The type of industry a geographic information system (GIS) professional works for dictates the kind of position he or she can hold. There are many GIS positions, but their primary tasks of providing data and data analysis based technology used for identifying and mapping out geographical information are generally the highest in demand.

GIS work involves the use of software, hardware applications, and data for geographical information. The data pulled out from the GIS technology is useful and neeeded in many ways by business and commercial enterprises, federal government agencies, oil and mining companies, healthcare service, academe, mass media, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, retail manufacturing, financial institutions, and many others.

Businesses and commercial companies employ the technical expertise of GIS professionals to identify areas or locations where they can expand operations and increase business opportunities to provide additional revenues. This is where GIS employment is in demand because banks, real estate, retail manufacturing, insurance companies, and other commercial ventures use GIS financial gains.

Mining and oil companies provide GIS work to explore locations or areas where they can expand their operations. The federal government and non-profit organizations that deal with the protection and preservation of natural resources and other environmental issues and concerns also need GIS experts and their data analysis skills.

GIS jobs are open to both men and women who have the academic training in computer science, engineering, GIS, cartography, geography, or any other relevant course. The jobs also require certifications for various levels such as Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD), Engineers in Training (EIT), Certified Professional Engineers (PES), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Certified GIS Professional (GISP), Project Management Professional (PMP), DOT Compliance certificate, LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and HAZWOPER certification. The certification needs vary for different positions and by the industry.

GIS work along with the level of certification dictates the pay for GIS professionals with the MCAD-certified getting the highest annual median salary of $96,000 based on the pay scale data. The PES-certified gets $68,815; EIT-certified gets $55,300 annually; OSHA-certified, $48,365; GISP with $58,846; and PMP-certified with $85,000 a year. The DOT Compliance-certified gets $62,940 annually, while those certified with LEED AP gets $56,506 annually. A programming certificate for LEED AP earns $51,585 a year, while one who has the 40-hour HAZWOPER certification has the lowest annual median salary among all the certified with $41,546.

GIS employment in one industry or company opens up opportunities for career advancement whether in the same company one is already employed, or in another job where GIS technology is also in demand. An example is a transfer from television to a marketing or advertising company, or the switch from an oil manufacturing industry to a federal government agency. Since location is also a factor in determining the annual salary of a GIS professional, one can also choose to make a transfer to a high populated area to increase their pay. GIS jobs in California, for instance, have a median annual salary of $58,409, but a transfer to Colorado provides the highest median salary of $58,976.

GIS opportunities include travel within or outside the United States learning and working with different teams and other GIS professionals. Career advancement is another opportunity for GIS professionals. A GIA analyst or a systems engineer can move up to a senior position while other GIS positions such as specialized environmental engineers can become an environmental engineering consultant or project manager for natural resources. Better yet after several years on the job, one can choose to work independently or on a consultancy basis.

Another factor that influences the salary of a professional in GIS work is experience. Those with one year or less of experience gets an annual median salary of $39,915. But those with twenty years or more of experience working earn $78,871. The kind of industry or company organization is another determining factor. The federal government, large oil and mining companies as well as some non-government organizations commonly provide high annual salaries.

There are a lot of GIS employment opportunities in many companies and organizations since it has already been proven that GIS technology not only accelerates work efficiency and provide verifiable data information for various needs, but also serves to cut significant costs for many employers and industries. So find your GIS dream job at GISCrossing.com where a rewarding and lucrative career awaits every GIS professional. Sign up now for a one-day FREE trial and get ahead from the pack in finding that perfect GIS work.

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