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What is a gis developer and how to become one
Geographic Information System is used for designing, programming, and developing GIS software. A GIS developer is a software developer that helps in the designing, programming, and maintenance of GIS software. This is done based on what the organization or the clients asked for. As a GIS developer, you'll make use of 3D and maps to organize your data using spatial analysis. The mapping offers deep insight into the data sets that might not be perceived otherwise. The maps you generate are then used to communicate, give information, analyze and solve problems in the world.
As a GIS developer, you need technical skills. These technical skills involve knowledge of Algorithms, including spatial data. You must also have programming skills, metadata creation skills, model building skills, knowledge of tools like ASP.NET, Oracle database, etc. You must be a team player, have good communication skills, and be a good project manager. A bachelor's degree in Engineering is required for this field. A master's degree also increases the chance for employment. Payments range from $78,000 - $127,000 yearly.
What general advice would you give to a GIS Developer?
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Avg. Salary $100,464
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 21%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%
Asian 29.74%
Black or African American 4.67%
Hispanic or Latino 8.44%
Unknown 4.87%
White 52.12%
Genderfemale 15.71%
male 84.29%
Age - 38American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 38Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
GIS Developer career paths
Key steps to become a gis developer
Explore gis developer education requirements
Start to develop specific gis developer skills
Skills Percentages Esri 6.81% C++ 6.57% Arcgis Server 4.81% CSS 4.52% Javascript API 4.52% Complete relevant gis developer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New gis developers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a gis developer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real gis developer resumes.Research gis developer duties and responsibilities
- Deploy and manage ArcSDE database and ArcIMS website serving over 300 data layers for use by internal project managers.
- Utilize ESRI's ArcGIS v.10.2.1 with Schneider's ArcFM to manage, maintain, and manipulate an energy distribution database.
- Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
- Solo developer for web mapping applications base on ESRI's FlexBuilder, ESRI JavaScript API.
Prepare your gis developer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your gis developer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a gis developer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable gis developer resume templates
Build a professional gis developer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your gis developer resume.
Apply for gis developer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a gis developer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first gis developer job
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Average gis developer salary
The average gis developer salary in the United States is $100,464 per year or $48 per hour. Gis developer salaries range between $71,000 and $140,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do gis developers rate their job?
GIS Developer reviews
Creativity becomes more reachable, work becomes more appreciated. Both a pro and con: A wide variety of topics are covered under GIS Developer, and so knowledge of several tools, and many years experience is needed to be successful in this role.
A wide variety of topics are covered under GIS Developer, and so knowledge of several tools, and many years experience is needed to be successful in this role.
Creating maps, data sorting, spatial analysis, training, geo referencing, digitizing, creating shapefiles, map clipping/dissolving, map styling/decorating
programming
Stressing and you have to keep always updated
Improve every day, a good salary, a lot of job opportunities
Updated January 8, 2025
