All occupationsCompare
Export

GIS Specialists

Computer & Mathematicalhighaugment
BLS 2024-34: +5%
Median Wage: $86,900
Employment: 44K

Overall Exposure

51+16

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

68

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

32

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

39

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 → 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

51→66
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

68→83
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

32→47
+15

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

39→52
+13

2025 → 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202335521627actual
202443602433actual
202551683239actual
202657743844estimated
202762794348estimated
202866834752estimated

Task Breakdown

Collect and process geospatial data from multiple sources
65%β 1
Create thematic maps and spatial visualizations
58%β 1
Perform spatial analysis and geographic modeling
50%β 0.5
Develop and maintain GIS databases and geodatabases
55%β 1
Consult with stakeholders to define spatial analysis requirements
25%β 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a GIS Specialist, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 39/100 and overall exposure at 51%, this role faces high transformation. The highest-impact area is collecting and processing geospatial data at 65% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +5% growth through 2034. Specialists who combine spatial analysis skills with AI-driven data processing and predictive modeling will be valued.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 39%, GIS Specialists faces a moderate level of AI-driven change. Some tasks can be automated, but many require human judgment, creativity, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot yet replicate. The role is more likely to evolve alongside AI than be replaced.

The AI automation risk score for GIS Specialists is 39% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 51%, with 68% theoretical exposure and 32% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +12 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for GIS Specialists are: Collect and process geospatial data from multiple sources (65%), Create thematic maps and spatial visualizations (58%), Develop and maintain GIS databases and geodatabases (55%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +5% employment change for GIS Specialists from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 51%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in GIS Specialists should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.