Geographic information science and technology stand at the forefront of numerous initiatives and applications. As a result, jobs in GIS are uniquely diverse, and they tend to offer a challenging blend of creative and analytical thinking; the most successful GIS professionals have the technical and analytical acumen to understand complex information and how different sets of information relate to each other, but they can also think forward to how this information can be used to solve a problem.
USC students have pursued GIST careers ranging from analyst roles at “Big 4” accounting firms, environmental preservation organizations, enterprise software companies and government organizations.
$75k+
55% of graduate respondents employed full-time report an annual base salary of $75,000 or higher.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
57%
Percent of graduate respondents reporting a pay increase since graduating from USC.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
94%
Percent of graduate respondents currently employed or continuing their education.
Based on USC GIST’s 2020 Student Outcome Survey from September 2020 with responses from 69 master’s program graduates and 25 certificate program graduates.
Graduates of USC’s online GIS programs are employed across various industries, including government; defense/military/intelligence community; water, energy and utilities; environmental; and technology. Alumni work at places such as:
- CACI
- Caltrans
- City of Los Angeles
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Interior
- Jacobs Engineering
- Los Angeles World Airports
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
- Southern California Edison Company
- The Walt Disney Company
Job titles of graduates include:
- Epidemiologist
- Expeditionary GeoBase Analyst
- GIS Analyst/Senior GIS Analyst
- GIS Program Manager/Cartographer
- GIS Specialist/Senior GIS Specialist
- GIS Unit Supervisor
- Geospatial Logistics Analyst
- Hydrologist
- Senior Cartographer (GEOINT)
- Transportation Surveyor Party Chief
“The need for GIS specialists at private sector employers is really growing. I have been amazed at how many people don’t fully understand the capabilities of a GIS analyst. As the first GIS analyst at Safelight in the U.S., I’ve been able to help with all types of mapping requests that were previously led by people who didn’t have the necessary tools or expertise. So, something that would take them an entire day to do, I can accomplish in about 15-20 minutes and provide a more effective result.”
– Brandon Brooks M.S. GIST, Class of 2018
Want more information regarding potential career opportunities? Connect with an alumni ambassador to find out about their career trajectory and experience in the program.
The list below includes salary information for many common GIS job titles. However, the potential career opportunities for professionals with a GIS degree are infinitely expansive and will become even more varied as organizations increasingly leverage spatial data and analytics.
Contact an enrollment advisor if you have questions related to your specific career goals.
(Salary data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paysa, Glassdoor and PayScale from 2017-2019)
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Fill out the information below to learn more about the University of Southern California’s online GIS Graduate Programs and download a free brochure. If you have any additional questions, please call 877-650-9054 to speak to an enrollment advisor.
GIS Data Acquisition and Integration Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Surveyor | $61,140 |
| Cartographer/Photogrammetrist | $63,990 |
| Geographer | $76,860 |
| Geographic Information Systems Technician (Entry-level) | $40,908 |
| Senior Geographic Information Systems Technician | $62,000 |
Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead Geographic Information Systems Analyst | $69,919 |
| Geographic Information Systems Coordinator | $55,301 |
| Geospatial Analyst | $57,565 |
| Senior Geographic Information Systems Specialist | $60,782 |
GIS Software Development Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Geographic Information Systems Software Engineer | $70,000 |
| Geographic Information Systems Web Developer | $60,903 |
| Senior Software Engineer (Geospatial Mapping Services Industry) | $81,095* |
*Average salary reported instead of median
GIS Management and Leadership Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Geographic Information Systems Project Manager | $72,647 |
| Geographic Information Systems Manager | $68,447 |
| Geographic Information Systems Director | $95,048 |
Geospatial Intelligence Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Intelligence Analyst (with GEOINT skill) | $71,331* |
| Geospatial Analyst | $57,565 |
| Imagery Analyst | $68,341 |
| Senior Intelligence Analyst (with GEOINT skill) | $96,418 |
*Average salary reported instead of median
Geospatial Leadership Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Senior Staff Systems Engineer | $138,569* |
| Intelligence Officer (with GEOINT skill) | $90,000 |
| Senior Geospatial Analyst | $78,624* |
*Average salary reported instead of median
Remote Sensing Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists | $107,230 |
| Remote Sensing Engineer | $91,248 |
| Remote Sensing Analyst | $55,330 |
| Remote Sensing Technicians | $48,090 |
Catalina Island Excursion
Students in the M.S. in GIST, M.S. in HSGI and Graduate Certificate in GIST programs will participate in a week-long fieldwork excursion...