
ArcGIS	8.95%
Architecture	8.07%
Infrastructure	7.08%
GIS Project	6.33%

Complete relevant gis project manager training and internships

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

Research gis project manager duties and responsibilities

Perform problem resolution, cost recovery, manage inventory of network components, direct RFP process for procurement of telecommunications services.
Develop, organize and execute SDLC projects to improve safety, quality and/or productivity throughout several processes in a warehouse environment.
Automate GIS/Geoscience workflows for data manipulation activities and cartographic deliverables using ModelBuilder.

Prepare your gis project manager resume

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

Build a professional gis project 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 project manager resume.

Apply for gis project manager jobs

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

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Gis project manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023

Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020

Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020

Pros

I like working with Clients and challenges.

What is a gis project manager and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a gis project manager?

Gis project manager career paths

Key steps to become a gis project manager

Explore gis project manager education requirements

Most common gis project manager degrees

Start to develop specific gis project manager skills

Complete relevant gis project manager training and internships

Research gis project manager duties and responsibilities

Prepare your gis project manager resume

Choose from 10+ customizable gis project manager resume templates

Apply for gis project manager jobs

How did you land your first gis project manager job

Average gis project manager salary

How do gis project managers rate their job?

Gis project manager reviews