GISDegree.org

Home > GIS Jobs and Career Opportunities: Find Your Path in Geographic Information Systems > How to Become a GIS Technician

Are you interested in maps and geography? If you love exploring locations, analyzing patterns, and working with data, becoming a GIS technician could be a perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll cover what the role involves, what it takes to become a GIS technician, the job outlook, and salary of this burgeoning and exciting field.

What Is a GIS Technician?

GIS technicians are entry-level geospatial professionals responsible for collecting, organizing, and maintaining geographic data for an organization. They primarily use GIS software but may also engage in data collection and field work. Their role ensures accurate representation of real-world locations, enabling the creation of maps, analysis of location trends, and support for informed decision-making.

Any organization that heavily relies on geographic information is likely to employ one or more GIS technicians. They can be found in a wide range of industries, such as:

  • engineering firms that map infrastructure
  • utility companies that track pipe or power lines
  • government agencies that manage land use
  • surveying companies that chart property boundaries

Daily Responsibilities of GIS Technicians

Let’s examine some of the daily responsibilities assigned to GIS technicians.

  • Gathering geographic data: GIS applications utilize location information, such as latitude and longitude, along with attribute data attached to each feature. GIS technicians often play a key role in identifying and acquiring these data sources, which might include the internet, handwritten survey questionnaire responses, existing databases, and government statistics.
  • Creating geodatabases: Datasets can contain millions of data points, requiring efficient storage and query optimization. It’s the GIS technician’s job to find the solution. For instance, when storing street names, they must consider how to handle exceptionally long titles like Chicago’s “Jean Baptist Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive.”
  • Data input: In a GIS or web app, information other than the feature’s location is embedded into the feature’s icon or symbol. For instance, clicking on a grocery store’s point icon in a mapping application will tell you the store’s address, hours, phone number, and whatever other data the developer wants displayed. GIS technicians play a role in entering that information.
  • Digitizing maps: Images, whether drawn in a PDF or captured with a digital camera, are powerful tools for extracting geospatial data. PDFs are not georeferenced, however, and digital raster images need to be vectorized. GIS technicians manually digitize these features.
  • Data management: Geospatial data is dynamic, requiring constant updates to reflect real-world changes. GIS technicians play a crucial role in maintaining and modifying databases to ensure they remain current and aligned with evolving project needs.
  • Basic GIS analysis functions: GIS technicians may perform simple GIS functions, such as buffering points to create new feature classes or combining datasets from different sources (though these responsibilities could also be assigned to a GIS analyst).

Necessary Skills and Experience for GIS Technicians

Many organizations employing GIS technicians use tiered systems within the role, reflecting varying levels of skills and experience. A typical job search on platforms like Indeed or ZipRecruiter might reveal positions such as:

  • GIS technician I (entry-level): At a minimum, this role typically requires an associate’s degree, although many organizations prefer a bachelor’s. Relevant fields include GIS, geography, and computer science. A new GIS technician should have an understanding of GIS principles, such as geographic coordinate systems and geospatial data formats. Additionally, they should have some hands-on experience with GIS software.
  • GIS technician II (intermediate): Level-2 technicians usually have a couple years’ GIS work experience or additional years of study. They are responsible for more complex tasks, such as scripting routine functions and creating databases.
  • GIS technician III (senior): Level-3 technicians typically have more than five years of experience. They handle higher-level GIS tasks, such as integrating databases, maintaining and updating web apps, and writing code to perform complex functions.
  • Lead technician: Armed with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of GIS functions, programming, and the inner workings of GIS software, lead technicians oversee other technicians.

Essential skills for the GIS technician

  • GIS software experience: A GIS technician’s work is largely performed using software such as ArcGIS or Global Mapper. Knowledge of CAD software packages is also helpful, depending on the organization. Along with teaching the concepts of GIS, degree programs equip their students with the technical software skills to begin jobs as GIS technicians.
  • Computer programming: Programming skills are invaluable for GIS technicians, who often face repetitive tasks that can be automated. Python, in particular, is highly relevant in the GIS field due to its widespread use in geospatial software packages. Many GIS applications offer Python interfaces, allowing technicians to create custom routines and automate workflows efficiently.
  • An eye for detail: Attention to detail is crucial for GIS technicians, who handle vast amounts of information. Data entry precision is essential to ensure accuracy, and strong observational skills are necessary for troubleshooting issues when they arise.

The Process of Becoming a GIS Technician

  1. GIS degree and certification programs: Employers want to see an associate’s degree in a related field (at a minimum), but may prefer a bachelor’s degree—especially for more sought-after openings. If you already have a bachelor’s in an unrelated field then a graduate certificate (plus additional skills) may offer an educational path to a GIS technician role.

    The GIS Certification Institute offers the GIS Professional (GISP) certification, but because it requires five years’ job experience, it’s typically not essential for GIS technicians. Those who wish to advance their careers, however, may opt to avail themselves of the GISP certification.
  2. Develop technical skills: Technicians need technical skills. At a minimum, entry-level GIS technicians should understand GIS principles (such as how coordinate systems work) and have basic experience with GIS software programs such as ArcGIS. Degree programs introduce their students to these skills and the concepts behind them.
  3. Apply for jobs: GIS technicians are in demand across diverse sectors, including utility companies, engineering firms, local governments, transportation authorities, and surveying and mapping organizations. When job hunting, consider balancing your personal interests with opportunities for professional advancement. While finding the perfect combination may not always be possible, aim to select roles that align with your long-term career goals when feasible.
  4. Career growth: As GIS technicians gain experience, they can advance to roles such as lead technicians, supervisors, or managers. This career progression often shifts responsibilities from hands-on data work to overseeing teams of technicians. Advanced positions may also involve creating and maintaining GIS applications, expanding the scope of technical expertise.

Job Outlook for GIS Technicians

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster than average job growth rate of six percent over the next decade for survey and mapping technicians (including GIS techs), equating to an additional 3,200 jobs. Notably, ScienceBuddies estimates an even higher growth rate of nearly 11%—this increased demand is largely due to the growing reliance on geographic data across diverse industries. As more organizations adopt GIS technology, opportunities for entry-level professionals in this field are expected to continue expanding.

Salary Data: How Much Do GIS Technicians Make?

GIS technician salaries are all over the map due to differences in employer type, job level (level I, II, or III technician), responsibilities, and regional pay scales. From private industry to government agencies, compensation can range significantly. According to the data, salaries for GIS technicians fall within a wide range: For example:

To get a more accurate picture of GIS technician salaries in your area, review local job postings. For the most relevant results, filter openings to match your qualifications, and look for positions that align with your educational background, GIS skills (such as proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS), and professional experience.