GIS Technologist Career Assessment
Mapping and location data — ND in-demand occupation ("Computer Occupations, All Other")
Welcome
On the ND in-demand list, "Computer Occupations, All Other" is a catch-all group. GIS technologists are one of the best fits for North Dakota.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is mapping technology. You will explore whether this career fits you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a GIS Technologist?
A GIS technologist creates and manages digital maps and location data. They map roads, farmland, pipelines, utility lines, property, and emergency services, and analyze patterns by location.
The Reality: Much of the work is careful data entry and cleanup at a computer. It is detail work, but the maps you make help cities, farms, and energy companies make real decisions.
Your Responsibilities:
- Create and update digital maps
- Collect data with GPS and drones
- Clean and organize location data
- Analyze patterns by location
- Make maps for reports
- Maintain map databases
- Help staff use map tools
- Work with engineers, planners, and emergency services
You help people see their world in data.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM — Update county road maps with new addresses for 911.
10:00 AM — Import GPS data from a field crew.
11:30 AM — Fix map errors.
12:30 PM — Lunch.
1:30 PM — Make a map of flood risk areas.
3:00 PM — Help a planner use the online map.
4:00 PM — Back up the map database.
Detailed map and data work.
Training in North Dakota
Certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree. This is one of the few computer careers where a certificate or 2-year degree can get you started.
Training Pathways:
- GIS Certificate: Short training (Bismarck State, online or on campus).
- Bachelor's in Geography/Geospatial Science.
- Graduate GIS certificate or master's: For advanced roles.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- Bismarck State College — GIS Technician Certificate (online or on campus)
- University of North Dakota — B.S. Geography (Geospatial Science); graduate GIS certificate; GIS Professional Science Master's (100% online)
- North Dakota State University — Graduate GIS Certificate
Before You Start: Comfort with computers, maps, and details.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.
Certification & Licensing
No license. Certifications help. GIS certifications show your skills.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- Esri Technical Certification (Foundation, Associate, Professional)
- GISP (GIS Professional) — after experience
The Exams: Computer-based.
Cost: Esri $275–$325; GISP exam $250. Prices change.
Keeping It Current: Varies.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Computer Occupations (All Other group) Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $18.62–$26.80/hour ($38,730–$55,740/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $37.66/hour ($78,330/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $48.77–$59.42/hour ($101,450–$123,590/year)
What that means: Be careful: these numbers are for the whole "Computer Occupations, All Other" group, which includes higher-paid security and architect jobs. GIS technician pay is likely lower, especially at first.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 1,000 people work in this whole "All Other" group in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 1,120 (about 13% growth). Expect about 70 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 8% growth — much faster than average.
Outlook: Good. The whole group has about 70 openings a year in ND. GIS is used heavily in ND by counties, the state, energy, and agriculture.
Who Hires in ND: State agencies (the ND GIS Hub is run with NDIT), counties and cities, ND DOT, oil, gas, and pipeline companies, utilities, precision agriculture, and engineering firms.
Work Setting: Offices, with some field work collecting data. Regular hours.
Physical Demands: Light. Mostly desk work; some outdoor field work.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 15-1299); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: GIS Analyst — More analysis.
Path 2: GIS Coordinator — Lead a GIS program.
Path 3: GIS Developer — Build map apps.
Path 4: Drone/Remote Sensing Specialist — Growing field.
Path 5: Planner — With more school.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Short training options
- Useful in ND industries
- Mix of desk and field
- Visual work
- Online training options
What's Hard:
- Detailed data cleanup
- Starting pay may be modest
- Screen time
- Need to keep learning software
Be Honest: Do you like maps and details? Are you OK with lots of careful computer work?