The demand for GIS technicians is explosive. US News and World Red lists GIS as "One of the twenty Top Hot Job Tracks for the next decade". GIS can be applied to many different subjects and problems and can lead to a number of GIS related occupations.
The San Diego region is a hotbed for GIS activity, with over 100 public, private, and nonprofit agencies using GIS. According to the 2007 Occupational Outlook Report for San Diego County, GIS technicians can find jobs in the following fields:
- Architectural and Engineering Firms
- Computer Software Firms
- Consulting Firms
- Federal Government, Military Branches, and other Agencies
- Forestry and Other Natural Resources Companies
- Local and State Governments
- Mapping Firms
- Petroleum Companies
- Scientific and Other Consulting Firms
- Transportation Companies
- Utility Companies
Opportunities continue to develop for students entering the field of GIS. In San Diego County, nearly 60% of firms interviewed for the 2007 Outlook Report state that the retirement of older workers over the next 10 years will affect the GIS workforce. To address the effects of older worker retirements, employers of the GIS profession will need qualified replacements.
