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How much does a GIS Analyst I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a GIS Analyst I in the United States is $67,212 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a GIS Analyst I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,694
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,391 to $74,269
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,091

Key Factors That Influence GIS Analyst I Salaries

A GIS Analyst I'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 GIS Analyst I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a GIS Analyst I'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 Analyst I (0-2 years): $67,212
  • GIS Analyst II (2-4 years): $76,987
  • GIS Analyst III (4-7 years): $90,520
  • GIS Analyst IV (7+ years): $116,333
  • GIS Analyst V (7-10 years): $132,712
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
GIS Analyst I0-2 years$67,212
GIS Analyst II2-4 years$76,987
GIS Analyst III4-7 years$90,520
GIS Analyst IV7+ years$116,333
GIS Analyst V7-10 years$132,712

Top Paying Cities for GIS Analyst I

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: $84,774
  • San Francisco: $83,846
  • Oakland: $82,079

What Skills Can Increase a GIS Analyst I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 12.59% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • CAD (Mentioned in 2.71% Job Postings): Computer-aided design is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer
  • Data Management (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Data Management comprises all disciplines related to managing data as a valuable resource. The concept of data management arose in the 1980s as technology moved from sequential processing (first cards, then tape) to random access storage. Since it was now possible to store a discreet fact and quickly access it using random access disk technology, those suggesting that data management was more important than business process management used arguments such as "a customer's home address is stored in 75 (or some other large number) places in our computer systems." However, during this period, random access processing was not competitively fast, so those suggesting "process management" was more important than "data management" used batch processing time as their primary argument. As software applications evolved into real-time, interactive usage, it became obvious that both management processes were important. If the data was not well defined, the data would be mis-used in applications. If the process wasn't well defined, it was impossible to meet user needs.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 12.59%
CAD 2.71%
Data Management 1.92%

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 GIS Analyst I's salary.

  • Team Development: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • JavaScript: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Team Development $71,917
7%
Troubleshooting $71,917
7%
JavaScript $70,573
5%

GIS Analyst I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

GIS Analyst I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $75,240. While startup companies pay approximate $63,651.

GIS Analyst I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $63,651
Growth Stage 51~500 $67,319
Established 501~5000 $72,658
Enterprise 5000+ $75,240

GIS Analyst I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For GIS Analyst I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 68% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, GIS Analyst positions in Software & Networking or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view GIS Analyst I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a GIS Analyst I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$87,376$42.030%
Biotechnology$84,015$40.025%
Pharmaceuticals$81,999$39.022%
Energy & Utilities$79,310$38.018%
Internet$77,294$37.015%

How Education impacts an GIS Analyst I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many GIS Analyst I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an GIS Analyst I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $62,194 and $66,576.

GIS Analyst I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for GIS Analyst I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 8.4%
High School 8.4%
Associates 7.8%
Bachelors 57.8%
Masters 25.7%
Doctorate 0.3%

GIS Analyst I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a GIS Analyst I'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 August 01, 2026
$61,391
Average $67,212/year
$74,269
$5,116
Average $5,601/month
$6,189
$1,181
Average $1,293/week
$1,428
$30
Average $32/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,269 $6,189 $1,428 $36
Average $67,212 $5,601 $1,293 $32
25th Percentile $61,391 $5,116 $1,181 $30

GIS Analyst I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a GIS Analyst I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the GIS Analyst II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $76,987 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for GIS Analyst I

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

Common company salaries for GIS Analyst I

Here are companies hiring for GIS Analyst I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about GIS Analyst I

1. Where can a GIS Analyst I earn the most?

A GIS Analyst I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a GIS Analyst I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a GIS Analyst I is $84,774.

2. What is the highest pay for GIS Analyst I?

The highest pay for GIS Analyst I is $80,694.

3. What is the lowest pay for GIS Analyst I?

The lowest pay for GIS Analyst I is $56,091.

4. What are the responsibilities of GIS Analyst I?

Compiles, manipulates, and analyzes geospatial data. Designs, develops, and maintains databases and systems of GIS data. Creates reports, maps, applications, and visualizations conveying the results of spatial analyses. Utilizes scripting languages to refine GIS data pipelines and processes. May provide GIS training or assistance to other organization members. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for GIS Analyst I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for GIS Analyst I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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.

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