Senior GIS Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does a Senior GIS Programmer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior GIS Programmer in the United States is $89,574 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,750
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $80,732 to $95,947
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,682

Key Factors That Influence Senior GIS Programmer Salaries

A Senior GIS Programmer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Senior GIS Programmer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Senior GIS Programmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $99,176.
  • California: $98,800.
  • Massachusetts: $97,483.

Top Paying Cities for Senior GIS Programmers

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: $112,979
  • San Francisco: $111,742
  • Oakland: $109,387

What Skills Can Increase a Senior GIS Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.03% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.07% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • Accounting Software (Mentioned in 1.12% Job Postings): Accounting software makes it easier for business owners to manage financial procedures, performing financial tasks correctly and quickly.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.03%
Microsoft Office 2.07%
Accounting Software 1.12%

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 Senior GIS Programmer's salary.

  • Construction Management: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Construction Management $100,322
12%
Presentation $100,322
12%
Coordination $97,635
9%

Senior GIS Programmer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Senior GIS Programmer 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 Pharmaceuticals and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Senior GIS Programmer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior GIS Programmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Senior GIS Programmer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$111,967$54.025%
Construction$98,531$47.010%
Software & Networking$98,531$47.010%
Aerospace & Defense$97,635$47.09%
Energy & Utilities$96,739$47.08%

Senior GIS Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Senior GIS Programmer'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
$80,732
Average $89,574/year
$95,947
$6,728
Average $7,464/month
$7,996
$1,553
Average $1,723/week
$1,845
$39
Average $43/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $95,947 $7,996 $1,845 $46
Average $89,574 $7,464 $1,723 $43
25th Percentile $80,732 $6,728 $1,553 $39

Most common benefits for Senior GIS Programmer

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

Common company salaries for Senior GIS Programmer

Here are companies hiring for Senior GIS Programmer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Senior GIS Programmer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Senior GIS Programmer?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Senior GIS Programmer roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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