How to Become a GIS Developer

Whether you are a student, a Geographic Information System (GIS) technician, an entry-level web developer, or seeking to transition to GIS from another career, this guide can help you become a GIS developer. Learn what education, skills, and experience you will need, which industries have a demand for GIS developers, and what salary you can expect.

GIS Developers: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

A GIS developer uses geospatial principles and technology to design and maintain software, applications, databases, and tools. Sometimes called GIS application developers or GIS programmers, they often work on teams with GIS technicians, analysts, programmers, and a project manager. Depending on the project’s scope and their specific role, a GIS developer may potentially handle the programming aspects of a project or program.

Key responsibilities

• meet with clients or team members to understand their GIS needs
• develop mobile and web-based mapping applications, software, or other tools
• maintain GIS applications, software, and/or databases
• analyze issues with GIS tools as they arise and offer solutions
• create user manuals and provide training to users

GIS developers are hired by many companies, ranging from large corporations like Amazon, Apple, and Walmart to government agencies, hospitals, and nonprofits. The exact job responsibilities of a GIS developer will vary by industry. Below are examples of GIS developer projects in sectors that commonly employ GIS professionals:

• Agriculture. Create an interactive map showing ideal farming locations based on soil quality, access to fresh water sources, zoning regulations, and road networks.
• Healthcare. Develop and maintain a database of disease patterns to help GIS analysts, healthcare professionals, and public health officials identify risk factors.
• Utilities. Design an application that allows utility workers to capture and validate real-time data in the field.
• Insurance. Build software that generates instant quotes to insurance agents based on customer data, including demographics and location.
• Transportation. Develop and maintain software for e-commerce businesses to track and optimize delivery routes.
• Retail. Create an interactive map for marketing teams to target customer profiles based on location and other demographics.

GIS Developer Skills and Experience

A review of current job postings on LinkedIn indicates that GIS developer positions require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in either GIS, computer science, or a related field. Regardless of the degree they choose, aspiring GIS developers should take courses that will help them build the following skills:

• Programming languages. Learn to code using Python, JavaScript, and/or C#.
• GIS platforms. Build maps with ArcGIS, QGIS, or OpenLayers.
• Databases. Use database management systems (DBMS) like SQL or Oracle.
• Web development. Gain front-end development knowledge using tools such as HTML, CSS, and ASP.NET.
• Metadata creation. Collect, label, and properly store metadata in databases.

You can also build these skills through self-directed learning. Open-source software like ArcGIS and QGIS are free for anyone to download and use. For those seeking more structured guidance, online platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses in GIS, computer programming, and software development skills.

In addition, the majority of LinkedIn job postings reviewed typically require three to five years of software development and/or GIS experience. After completing a college degree, there are two common pathways to gaining the necessary experience:

1. work as an entry-level programmer
2. begin as a GIS technician

If you’re more interested in becoming fluent in multiple programming languages, then the programmer route might be better. Conversely, if you want to lay a strong foundation in GIS data collection, analysis, and visualization, consider starting your career as a GIS technician.

The Process of Becoming a GIS Developer

While each aspiring GIS developer travels a unique career path, you can use the steps below as a guide to either begin your journey or assess your current progress:

1. Get an education. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. GIS and geography degrees are particularly advantageous as they provide comprehensive education in GIS software, processes, and the overall GIS industry. Alternatively, you could earn a computer science or software development degree and focus on the programming side of GIS development. Whichever path you choose, you’ll need to become skilled in either GIS software or programming languages like Python.
2. Add skills to your resume. GIS developers often require a unique blend of skills, as they need to be part GIS professional and part programmer. Graduates with a GIS or geography background, for example, might need to enhance their programming skills, while computer science graduates may need to deepen their understanding of GIS software and industry practices. To address these potential skill gaps, work on building a robust portfolio. This can involve backfilling any necessary skills, such as spatial analysis, database management, and data visualization. Creating a GitHub account and demonstrating proficiency in languages like Python, HTML, and CSS can also be highly valuable.
3. Land your first GIS job. Many companies require prior experience in GIS-related roles before hiring for a GIS developer position. Consider pursuing an entry-level GIS job that allows you to utilize and expand your programming skills, or apply for a software developer position that incorporates location-based elements. Either of these options will provide valuable professional experience, laying a solid foundation for your future career as a GIS developer.
4. Gain professional experience. Dedicate three to five years gaining experience in GIS and software development. While working, supplement your skills through freelance projects or additional coursework as needed, focusing on areas not fully covered by your job. During this time, seek roles that combine GIS and development responsibilities. If possible, request opportunities to collaborate with GIS developers within your organization, and network with local GIS developers to gain valuable insights into the career path and industry trends.
5. Transition to GIS development. Once you’ve earned your degree, developed your skills, and gained professional experience, you’re ready to transition into a GIS developer role. This may involve pursuing an advanced developer position within your current organization or seeking opportunities elsewhere. Since many GIS developers can work remotely, be sure to explore remote positions that match your interests.

Job Outlook for GIS Developers

According to the market research company Mordor Intelligence, the GIS industry is predicted to have a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.38% over the next five years. The market size is expected to increase from $88.92 billion to $121.14 billion. This substantial growth indicates a promising future for aspiring GIS developers, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field.

According to Zippia, the number of GIS developer jobs has risen every year since 2012, with the exception of 2021. There were 82,279 GIS developer jobs in the US in 2018. Looking ahead, Zippia predicts a 21% increase in GIS developer positions between 2018 and 2028, equating to approximately 1,727 new job openings each year.

GIS Developer Salary: How Much Do They Make?

According to Indeed, the annual salary for GIS developers ranges from $70,034 to $139,020, with $98,712 as the average. Glassdoor bumps up that figure further, estimating an additional $32,792 per year in commission, profit sharing, or other forms of monetary compensation.

Keep in mind that these websites use reported salaries and a compilation of data from job postings to calculate these averages and ranges. The actual salary of a GIS developer will vary by location, industry, and experience. For example, a GIS developer with only 1–3 years of experience averages $78,825, while someone with 10–14 years of experience can expect $101,460 as an average. Generally speaking, the more experience, the higher the pay.

The table below displays the average salaries for the primary industries employing GIS developers, according to Glassdoor.

Industry	Average Annual Salary
Finance & Banking	$109,094
Insurance	$104,957
Agriculture	$100,414
Retail	$100,198
Healthcare	$99,315
Energy & Utilities	$96,013
Transportation & Logistics	$94,758
Real Estate	$88,645
Construction & Maintenance	$84,437

Zippia breaks down GIS salaries by location as well. You will likely find the highest-paying GIS developer jobs on the East and West coasts. On average, the top states for GIS developer salaries are Vermont, District of Columbia, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Pay can also vary by region and city. The following cities have an average GIS developer salary of over $100,000:

• Washington, DC
• Petaluma, CA
• Albany, NY
• Charleston, SC
• Arlington, VA