Careers in Geographic Information Science and Technology: Where the Map Leads

Every time you check your GPS, follow wildfire patterns around the world, or evaluate the best site for a new business, you’re engaging with geographic information science and technology (GIST).

Geospatial data doesn’t just show where things are; it also explains why they matter.

Space and data are inseparable. An estimated 60–80% of all data held by government organizations includes a spatial component. ¹ From emergency responders mapping wildfires to urban planners zoning for sustainable growth, GIST professionals are central to transforming complex datasets into actionable insight.

Geospatial intelligence plays a vital role across many industries. Some of the most common applications can be found in:

• Agribusiness
• Defense
• Environmental science
• Logistics
• Public health
• Urban planning

Each of these sectors depends on location-based data to make informed decisions. Whether that’s routing ambulances through traffic spikes or modeling flood zones, GIST provides the insight that drives real-world impact.

For students pursuing a GIST degree, the opportunities are expansive. You’ll gain technical fluency in spatial analysis, data visualization, and modeling. These are not just tools to learn but skills you will apply to solve pressing challenges in society. This article explores the career paths, skill sets, salary potential, and growing demand that make GIST an exciting and future-ready field.

Why GIST Skills Are In-Demand

The global geospatial analytics market is experiencing rapid growth. Valued at $33 billion in 2024, it is projected to exceed $55 billion by 2029 with a compound annual growth rate of 11%. ² This surge reflects the growing reliance on spatial data for decision-making across industries, from tracking natural disasters to monitoring global supply chains.

This growth is fueled by a range of factors shaping how governments, businesses, and communities operate. Key drivers of rising demand include:

• Climate and environmental challenges: Governments and NGOs use GIST to model flood zones, track deforestation, and plan climate resilience strategies.
• Urbanization and infrastructure: Cities use geographic information systems (GIS) in transportation planning, zoning, and the development of smart city systems that integrate real-time data.
• Global supply chains: Companies rely on spatial data to optimize logistics, reduce costs, and manage disruptions in shipping or distribution.
• Public health and safety: From monitoring disease outbreaks to coordinating emergency response, geospatial tools turn data into actionable insight that can save lives.
• Defense and national security: Military and defense agencies depend on accurate spatial intelligence for planning and operations.

Employers are looking for graduates who can interpret, analyze, and communicate geospatial data to address real-world challenges. With skills in data visualization, programming, and spatial analysis, GIST professionals are not only in demand but also central to the decisions that shape how communities, industries, and governments respond to today’s most pressing issues.

Exploring Career Pathways in GIST

When people think about their future careers, they often ask familiar questions: Will my work matter? Will it be secure? Will it give me room to grow? Careers in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) can answer “yes” to all three.

This field is not limited to a single industry or role. Opportunities exist in:

• Government
• Nonprofits
• Private companies
• Research

Across these settings, what connects GIST careers is their impact. Professionals use spatial data to solve problems that affect people’s lives every day. From designing safer cities and protecting natural resources to improving healthcare access and responding to natural disasters, GIST sits at the intersection of technology and human need.

The career paths below highlight some of the most promising opportunities for graduates. Each shows how technical skills can translate into meaningful work, steady demand, and a future shaped by data-driven decision-making.

GIS Analyst

What they do: Geographic information systems (GIS) analysts gather, interpret, and visualize spatial data to support decision-making in areas such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and transportation. They create maps, build databases, and provide insights that guide policy and business strategies.

Degree required: A bachelor’s or a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T) or a related field such as geography or environmental science.

Skills required:

• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Data management and visualization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication to present findings to non-technical audiences

Job growth: Employment for GIS specialists, like cartographers, is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. ³ The field offers reliable opportunities for those with a strong passion for spatial analysis and data-driven problem-solving. For individuals who value meaningful, specialized work, GIS-based careers can be both rewarding and impactful.

Salary range: GIS analysts earn a median annual wage of about $73,500. Salaries increase with experience and specialized skill sets, reflecting the high value placed on spatial expertise in today’s workforce. ⁴

Remote Sensing Specialist

What they do: Remote sensing specialists use satellite imagery, aerial photography, and drone technology to monitor changes in land use, agriculture, natural resources, and climate. Their work is vital in fields such as defense, environmental science, and disaster management.

Degree required: A bachelor’s or master’s in GIS&T, geography, environmental science, or earth sciences with coursework in remote sensing.

Skills required:

• Remote sensing software (ERDAS Imagine, ENVI)
• Image analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge of photogrammetry and LiDAR
• Ability to integrate remote sensing data with GIS systems

Job growth: Demand is strong in environmental monitoring and defense. Employment for environmental scientists, a closely related field, is projected to grow 4% by 2034. ⁵

Salary range: Remote sensing specialists typically earn $100,593, depending on industry and experience. ⁶

Urban and Regional Planner

What they do: Urban planners use GIST to guide land use, transportation, and community development. They evaluate zoning laws, forecast population growth, and recommend policies that ensure sustainable and efficient urban growth.

Degree required: A master’s in urban planning, civil engineering, or GIS&T. Many programs encourage GIS coursework as a core requirement.

Skills required:

• GIS and spatial modeling
• Knowledge of zoning and land-use law
• Community engagement and communication
• Policy analysis and forecasting

Job growth: Employment of urban and regional planners is expected to grow by about 3% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting steady demand for professionals who can guide sustainable city and community development. ⁷

Salary range: Urban and regional planners earn a median annual wage of $83,720. 

Environmental Scientist / Conservationist

What they do: Environmental scientists rely on GIST to assess ecological health, monitor pollution, and guide conservation efforts. From tracking wildlife migration to modeling the impacts of climate change, GIS tools are central to their work.

Degree required: A bachelor’s or master’s in environmental science, ecology, or GIS&T.

Skills required:

• GIS and remote sensing applications
• Data collection and analysis
• Strong understanding of ecology and environmental policy
• Communication for stakeholder engagement

Job growth: Employment of environmental scientists is projected to grow by 4% by 2034, driven by public interest in sustainability and environmental protection. ⁸

Salary range: Environmental scientists earn a median annual wage of $80,060, according to the BLS.

Geospatial Software Developer

What they do: These professionals design and build software applications that allow users to analyze and visualize spatial data. They may create custom GIS tools, develop mobile mapping apps, or enhance geospatial platforms for industries like logistics and energy.

Degree required: A bachelor’s or master’s in computer science, GIS&T, or software engineering with strong GIS coursework.

Skills required:

• Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, SQL, C++)
• GIS software development (Esri SDKs, OpenLayers, Leaflet)
• Database management
• UI/UX design principles for geospatial tools

Job market: Demand for geospatial developers is on the rise as industries from urban planning and environmental management to tech increasingly rely on spatial data. Employers look for professionals skilled in GIS software, programming, and data visualization.

Those who stay ahead with emerging tools like remote sensing and AI integration have a distinct advantage. Continuous learning, certifications, and professional networking can further expand opportunities, opening doors to roles in project management or highly specialized technical positions. This makes geospatial development a dynamic career path with strong growth and advancement potential.

Salary range: Geospatial software developers earn an average annual salary of $100,464, and demand for their skills continues to climb, with compensation rising alongside industry growth. ⁹

Public Health Analyst

What they do: Public health analysts use GIS to track disease outbreaks, analyze healthcare access, and identify patterns in population health. Their work has become increasingly visible during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where geospatial mapping informed public response.

Degree required: A Bachelor’s of Public Health (BPH) or Master of Public Health (MPH), epidemiology, or GIS&T.

Skills required:

• GIS and data visualization
• Statistical analysis and epidemiological modeling
• Communication with health agencies and the public
• Policy evaluation

Job growth: Employment of health data analysts is expected to grow quickly as healthcare systems integrate more data-driven decision-making. Employment of health information specialists is expected to grow by about 15% by 2034, driven by the increasing need to manage and protect digital health data. ¹⁰

Salary range: Public health analysts earn between $46,000 and $102,00, depending on role and location. ¹¹

Emergency Management Specialist

What they do: Emergency management specialists apply geospatial data to prepare for and respond to disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires. They model evacuation routes, map hazard zones, and coordinate response efforts with first responders.

Degree required: A bachelor’s or master’s in emergency management, GIS&T, or public administration with GIS emphasis.

Skills required:

• Hazard mapping and spatial risk analysis
• Crisis communication and planning
• GIS and data integration with emergency systems
• Collaboration with government agencies and NGOs

Job growth and Salary Range: Demand for emergency management directors is projected to grow by 3% by 2034. Emergency management specialists typically earn $86,130 median annual wage. ¹²

Salary and Career Outlook for GIST Careers

For professionals weighing the value of investing in a Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T) degree, the big question is: Will this translate into meaningful, salary-worthy roles that are growing? The answer is a resounding yes. Here is the latest, most compelling evidence:

Industry Expansion

• According to Global Market Insights, the geospatial analytics market is set to grow from $38.3 billion in 2024 to an impressive $118.1 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust 13.6% CAGR. ¹³
• Another projection pegs the geospatial analytics market at $95.8 billion in 2025, climbing to $174.4 billion by 2030. ¹⁴
• This explosive growth is fuelled by smart city initiatives, real-time logistics tracking, AI-powered mapping, and widespread adoption across sectors like agriculture, utilities, and transportation.

Career Demand and Opportunity

• A recent survey from the Geospatial Professional Network (URISA) reports the average annual salary for geospatial professionals is $91,774, with a median of $87,000, a clear indicator of strong compensation across experience levels. ¹⁵
• According to Salary.com, for specialized roles like GIS Analyst III, average annual salaries hover around $90,700, with top-tier urban markets like San Francisco and San Jose yielding $110,000+. ¹⁶

Why This Matters for You

• Diverse and resilient demand: With growth in both public and private sectors, especially tech, urban development, and environmental management, GIST careers are both secure and strategic.
• High earning potential: Salaries range from $60K to over $110K, depending on specialization and location. Even entry roles offer competitive income.
• Future-ready roles: The integration of AI, IoT, and smart infrastructure only fuels demand for GIST talent, positioning graduates at the vanguard of technological change.

This career outlook significantly elevates the value proposition of a GIST degree. It’s not just about maps; it’s a gateway to meaningful, future-focused, and well-remunerated careers.

Mapping Your Future with NMSU Global Campus

The demand for geospatial expertise is only growing, and with it, the opportunities for professionals who can connect data with real-world solutions. Whether your passion lies in designing smarter cities, advancing environmental protection, developing next-generation software, or improving public health systems, a career in geographic information science and technology gives you the chance to shape how the world moves forward.

At New Mexico State University, engineering and science have been at the core of our mission for more than a century. Through NMSU Global Campus, you can access that legacy of excellence in a flexible, fully online GIST program designed for working professionals. You’ll gain not only the technical skills employers demand, but also the ability to apply them in meaningful, impactful ways across industries.

Your future in GIST isn’t just about reading maps. It’s about leading change, influencing decisions, and building solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Start your journey with a Master of Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T) at NMSU Global Campus.

References

1.  Primeau, M. “The Value of Geospatial Data for Government.” esri Canada, 3 May 2023.

2.  “Geospatial Analytics Market.” MarketsandMarkets, January 2025.

3.  “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

4.  “How Much Do GIS Analysts Make?” GISTalents, last accessed October 2025.

5. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

6. “Remote Sensing Salary.” ZipRecruiter, 1 September 2025.

7.  “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Urban and Regional Planners.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

8. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

9. “Job outlook for GIS developers in the United States.” Zippia, 23 July 2024.

10. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

11. “What Is the Average Health Information Specialist Salary by State.” ZipRecruiter, 2025.

12. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Emergency Management Directors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 28 August 2025.

13. “Geospatial Analytics Market Size.” Global Market Insights (GMI), May 2025.

14. “Geospatial Analytics Market Size, Companies, Growth & Industry Analysis (2025-2030).” MordorIntelligence, last updated 18 June 2025.

15. Nelson W. “GIS Salary Survey Report.” Geospatial Professional Network, 5 June 2025.

16. “GIS Analyst III Salary in the United States.” Salary.com, last updated 1 September 2025.