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Job outlook for gis developers in the United States
Are gis developer jobs in demand?
GIS Developer job and salary trends over time
GIS Developer jobs over time
GIS Developer job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,327 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,397 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,420 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 779 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 699 | 0.00% |
Average gis developer salary over time
GIS Developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,464 | $48.30 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $97,154 | $46.71 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $94,955 | $45.65 | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $93,278 | $44.84 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $91,711 | $44.09 | +1.9% |
GIS Developer jobs by state
Most common states for gis developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 456 | 66% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 279 | 26% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,061 | 24% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 146 | 23% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,110 | 18% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 560 | 18% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,183 | 17% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 325 | 17% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 222 | 17% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 177 | 17% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 125 | 17% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 903 | 16% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 655 | 16% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,356 | 15% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 823 | 15% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 304 | 15% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 147 | 15% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 417 | 14% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 125 | 14% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 987 | 13% |
Most common cities for gis developers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kennesaw | 1 | 3% | $94,319 |
| 2 | Charlottesville | 1 | 2% | $101,055 |
| 3 | Littleton | 1 | 2% | $87,138 |
| 4 | Scottsdale | 2 | 1% | $94,449 |
| 5 | Centennial | 1 | 1% | $87,132 |
| 6 | Highlands Ranch | 1 | 1% | $87,171 |
| 7 | Lakewood | 1 | 1% | $87,089 |
| 8 | Melbourne | 1 | 1% | $89,595 |
| 9 | Redlands | 1 | 1% | $103,998 |
| 10 | New York | 1 | 0% | $106,488 |
| 11 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $119,673 |
GIS Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of gis developer experts
University of North Alabama
Coastal Carolina University
Valparaiso University
University of North Alabama
Mount St. Joseph University
New Mexico State University
Austin Community College District
Murray State University
New Mexico State University
DePaul University
Montclair State University
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Professor Noel Healy: Geospatial technologies, like GIS, are rapidly evolving and are highly sought-after skillsets. Also, skills in data analysis, environmental modeling, programming skills in R are already increasingly important as industries and governments prioritize sustainability and data-driven decisions.
What will help GIS Developers increase their earning potential?
Professor Noel Healy: Focus on developing niche skills that are in high demand, such as GIS expertise, Coding in R, or environmental consulting. Additionally, consider roles in high-paying sectors like technology or government, which often value the diverse skill set that geographers bring.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Dr. Jian Chen: Be open-minded when you start to search for your first job. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of Geography, a degree in Geography prepares students for many different career paths...
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jian Chen: GIS skills, especially web GIS skills will become more important in the next 3-5 years...
What will help GIS Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jian Chen: A data scientist is still one of the “sexy” jobs in the market. If you have a Geography degree, you can look for any data scientist position which has a geospatial component...
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Kathy Kozenski: At this time, thinking spatially is vital to solving problems; an employer is looking for someone who can aggregate disparate pieces of data and information in order to develop creative and unique solutions.
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kathy Kozenski: In order to maximize salary potential within the GIS/Geospatial Technologies field(s), an employee (future employee) needs to ensure adequate education and experiences.
What will help GIS Developers increase their earning potential?
Kathy Kozenski: Students who are Geographically Literate and capable of utilizing GIS (geographic information sciences/systems) and Geospatial Technologies enhance their opportunities for employment, across all disciplines and employment fields.
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA
Professor of AnthropologyCoastal Carolina University
Geological And Earth Sciences/Geosciences
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Two things come to mind: first, try to develop at least a passing competency in multiple skills, including at least some digital proficiencies like 3D modeling or GIS. And second, don’t neglect the soft skills like good research, communication, and writing. These skills will be important in every aspect of your career no matter what your focus may be.
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Be flexible and willing to learn. Your college training will be a great background for the field, but you’ll develop and refine your skills through hands-on experience, so be sure to ask questions, seek advice, and find a mentor to help you get started in the field.
What will help GIS Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Carolyn Dillian Ph.D., RPA: Digital skills are increasingly important in the field, including 3D scanning and modeling, GIS, and the use of drones for recording and assessing structures, among other things. Students and early career professionals should try to take courses that provide an introduction to these technologies, as they are increasingly becoming requirements for employment.
Jon-Paul McCool
Associate Professor of Geography; Environmental Science Program CoordinatorValparaiso University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Jon-Paul McCool: In terms of technical skills, the ability to utilize GIS for more than basic mapping. The ability to do more in depth analytical processes and to utilize the mobile components to the software. However, employers are stressing the need for new employees to have drive and individual initiative. Soft skills associated with independence, and the ability to learn on your own are going to be essential.
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jon-Paul McCool: Utilize your time as an undergraduate student to set yourself apart. Do some kind of research project that can show your ability to do more than only the assigned work in classes. Utilize your summers to gain additional experience by working relevant jobs and internships. To all extents possible, do not limit yourself spatially. Be willing to travel to far flung locations, at least for a few years, to gain relevant experience after graduating rather than being tied to one specific location or region. You are far more employable with a couple years experience rather than straight out of school.
What will help GIS Developers increase their earning potential?
Jon-Paul McCool: It is important to remember that the only person who can push your career forward is you. You have to go to places and events to get exposure to opportunities and you have to be willing to potentially move and learn new things. You really have to want to move forward with your career and you have to take a vested interest in it by pursuing additional learning opportunities such as workshops, joining professional organizations and attending meetings, volunteering, etc. A degree alone only distinguishes you from those who didn’t graduate. How are you going to stand out compared to the thousands of others graduating across the country with the same major?
Michael Pretes
Professor and Chair of Geoscience, University of North AlabamaUniversity of North Alabama
Geography And Cartography
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Michael Pretes: A good knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is essential for many Geography jobs. Also gaining in importance are skills in Remote Sensing, LiDAR, Web GIS, database management, and Python programming. But perhaps most important of all is good communication skills—oral, written, and visual.
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Pretes: Do your homework before applying and interviewing for jobs, so that you are familiar with industry salary ranges and expectations. Then negotiate before accepting a position. If you are just starting out and are nervous about salary negotiations, consult your university's career center for advice and practice interviewing and negotiating scenarios. You should also consider your work-life balance and whether salary or work scheduling and conditions are more important.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Department of Geography
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: 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.
What GIS Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Brown Ph.D.: In the geography and environmental studies field, solid GIS&T skills give you a big advantage in the game. Programming and DB skills take things to a new level. You also need solid soft skills, and solid references that can speak to your wortk ethis are a must.
Sydney Pruitt
Department ChairAustin Community College District
GIS & GE Departments
What hard/technical skills are most important for GIS Developers?
Sydney Pruitt: Field Engineers help develop conceptual, logical, and physical geospatial data models. It is crucial to develop skills to collect and assimilate data sources, from authoritative data sources such as clearinghouses; from data collection in the field using surveying equipment, mobile devices, GPS units, or drones; from data creation through heads-up digitizing, geocoding, or COGO. Professionals will also perform attribute and spatial queries, often using query languages such as SQL, Python, and Arcade. Knowledge in a project management framework that includes documenting the project goal, scope, work breakdown structure, statement of work, defined deliverables, project summary, and project archive is important.
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer ScienceMurray State University
Computer Science and Information Systems
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for GIS Developers?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: A bachelor's degree in computer science is extremely valuable. It has been and continues to be one of the most valuable college degrees a student can pursue. I really think all areas of computing are in demand, but web and mobile computing might be one of the strongest. Some employers do like to see extra certifications in addition to the bachelor's degree. There are literally hundreds of certifications available in the computing industry. They all vary in the required amount of time, effort, and money. I think anything that can set a candidate apart from other candidates is valuable, and that includes any certification. I would not recommend investing thousands of dollars into additional certifications after completing a bachelor's degree, but I don't think it's a bad idea for students to pursue one of the free or lower-cost certifications that are available - especially those students who might not have strong internship experience, extracurricular activities, projects, etc. to put on their resumes. I think anything DevOps related or cloud-based like Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Azure are especially valuable right now.
What type of skills will young GIS Developers need?
Dr. Shaun Cooper Ph.D.: Most young graduates want to be game developers. Frankly, there are too few jobs in game development for students to find a reasonable change. The skills employers want are in using SQL with relational databases, and they want the ability to work in a full stack development environment and the willingness to learn new platforms and programming environments. The employer has a huge investment in their development stack, and the new employee has to learn that stack. Also, they want employees with the ability to communicate with management and, most importantly, the ability to work with others. The graduate should be solid in basic data structures and how they are applied to solutions. Additionally dynamic HTML web services are welcome.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for GIS Developers in the next 3-5 years?
Winifred Curran Ph.D.: GIS is only becoming more important across a variety of sectors, corporate, governmental, and nonprofit, and understanding how to use the technology to solve real world problems, without replicating the injustices that have often come with technological developments in key.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the GIS Developer job market given the pandemic?
Amy Tuininga Ph.D.: Many positions are moving to remote work, resulting in reduced commuting, less dedicated office space per employee, slightly more flexible work schedules, more deliverable-based work, and broad cross-geographic teams working together from different home locations. We see other trends moving to more analytics and tech/electronic sector positions and fewer positions in the service and hospitality industries. This means that graduates may need to rethink their skill set and be ready to apply it to different sectors than they had initially anticipated. For Sustainability, this means more focus on data analysis and reporting in areas such as climate change, emissions, energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste, supply chain, and food security.