GIS Scientists
GIS Scientists research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
Table of Contents
Job description
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists research or develop geospatial technologies. May produce databases, perform applications programming, or coordinate projects. May specialize in areas such as agriculture, mining, health care, retail trade, urban planning, or military intelligence.
- Produce data layers, maps, tables, or reports, using spatial analysis procedures or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
- Provide technical expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to clients or users.
- Perform computer programming, data analysis, or software development for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, including the maintenance of existing systems or research and development for future enhancements.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, equipment, or systems.
Salary
GIS Scientists with little to no experience tend to make between $47350 and $66410 while the more experienced ones can earn over $117070 per year.
Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
DC | $57 | $117,540 |
MD | $54 | $113,330 |
NH | $54 | $112,440 |
VA | $51 | $105,270 |
CA | $50 | $103,270 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for GIS Scientists are DC, MD, NH, VA and CA.
However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other GIS Scientists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a Master’s Degree.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
Computer and Information Sciences, General |
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician |
Information Science/Studies |
Computer Science |
Information Technology Project Management |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Geospatial Information Scientist and Technologist.
PROS |
---|
Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally |
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented |
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors. |
Very high salary (top 25% highest paid careers) |
Normal working hours (40 hours per week) |
CONS |
---|
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others |
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
What is the job like
70% of GIS Scientists said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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Related career information
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Similar careers
Geographic Information Scientist, Geographic Information Systems Administrator (GIS Administrator), Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst), Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist (GIS Application Specialist), Geographic Information Systems Coordinator (GIS Coordinator), Geographic Information Systems Data Administrator (GIS Data Administrator), Geographic Information Systems Data Manager (GIS Data Manager), Geographic Information Systems Data Specialist (GIS Data Specialist), Geographic Information Systems Database Administrator (GIS Database Administrator), Geographic Information Systems Engineer (GIS Engineer)