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Geospatial Specialist information

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$41.5K

$65.3K

$89K

How much do geospatial specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for geospatial specialist in the United States is $65,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Geospatial Specialist vs GIS Analyst?

AspectGeospatial SpecialistGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geography, GIS, or related field; certifications like GISP often preferredBachelor's in Geography, GIS, or related field; certifications like GISP common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data collection, and analysis in offices or outdoor settingsOffice-based work analyzing GIS data and creating maps
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental firms, urban planningMunicipalities, consulting firms, environmental organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, required skills, and certificationsJob responsibilities, tools used, and career path

Both roles involve GIS technology and data analysis, but Geospatial Specialists often focus more on field data collection and applying spatial data in real-world scenarios, while GIS Analysts primarily analyze existing GIS data and produce maps. The roles are complementary within geospatial projects, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geospatial Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geospatial Specialist, a strong background in geography, cartography, spatial analysis, and a relevant degree (such as GIS, geography, or environmental science) is essential. Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software like ArcGIS or QGIS, remote sensing tools, and data visualization platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for accurately analyzing spatial data, supporting decision-making, and delivering actionable insights across various industries.

What are some common challenges Geospatial Specialists face when integrating data from multiple sources?

Geospatial Specialists often encounter challenges when merging data from different sources, such as varying formats, coordinate systems, and levels of accuracy. Ensuring data consistency and resolving discrepancies require strong attention to detail and proficiency with GIS software. Collaboration with other teams, like surveyors or IT professionals, is essential to standardize data and troubleshoot integration issues. Overcoming these challenges is key to producing reliable spatial analyses and maps that support project goals.

Are GIS specialists in demand?

GIS specialists are in high demand across various industries such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation due to the increasing reliance on spatial data analysis. Employers seek professionals skilled in GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS, often requiring certifications and experience with data visualization and spatial analysis tools.

What is the highest salary for a GIS specialist?

The highest salaries for geospatial specialists can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those with advanced skills, extensive experience, or leadership roles. Senior GIS professionals with expertise in programming, data analysis, and certifications like GISP often earn the top salaries in the field.

Will GIS be replaced by AI?

As a Geospatial Specialist, AI is increasingly integrated into GIS workflows to automate data analysis and improve accuracy. However, GIS professionals are essential for interpreting AI outputs, managing data quality, and applying domain expertise, so AI is more of a tool that enhances rather than replaces GIS work.

What are Geospatial Specialists?

Geospatial Specialists are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret geographic data using technologies like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and GPS. They create and manage maps, spatial databases, and other digital representations of physical locations to support decision-making in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and logistics. Their expertise is essential for visualizing spatial relationships, solving complex location-based problems, and supporting projects that require accurate geographic information.

What does a geospatial specialist do?

A geospatial specialist analyzes and interprets geographic data using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software, remote sensing, and spatial analysis techniques. They create maps, models, and reports to support decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and transportation. Strong technical skills and knowledge of cartography, data management, and spatial analysis tools are essential for this role.
More about Geospatial Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Geospatial Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Geospatial Specialist job openings:
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What states have the most Geospatial Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Geospatial Specialist jobs include:
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What are popular job titles related to Geospatial Specialist jobs? For Geospatial Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Geospatial Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geospatial Specialist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,259 per year, or $31.4 per hour.
Data & Geospatial Standards Specialist

Data & Geospatial Standards Specialist

Akima, LLC

Springfield, VA • On-site

$130K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Akima rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Suvi is seeking a Data & Geospatial Standards Specialist for the TSA Enterprise Architecture Support Team in Springfield, VA. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong customer service, subject matter expertise, mission dedication, and a solid work ethic. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
The Data & Geospatial Standards Specialist leads the information and data architecture efforts and establishes enterprise-wide data and geospatial standards under the EASS contract. Reporting to the Lead Architect and Program Lead while directly supporting the Architecture & Data Management Branch (ADMB), this role is responsible for creating, maintaining, and enforcing conceptual and logical data models, the TSA Enterprise Lexicon, taxonomy, metadata schema, and authoritative data sources. The specialist ensures compliance with the Federal Data Strategy and the Geospatial Data Act (GDA) of 2018, advances data management maturity through the Intelligent Information Management Framework (IIMF) and supports the adoption of data mesh principles to enable scalable AI/ML initiatives. This position plays a critical role in making TSA's Enterprise Architecture data-driven, ensuring high-quality, findable, and interoperable data that directly supports TSA's mission to protect the nation's transportation systems.
Responsibilities
  • Create, maintain, and guide conceptual and logical data models at the enterprise, portfolio, and solution levels across key TSA domains (aviation security, biometrics, data mesh, geospatial, cloud, mobile).
  • Develop and enforce the TSA Enterprise Lexicon, data dictionaries, taxonomy, metadata schema, information standards, and authoritative/trusted data (ATD) sources.
  • Ensure compliance with the Federal Data Strategy and the Geospatial Data Act (GDA) of 2018, including data strategies, standards, and integration plans.
  • Enhance TSA's information and data management maturity through the Intelligent Information Management Framework (IIMF) and associated performance tracking and reporting.
  • Support the adoption of data mesh principles (domain-oriented ownership, data as a product, self-serve infrastructure, and federated governance).
  • Explore and apply emerging technologies for data challenges, including semantic technologies, machine learning, artificial intelligence, entity extraction, and automated taxonomy generation.
  • Develop use cases, conduct AI/ML pilots, document pilot scope/results, and create implementation roadmaps for successful automation initiatives.
  • Provide current EA data information to decision-makers, reconcile data across systems, maintain critical documentation (e.g., data asset catalog), and support all data calls and governance processes.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across TSA and DHS to integrate data architecture with performance, business, application, and security domains.

Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in data management, Information Systems, Geospatial Science, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in data architecture, data standards, or information management, with at least 4 years in enterprise-level data governance or geospatial standards.
  • Strong working knowledge of the Federal Data Strategy, Geospatial Data Act (GDA), data mesh principles, and data modeling best practices.
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining enterprise lexicons, taxonomies, metadata schemas, and authoritative data sources.
  • Excellent analytical, technical writing, and stakeholder collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:
  • Master's degree.
  • Experience supporting TSA, DHS, or other federal agencies with data architecture and geospatial compliance.
  • Hands-on experience with ServiceNow CSDM, Ins-Pi/YouDesign, or other EA/repository tools.
  • Knowledge of AI/ML data applications, semantic technologies, and enterprise data warehouse/analytics.
  • Certifications such as CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), TOGAF, DAMA, or GIS Professional (GISP).
  • Familiarity with TSA-specific data domains (aviation security, biometrics, screening systems).

Job ID
2026-23004
Work Type
On-Site
Pay Range
$130,000.00 - $135,000.00
Benefits
Regular - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered to regular full-time and part-time employees.
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Suvi, an Akima company, is not just another federal mission services contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At Suvi, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, Suvi provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, Suvi delivers subject matter experts, an agile management approach, and innovative technologies that accomplish customers' missions safely, securely, and efficiently.
As a Suvi employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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