GIS Data Analyst Salary: Career Growth, Trends & Future Outlook Best in 2025

GIS Data Analyst Salary in 2025: Projections, trends and location benchmarks. Explore entry-level to senior pay (US, UK, Canada, Australia, India), industry and tool impacts, and tips to boost your GIS analyst salarybls.govziprecruiter.com.

The GIS data analyst salary in 2025 reflects a dynamic mix of experience, location, industry, and skill factors. Entry-level GIS data analysts in the US start around $58K–$84.5K per yearresearch.comziprecruiter.com, with top earners pushing beyond $100K depending on expertise. (Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter data suggest an average closer to $75K for new analystsziprecruiter.com.) Mid-career GIS analysts commonly earn in the $70K–$90K range, and senior GIS data analysts often command $90K–$120K+ annually, especially in high-cost regions. These figures vary widely by region – for example, California GIS analysts average about $92,889/yrindeed.com, while Texas averages around $63,966/yrindeed.com – reflecting cost-of-living and demand differences. Internationally, median salaries also vary: GIS analysts earn roughly £43,500/yr in the UKitjobswatch.co.uk, about C$61,231/yr in Canadapayscale.com, roughly AU$80,988/yr in Australiapayscale.com, and around ₹720,000/yr in Indiasimplilearn.com. These insights – compiled from BLS, Payscale, Glassdoor, and salary surveys – reveal how a GIS data analyst’s pay scales with skill level and geography, and they set the stage for understanding trends and growth opportunities in the field.

Best GIS Data Analyst Salary Insights in 2025

Experience Levels: GIS data analyst salaries rise significantly with experience. Entry-level analysts in the U.S. typically start around $58K–$84.5Kresearch.com. According to ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level GIS analyst earns about $75,010/yrziprecruiter.com. Mid-level analysts (3–5 years) can expect around $70K–$90K, while senior GIS data analysts or lead GIS analysts often reach $90K–$120K+. For example, Senior GIS Analysts in Washington, D.C. average about $109,127/yrindeed.com (25% above the U.S. senior average). Geographic spikes are seen in tech hubs – San Francisco GIS analysts report salaries well over $147Kindeed.com – whereas rural or lower-cost areas pay less.

• Entry-level GIS Data Analyst salary: Typically $58K–$84.5K (US), with entry-level positions in India starting around ₹425,000simplilearn.com.
• Mid-level GIS Data Analyst salary: Often in the mid-$60K to $90K range, depending on skills and location.
• Senior GIS Data Analyst salary: Often $90K to $120K+, with senior roles at federal or private agencies reaching well into six figures. Glassdoor and Indeed suggest senior analysts in government or consulting earn in the $100K+ rangeindeed.comindeed.com.

Location-based Trends: Geographic region is a major factor. In the U.S., California leads GIS pay: Indeed reports an average $92,889/yr for California GIS analystsindeed.com (32% above national average). Texas GIS analysts average only $63,966/yrindeed.com (9% below average), while Colorado sits in between (about $74,638/yr for GIS Analystsindeed.com). Washington, D.C. and neighboring Virginia have high public-sector pay; for instance, senior GIS roles average over $109Kindeed.com.

Internationally:

• United Kingdom: Median GIS Analyst salary ~£43,500/yr (mid-2025)itjobswatch.co.uk. Entry-level UK GIS roles often start in the low £20K–£30K range.
• Canada: Median ~C$61,231/yrpayscale.com (with 10th percentile ~C$47K, 90th ~C$84K). Entry-level Canadian GIS analysts (~1 year experience) earn ~C$53Kpayscale.com.
• Australia: Average GIS/Spatial Analyst ~AU$80,988/yrpayscale.com (median ~AU$81K). Mid-career Australian GIS professionals report $70K–$90K, and senior roles can exceed AU$100K.
• India: Average GIS analyst salary ~₹720,000/yrsimplilearn.com, with entry positions around ₹425Ksimplilearn.com and senior experts (10+ years) averaging ~₹1,520,000/yrsimplilearn.com.

These regional figures come from official data and salary surveys (BLS, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, etc.). For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a $97,200 median for geographers (a related field) in 2024bls.gov. Similarly, BLS lists a $78,380 median for cartographers/photogrammetristsbls.gov. Both roles overlap with GIS work, reinforcing that specialized GIS skills command salaries often in the $70K–$100K range.

Industry Variations: Pay also varies by sector. Government and defense GIS roles often pay more than entry-level commercial positions. For instance, geographers in the U.S. federal government have a median $107,580/yrbls.gov. Environmental, aerospace, and consulting firms (e.g. USDA, NASA, Deloitte) typically offer competitive salaries and benefits. Urban planning and utilities may pay moderately, while NGOs or small municipalities pay less. Survey data suggest:

• Government/Defense: Higher end of range; federal GIS analysts and geographers can see six-figure paybls.gov. Agencies like USGS or NASA often top $80K for experienced analysts.
• Consulting/Tech: GIS analysts at large tech or consulting firms earn strongly, often with bonuses. Example: Deloitte or Esri analysts report high salaries (Glassdoor range ~$65K–$90K for GIS Analysts at Esri).
• Environmental/Agriculture: Moderate to high depending on expertise; GIS in resource management tends to value advanced analysis skills.
• Urban Planning/Local Government: Lower pay; city or county GIS roles are typically in the mid-$50K to $70K range.
• Logistics/Transportation: Competitive pay due to demand for route-optimization GIS; possibly 10–15% above average.

Tools and Skills Impact: Mastery of key GIS tools and languages boosts salary. GIS analysts proficient in Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, PostGIS, and Google Earth Engine command higher pay. Skills in Python, R, SQL, and data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) are in demand and correlate with salary. Experience with 3D mapping, LiDAR processing (e.g. with AutoCAD Map 3D or FME), and remote sensing (Mapbox, satellite analytics) further raises a candidate’s market value. While detailed salary-by-tool stats are rare, industry consensus is that these technical capabilities can justify higher pay, especially if combined with domain knowledge (e.g. climate, infrastructure).

For context, salary surveys consistently show ranges reflecting these factors. Payscale’s latest data (2025) report a U.S. GIS Analyst average around $64,284/yr (varies by region and skills). ZIPRecruiter shows entry-level and remote GIS Analysts averaging $75,010/yrziprecruiter.comziprecruiter.com. These aligned figures underscore that a skilled GIS analyst in 2025 can expect mid-$70K as a baseline in the U.S., increasing substantially with experience, location in high-cost areas, or specialized expertise.

GIS Data Analyst Salary Pricing & Plans in 2025

GIS data analyst compensation often includes multiple components beyond base pay. Key elements of salary packages include:

• Base Salary: The fixed annual wage (e.g. $X per year). This is the headline number (e.g. “$80,000/yr”) that most surveys report. It varies by level and location as discussed above.
• Bonuses & Incentives: Many analysts earn project-based or performance bonuses. In private firms or consulting, annual bonuses or profit-sharing can add 5–15% to base pay. Some contracts pay per-project fees rather than salary. (Independent GIS consultants might charge hourly or per-project; for example, contract GIS work is often billed at $30–$100/hour depending on expertise.)
• Benefits: Non-salary perks significantly add value. U.S. employers often add ~30–40% of salary in benefits (health insurance, retirement, paid time off). According to BLS, in March 2025 wages averaged 61.6% of employer labor costs, with 38.4% for benefitsbls.gov. Thus, a $80K salary might come with another ~$30K in benefits value. Federal and large-company packages often include generous benefits and leave.
• Relocation & Signing Bonuses: In high-demand markets (coastal cities, government), employers may offer relocation stipends or signing bonuses (often $2–$10K) to attract GIS talent. Tech firms may also offer stock or equity incentives.
• Professional Development: Many employers sponsor continuing education. GIS certifications (e.g. Esri Technical Certification, GISP) or training courses may be covered by the company, effectively boosting value.
• Full-Time vs. Contract vs. Government:
  • Full-Time Private: Typically include all benefits and bonus eligibility. Full-time GIS analysts at companies or consultancies get the most complete packages.
  • Freelance/Contract: Contractors charge higher hourly rates (sometimes $40–$80/hr) but must self-fund benefits. They lack paid leave but can negotiate higher base fees. Contract GIS roles may include completion bonuses for projects.
  • Government: Federal and state GIS roles often use a pay grade (GS level) system. Salaries may start lower than big tech, but with strong pensions and benefits. For example, a GS-12 GIS Specialist might earn ~$80–$100K depending on step, plus excellent benefits. (USGS job listings confirm entry pay around $60K at GS-9, rising to $90K+ at GS-13.)

Salary Surveys & Data: PayScale, Glassdoor, and BLS data provide benchmarks. For instance, BLS occupational profiles (e.g. cartographer, geographer) give insight into median wages by industry. Salary surveys (Payscale, ZipRecruiter) sample actual offers to show ranges by experience. Government and professional associations sometimes publish wage reports, too. For example, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) notes federal pay scales and recent GIS hire salaries on USAJOBS.

Compensation Differences: Remember that advertised salaries often exclude benefits. A job listing for $80K/yr full-time might include ~20–40% additional in benefits. When comparing offers, factor in healthcare, retirement match, and bonuses. For contractors, compare take-home after insurance and self-employment taxes.

In summary, a GIS data analyst’s earnings package in 2025 is a blend of base pay plus these additional components. Whether a GIS analyst is full-time, remote contractor, or in government will affect the structure. Government jobs emphasize long-term security (retirement, healthcare), whereas private gigs lean on bonuses and flexible work arrangements. Industry surveys (BLS, Payscale) and tools (BLS’s OES tables, Glassdoor) are useful for benchmarking total compensation, not just salary.

GIS Data Analyst Salary Features & Capabilities

GIS data analysts command strong salaries because of their specialized skills and impact. Key features and capabilities that justify their pay include:

• Advanced Spatial Expertise: GIS analysts design and manage complex geospatial databases (GIS databases, spatial queries, PostGIS). They transform raw geographic data (satellite imagery, LiDAR, sensor data) into actionable maps and models. This requires knowledge of spatial analysis techniques and high-end tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine).
• Geospatial Mapping & Visualization: Proficiency in creating clear, insightful maps and visualizations (2D and 3D) is crucial. Analysts use tools like Tableau, Power BI, Python (Matplotlib, Folium), or R (ggplot2, leaflet) to present spatial trends. Effective data viz skills enable stakeholders to understand complex geographic data, which is highly valued.
• Domain-Specific Impact: GIS analysts work on real-world problems – urban planning, climate change, transportation networks, disaster response, agriculture optimization, defense mapping, etc. For example, mapping flood zones helps public safety; analyzing crop patterns boosts agricultural yield; optimizing transit routes improves urban mobility. Their work informs critical decisions, so organizations pay well for those insights.
• Data Integration & Predictive Analytics: Modern GIS roles blend statistics and machine learning with geodata. Analysts who can integrate GIS with Python/R or use AI-driven spatial models (e.g. predictive ecological modeling, smart city simulations) are in high demand. These capabilities (e.g. using geospatial data for predictive analytics) are especially lucrative.
• Software & Technical Skills: Expertise in GIS platforms (e.g. ESRI’s ArcGIS suite), spatial databases (PostGIS, Oracle Spatial), and related technologies (AutoCAD Map 3D, Mapbox GL, FME for data ETL) sets top analysts apart. Having certifications (Esri Technical Certification, GISP) signals proficiency and often correlates with higher pay.
• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: GIS analysts often bridge departments. They translate GIS results for business units (e.g. marketing, logistics) and collaborate with engineers and scientists. Strong communication and project management amplify their value. They also often lead GIS projects, adding management skills to their technical toolkit.

Each of these bullet points encapsulates a reason employers pay a premium for GIS analysts. In short, a GIS data analyst isn’t just a mapmaker – they are data scientists with a spatial focus. Their ability to turn diverse data into strategic insights across domains means organizations rely on them heavily, which is reflected in salary levels.

How to Increase Your GIS Data Analyst Salary (Step-by-Step Guide)

Advancing your GIS analyst salary involves strategic skill development, specialization, and negotiation. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap:

1. Choose High-Value Specializations: Focus on niche domains where GIS is critical. Examples include environmental GIS (climate modeling, conservation analytics), transportation GIS (route optimization, traffic simulations), health GIS (epidemiology mapping), or urban analytics (smart city planning). Specialists often command higher pay.
2. Gain Advanced Certifications: Obtain recognized GIS credentials. For instance, the Esri Technical Certification program validates mastery of ArcGIS tools. The GIS Professional (GISP) certification (certifying experience/education) is widely recognized. According to industry sources, earning GISP or ASPRS (remote sensing) certifications “often leads to higher salaries and better job prospects”research.com. These credentials make you stand out and can be leveraged in salary talks.
3. Master In-Demand Tools & Coding: Deepen your technical toolkit. Learn Python (especially libraries like arcpy, geopandas), R for spatial statistics, SQL for geodatabases, and advanced GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS). Also gain skills in data visualization (Tableau, Power BI) and handling big spatial data (Google Earth Engine for satellite analytics, drone image processing). High proficiency in these tools makes you more efficient and valuable.
4. Build Domain Expertise: Pair GIS skills with industry knowledge. For example, if you work in utilities, learn the specifics of power grid or water network data. In forestry, study forest inventory GIS. This domain expertise makes your analysis more relevant. An experienced GIS analyst who understands business context (forestry, defense, utilities) can negotiate a premium.
5. Create a Strong Portfolio: Document your work. Build a GIS portfolio of projects: interactive web maps, compelling analysis reports, code samples. Share (e.g. GitHub, personal site) to demonstrate your capabilities. Employers often pay more for analysts who can showcase real results.
6. Leverage Networking & Salary Transparency: Use platforms (LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Payscale) to research salaries for your role and location. Benchmark your current pay against reported ranges. When negotiating, cite these benchmarks. Join GIS professional groups (e.g. URISA, MAPPS) to learn inside info on salaries. If your employer lacks transparency, use sites like levels.fyi or GIS-specific forums to gather data.
7. Negotiate Strategically: When offered a position or review, negotiate. Emphasize your unique skills (specializations, certifications, project impacts). If switching jobs, aim for 10–20% more than current salary, reflecting your value. Remember to consider total compensation (bonuses, training budgets, flexible work options).
8. Continuous Learning: The GIS field evolves rapidly. Stay current on trends (AI geospatial tools, drone mapping, 3D GIS). Attend conferences (Esri UC, FOSS4G), take advanced courses, and earn refresher certificates. Ongoing learning signals to employers that you’ll keep their GIS capabilities cutting-edge, which can justify raises.

By following these steps – from choosing a lucrative specialization to showcasing your skills and negotiating effectively – you position yourself to climb the GIS career ladder and boost your salary. The combination of technical expertise, certifications, and strategic job moves is key to maximizing earnings.

Future of GIS Data Analyst Salary in 2025 and Beyond

GIS is a growing field, and multiple indicators suggest continued salary growth for analysts in the next 5–10 years:

• Job Growth Projections: The BLS projects surveying and mapping technicians (which include GIS roles) to grow ~6% from 2023–2033research.com, faster than the average for all jobs. Cartographers and photogrammetrists also see ~6% growth. The expanding use of spatial data – in areas like smart cities and climate planning – underpins this demand. Additionally, data scientists (with heavy GIS overlap) are projected to grow 36%, driving up competition for spatial data skills.
• AI and Advanced Tech: Emerging tech will raise the value of GIS analysts. AI-driven geospatial analytics (machine learning on map data), drone/UAV mapping for real-time terrain models, and 3D/4D GIS (e.g. city LODs, time-series mapping) are on the rise. Skills in these areas are scarce and likely to carry a premium. Analysts who master LiDAR processing or satellite imagery analysis (e.g. climate or disaster monitoring) will be highly sought after.
• Remote and Global Work: The increase in remote work (spurred by the pandemic) has made GIS roles location-agnostic to a degree. Companies can hire GIS talent anywhere, which may drive salaries up in traditionally lower-cost areas (to match remote market rates). As noted, remote GIS analysts already earn on par with office-based ones (~$75K)ziprecruiter.com. This could help equalize wages globally over time, but also introduce competition.
• Comparative Roles: GIS analysts often transition or compare with related roles: GIS Engineer (more software/technical focus) and GIS Data Scientist (more modeling/statistics). Data scientists currently have higher pay: median $112,590/yrbls.gov as of 2024, reflecting their specialized skill set. GIS Engineers (developers of GIS platforms or tools) typically earn between pure GIS analysts and data scientists. Over time, experienced GIS analysts who upskill may move into those roles (with commensurate pay increases).
• Career Roadmap: A typical GIS career path might progress: GIS Analyst → Senior GIS Analyst → GIS Manager/Lead → Geospatial Data Scientist → Chief Geospatial Officer (C-level). Each step typically comes with higher pay. Senior GIS Analysts often become project leads or team managers (mid-to-high six-figures), then data science roles or director positions at eight figures plus bonuses. As organizations invest in data-driven planning, leadership roles in GIS are emerging.
• Sustainability & Smart Cities: Two megatrends – sustainability/environment and smart urban infrastructure – are bolstering GIS demand. Initiatives like climate modeling, renewable energy siting, and urban IoT depend on geospatial analysis. Governments and corporations prioritizing ESG goals are willing to pay GIS specialists well to guide those efforts. For example, GIS teams are key in planning climate resilience, which ties salaries to critical, funded projects.
• Long-Term Outlook: All signs point to stable-to-strong salary growth. GIS skills are increasingly integrated with data science, technology and policy, so the role is becoming central in sectors like tech, government, and engineering. Analysts who keep up with trends (AI, cloud GIS, real-time data) will command the top of the salary band.

In conclusion, the future of GIS data analyst salaries is bright. Current data show salaries already robust (mid-high five figures at entry, six-plus at senior levels), and demographic trends (AI, urbanization, climate) suggest budgets for spatial analysis will grow. By 2030, we expect GIS analysts with cutting-edge skills to be among the most lucrative specialized analyst roles.