Whether you’re already in the workplace or a student considering a career path, GIS has the potential to be highly rewarding.
The Geographic Information System (GIS) niche has a high potential for growth. The rapidly expanding use of various innovative geospatial technologies provides multiple opportunities for individuals with different educational backgrounds and work experiences. Here are four reasons why you should consider a career in GIS:
The Salaries Are Competitive
Given the demand for GIS experts and the multiple uses for GIS technologies, it’s no surprise that salaries for this job type are highly competitive. There’s a high demand for professionals who can combine critical and analytical thinking with the ability to source accurate data. As such, research site Zippia projects the demand for GIS experts to increase by 9% through 2028.
Here are some statistics that further show the demand for GIS analysts and professionals and the competitiveness of tha eir salaries.
GlassDoor puts the average salary for GIS analysts at $74,902, with the estimated additional pay being almost $9,000 annually.
For experts in geospatial information technology, the median salary is $92,700
ZipRecruiter puts the average salary for geospatial intelligence professionals at an impressive $99,111
The good thing about GIS is that there are multiple specializations. Some of these include the following:
GIS Technician – $46,904
CAD Drafter – $60,341
GIS Supervisor – $95,264
CAD Engineer – $95,306
LiDAR Analyst – $99,278
Cartographer – $68,890
Hydrologist – $84,032
GIS Specialist – $95,264
GIS Software Engineer – $120,744
GIS Program Manager – $159,016
It's a Fast-Growing Industry
The global GIS market was valued at around $9 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $21 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of $12.2 between 2021 and 2030.
This trend is expected to be propelled by the population growth rate and urbanization in this period, with the need for advanced telecoms and accelerated adoption of machine learning and AI driving growth.
As human populations grow, so will the demand for GIS and the experts who will digitally visualize the various economic ramifications of the demographics to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban populations.
Telecommunications is Optimizing GIS Capabilities and Vice Versa
Many experts have observed that technological advances, particularly in the field of telecommunications, will revolutionize how data is used.
Today, many telecom companies employ GIS experts to maintain and plan their digital communications infrastructure. Per reports from Lightcast, almost 25% of new telecommunications job role requirements in January 2023 required GIS skills. If you're considering a career switch with a strong emphasis on technology, GIS is a great choice.
There Are Various Opportunities That Match Your Career Goals
If you have specific career goals and ideas about how to bring about change and innovation in your niche, there are multiple GIS applications to help you bring it to life.
Whether you like a regimented office work structure, remote working, or the adventure of fieldwork, GIS offers you flexibility. Even more, both the private and public sectors demand GIS experts, including industries like real estate, finance, health care, agriculture, and telecommunications.
Begin Your Journey at ElementX
At ElementX, our target is to support the intelligence community. We're looking for emerging experts who are talented and motivated to be part of something great from the beginning. Reach out to us today.