Geographic Information Systems Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Geographic Information Systems Manager make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Geographic Information Systems Manager in the United States is $123,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.

However, a Geographic Information Systems Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,291
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $108,400 to $130,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,834

Key Factors That Influence Geographic Information Systems Manager Salaries

A Geographic Information Systems Manager's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Geographic Information Systems Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Geographic Information Systems Manager's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • GIS Data/Insights Analyst, Intermediate (2-4 years): $76,988
  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst III (4-7 years): $90,519
  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst IV (7+ years): $116,334
  • Geographic Information Systems Analyst V (7-10 years): $132,708
  • Geographic Information Systems Manager (10+ years): $123,228
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
GIS Data/Insights Analyst, Intermediate2-4 years$76,988
Geographic Information Systems Analyst III4-7 years$90,519
Geographic Information Systems Analyst IV7+ years$116,334
Geographic Information Systems Analyst V7-10 years$132,708
Geographic Information Systems Manager10+ years$123,228

Top Paying Cities for Geographic Information Systems Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $155,500
  • San Francisco: $153,800
  • Oakland: $150,500

What Skills Can Increase a Geographic Information Systems Manager's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 9.84% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Data Collection (Mentioned in 2% Job Postings): Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a component of research in all fields of study including physical and social sciences, humanities, and business. While methods vary by discipline, the emphasis on ensuring accurate and honest collection remains the same. The goal for all data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to the questions that have been posed.
  • Geology (Mentioned in 1.27% Job Postings): Geology is the science that studies the Earth's physical structure and substances, the history of rocks, the processes that act on them and the most economic way to use the world's resources.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 9.84%
Data Collection 2%
Geology 1.27%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Geographic Information Systems Manager's salary.

  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Agile $131,931
7%
Flexibility $129,465
5%
Collaboration $128,232
4%

Geographic Information Systems Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Geographic Information Systems Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $137,793. While startup companies pay approximate $116,559.

Geographic Information Systems Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $116,559
Growth Stage 51~500 $123,273
Established 501~5000 $133,057
Enterprise 5000+ $137,793

Geographic Information Systems Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Geographic Information Systems Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Media sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Geographic Information Systems Manager positions in Pharmaceuticals or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Geographic Information Systems Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Geographic Information Systems Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$147,960$71.020%
Media$141,795$68.015%
Energy & Utilities$138,096$66.012%
Business Services$135,630$65.010%
Telecom$134,397$65.09%

How Education impacts a Geographic Information Systems Manager's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Geographic Information Systems Managers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Geographic Information Systems Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $128,975 and $137,906).

Geographic Information Systems Manager Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Geographic Information Systems Manager
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.5%
High School 8.5%
Associates 8.5%
Bachelors 44.8%
Masters 37.0%
Doctorate 1.2%

Geographic Information Systems Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Geographic Information Systems Manager's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$108,400
Average $123,300/year
$130,100
$9,033
Average $10,275/month
$10,842
$2,085
Average $2,371/week
$2,502
$52
Average $59/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $130,100 $10,842 $2,502 $63
Average $123,300 $10,275 $2,371 $59
25th Percentile $108,400 $9,033 $2,085 $52

Most common benefits for Geographic Information Systems Manager

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Geographic Information Systems Manager

Here are companies hiring for Geographic Information Systems Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Geographic Information Systems Manager Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Geographic Information Systems Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Geographic Information Systems Manager

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Geographic Information Systems Manager?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Geographic Information Systems Manager roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Can you make a lot of money in GIS?

Yes, you can earn a substantial income in GIS. For a Geographic Information Systems Manager, salaries typically range from $121,400 to $156,000, with a median salary of around $136,800. This reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in the geospatial technology field, offering competitive compensation opportunities.

3. Is GIS a stressful job?

As a GIS professional, you may find your job rewarding, but it can also be stressful due to tight deadlines, complex projects, and ongoing technical challenges. The salary range for a Geographic Information Systems Manager typically falls between $121,400 and $156,000, reflecting the demanding nature of the role and the expertise required. Balancing work and personal life is essential for overall well-being.

4. What is the highest salary in GIS?

The highest salary for a Geographic Information Systems Manager is $156,000. The minimum salary starts at $121,400, while the mid-range salary is approximately $136,800. This reflects the competitive nature of GIS roles, with top professionals earning significantly more than the average.

5. Is GIS in demand in the USA?

Careers in GIS are in high demand in the USA, with professionals earning between $121,400 and $156,000 annually. Equipped with data visualization and spatial analysis skills, GIS experts are sought after in various industries, making it a promising field for job seekers.

6. What can I do with a GIS Masters?

With a master's in GIS, you can pursue various careers such as Data Scientist, Landscape Architect, Engineer, Remote Sensing Specialist, Photogrammetrist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Software Developer, and Environmental Scientist. As a Geographic Information Systems Manager, you can expect a salary ranging from $121,400 to $156,000, with a median salary of $136,800.

7. Is Geographic Information Systems a good career?

A career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is promising, with a strong job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that GIS roles are expected to grow by 33,500 jobs annually from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, salaries for GIS Managers range from $121,400 to $156,000, with a median salary of $136,800, making it a financially rewarding field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job