5 high-paying careers with a GIS master’s degree

Searching for an in-demand career in geographic information systems (GIS)? If you have experience in the field and are dreaming of what’s beyond your GIS analyst career path, look no further. These sought-after careers in GIS combine advanced spatial analysis, data science, and leadership – and offer strong salary potential across industries.

A master’s in GIS prepares you for these higher-paying GIS jobs – unlocking greater impact and a bigger paycheck. Here are five top-dollar careers in GIS to consider:

1. Geospatial Data Scientist: $95,000 – $139,000+ 

2. GIS Software Engineer: $72,000 – $124,000 

3. Location Intelligence Manager: $110,000 – $150,000 

4. Drone Program Manager: $95,000 – $140,000 

5. GIS Product Manager: $120,000 – $180,000 

^{Data sourced from ZipRecruiter and Salary.com}

Let’s dive into each GIS career opportunity to understand the role, the salary, and the skills required to be successful.

Geospatial Data Scientist: $95,000 – $139,000+

Key Skills: Python, Spatial Modeling

A Geospatial Data Scientist bridges the gap between spatial theory and machine learning. In this role, you’ll use your technical expertise to transform raw data into global insights. As a Geospatial Data Scientist, you aren’t just making maps; you are building predictive models that answer critical questions, such as “Where will the next wildfire start?”. This role is often a natural next step in a GIS analyst career path for professionals with strong Python, statistics, or data science backgrounds.

GIS Software Engineer: $72,000 – $124,000

Key Skills: JavaScript, Python, Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure) 

A job as a GIS Software Engineer means you’ll move from a traditional GIS analyst career path into the field of software development, where you design and maintain the tools other GIS professionals rely on. For example, in this role you might manage the databases that power the GIS work of an organization. Much like a Geospatial Data Scientist, you’ll need top-notch skills in Python, JavaScript, and cloud Architecture, such as AWS/Azure, to be successful in this role. 

Location Intelligence Manager: $110,000 – $150,000

Key Skills: Market Research, Data Visualization

As a Location Intelligence Manager, you will use your GIS skills to determine the best location for new commercial enterprises. These professionals analyze GIS data and trends for retail, logistics, and real estate organizations, and inform decision-making for the investment of millions of dollars of capital. In addition to sharp data analysis skills and a firm grasp of GIS tools, Location Intelligence Managers must excel at data visualization and market research.

Drone Program Manager: $95,000 – $140,000

Key Skills: Regulatory Compliance, Leadership

This GIS career is on the cutting-edge: Drone Program Managers oversee the entire workflow of an organization’s drone program. Your job duties might include maintaining regulatory compliance, managing hardware fleets and data processing pipelines, as well as leading pilot teams. These professionals connect drone data to larger spatial systems, analysis pipelines, and enterprise decision-making. For this reason, Drone Program Managers need strong leadership skills and advanced project management abilities, in addition to GIS expertise.

GIS Product Manager: $120,000 – $180,000

Key Skills: Communication, Project Management 

A GIS Product Manager communicates the needs of customers and users to engineering teams at a GIS software company. In this career in GIS, you’ll utilize your technical knowledge to help build features for GIS software products. Not only does this role require a deep understanding of GIS tools and technology, but also the ability to manage workflows, communicate objectives and create and execute business strategies.  

As you can see, many of these higher-paying GIS jobs are in-demand and require advanced software skills, business expertise, and leadership training. Gain the skills you need – for the job you actually want – with Ohio State’s customizable curriculum. Electives such as geovisualization, project management, and Python programming will set you up for success no matter what GIS career path you take. 

Ready for your next step? Contact an Enrollment Advisor to learn more.