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Salary

How much does a GIS Specialist make?

The average salary for a GIS Specialist is $74,328 per year in the US.

GIS Specialists play a critical role in managing geographic data and systems. They help businesses, governments, and organizations make better decisions. On average, GIS Specialists earn around $74,328 per year. This number can change based on experience, education, and location.

Here are some details about GIS Specialist salaries:

  • Half earn between $51,468 and $93,341 per year.
  • The top 10% earn over $135,214 annually.
  • The bottom 10% earn less than $41,000 a year.

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What are the highest paying cities for a GIS Specialist?

GIS Specialists find some of the best opportunities in major cities across the country. Los Angeles, California, offers the highest average salary at over $108,000. Following closely, Austin, Texas, provides a competitive salary of around $93,000. These cities attract many GIS professionals due to the high demand for spatial analysis and mapping services.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for GIS Specialist jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $108,553 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $66,740.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $108,553
    In Los Angeles, a GIS Specialist can work with tech companies and government agencies. Companies like Boeing and the City of Los Angeles provide opportunities to use spatial analysis and mapping technologies. The diverse industries in LA offer a variety of projects and career growth.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $93,426
    Austin is home to many tech companies and startups. As a GIS Specialist, you will find work in firms like Apple and Amazon. The city's vibrant tech scene offers many chances to work on innovative projects and collaborate with talented professionals.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Austin, TX


  3. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $80,830
    Houston offers a dynamic job market for GIS Specialists, especially in the energy sector. Companies like ExxonMobil and Shell need experts to manage their spatial data. The city’s focus on infrastructure development provides ample opportunities for career advancement.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Houston, TX


  4. Raleigh, NC
    Average Salary: $75,575
    Raleigh is known for its thriving tech and research sectors. As a GIS Specialist, you can work with companies like IBM and RTI International. The city's commitment to innovation makes it an exciting place to develop your skills and advance your career.
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  5. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $74,068
    Atlanta is a hub for logistics and transportation, making it a great place for GIS Specialists. Companies like UPS and Delta Air Lines rely on spatial analysis for their operations. The city's growing tech industry offers many opportunities for professionals in this field.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  6. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $72,177
    Chicago offers a range of opportunities for GIS Specialists in finance, manufacturing, and government. Companies like JPMorgan Chase and the City of Chicago need experts to manage their geographic information systems. The city’s diverse job market provides many paths for career growth.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $68,050
    Denver is known for its outdoor lifestyle and growing tech scene. As a GIS Specialist, you can work with companies like Lockheed Martin and the City of Denver. The city's focus on sustainability and urban planning offers many interesting projects.
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  8. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $66,740
    Phoenix offers a warm climate and a growing job market for GIS Specialists. Companies like Honeywell and the State of Arizona need experts for their spatial data needs. The city’s focus on development provides many opportunities for career advancement.
    Find GIS Specialist jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What are the best companies a GIS Specialist can work for?

GIS Specialists can expect high salaries when working for companies like Amazon.com. The average salary at Amazon.com reaches about $156,372 per year. Other top-paying companies include McMillen, Inc., with an average salary of $123,000 annually. AECOM and the State of Missouri also offer competitive salaries, although they tend to be lower than the previous two companies.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for GIS Specialist jobs, highlighting Amazon.com with the highest at $156,372 and State of Missouri with the lowest at $55,413.
  1. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $156,372
    At Amazon.com, GIS Specialists use their skills to enhance supply chain management. The company operates across multiple states in the US, including Washington, California, and New York. They focus on logistics, transportation, and environmental projects.


  2. McMillen, Inc.
    Average Salary: $123,000
    McMillen, Inc. employs GIS Specialists to work on infrastructure projects. The company operates in states like California, Texas, and Illinois. They focus on urban planning and civil engineering, using GIS to analyze land use and design.


  3. AECOM
    Average Salary: $71,488
    AECOM offers GIS Specialist roles focused on environmental consulting. They work in various states, including California, New York, and Texas. Employees use GIS to assess environmental impact and support sustainable development.


  4. State of Missouri
    Average Salary: $55,413
    The State of Missouri hires GIS Specialists for various projects. The company operates across the state of Missouri. They focus on natural resource management, public safety, and infrastructure planning. Employees play a key role in mapping and data analysis.

How to earn more as a GIS Specialist?

If you want to increase your earnings as a GIS Specialist, there are several steps you can take. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, and specialists use software to map and analyze data. Understanding the right factors can help you advance your career and boost your income. Start with gaining more skills and experience, which often lead to higher pay.

Investing in additional education can open new doors. Many employers value certifications and advanced degrees. Popular certifications include those from the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). These credentials can demonstrate your commitment to the field. They can also make you more competitive in the job market. Networking with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending conferences and joining GIS groups can help you meet people in the industry. Collaborating with others can lead to higher-paying projects.

Experience matters a lot. Working on complex projects can increase your value. Leading a team or taking on a management role can also lead to higher pay. Seeking roles in high-demand areas like urban planning or environmental science can be beneficial. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Gain more skills: Learn new software and techniques.
  • Get certified: Get credentials from recognized organizations.
  • Network: Connect with other GIS professionals.
  • Gain experience: Work on challenging projects to build your portfolio.
  • Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas to increase your value.

Currently 51 GIS Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a GIS Specialist in the US?

Learn what a GIS Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a GIS Specialist today.
Position
Overview
GIS Specialist
51 Job Openings