Geoscience Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor has recently identified geospatial analysis as one of the leading areas of employment in the coming decades. Graduates of the Carthage Geospatial Science Department often are quickly employed in private industry or government positions, or they choose to continue their studies in a graduate program.

The study of geospatial science prepares majors for a wide variety of career opportunities in business, government, and education. Career opportunities for geospatial science majors are growing as the field becomes more widely recognized by people outside the discipline.

Opportunities are also highly varied. For that reason, students majoring in geoscience or geographic information science are urged to achieve competency in mathematics, statistics, and/or computer science. The desired level of competency within these disciplines varies with each student’s career goals. Prospective geospatial science students are urged to discuss career goals and opportunities with department faculty.

  • Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
    Employment: 413,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $88,550
  • Geophysical Data Technicians
    Employment: 16,300; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $51,130
  • Geographic Information Systems Technicians
    Employment: 412,800; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $88,550
  • Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
    Employment: 11,800; Projected Growth: Much faster than average, 11 percent or higher; Median Wages: $65,470
  • Remote Sensing Technicians
    Employment: 72,400; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $50,550
  • Precision Agriculture Technicians
    Employment: 72,400; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $51,130
  • Urban and Regional Planners
    Employment: 39,100; Projected Growth: Much faster than average, 11 percent or higher; Median Wages: $74,350
  • Transportation Planners
    Employment: 39,400; Projected Growth: Average, 4-6 percent; Median Wages: $83,330
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists
    Employment: 85,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $71,360
  • Environmental Restoration Planners
    Employment: 85,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $71,360
  • Atmospheric and Space Scientists
    Employment: 10,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $95,380
  • Soil and Plant Scientists
    Employment: 18,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $63,200
  • Climate Change Analysts
    Employment: 85,000; Projected Growth: Faster than average, 7-10 percent; Median Wages: $71,360

Here are just some of the positions held by graduates of the Carthage Geospatial Science Department:

  • GIS Analyst — Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
  • Planning and Zoning Specialist — Winnetka, Ill.
  • GIS Analyst — Walgreens Corp.
  • Manager of GIS — Walgreens Corp.
  • Associate Business Intelligence Analyst — Amway
  • Environmental Scientist — Kikkoman
  • Senior Environment Analyst — Orlando, Fla.
  • University of Michigan
  • Eastern Carolina University
  • University of West Virginia
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

 Visit The Aspire Center for more information on careers after Carthage