Image that illustrates GIS engineer

GIS engineer

40 400 kr

GIS and mapping engineers

34 900 - 50 600 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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Salary progression GIS engineer

Average salary 40 400 kr
Males 40 700 kr
Females 40 100 kr

What does a GIS engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A GIS engineer works with collecting, analyzing, and visualizing geographic information using advanced IT systems. Tasks include developing and maintaining geographic information systems, processing map data, creating digital maps, and supporting decision-making in areas such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure projects. The role often involves collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines, and the work environment is typically office-based with elements of fieldwork and data-driven analysis. GIS engineers are found in the public sector, consulting firms, and private companies, with a work environment focused on technology and high demands for accuracy and problem-solving skills.

Salary development over time

The salary of a GIS engineer has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 39,300 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 40 400 SEK, which is approximately a 2.8% increase. From 2023 to 2024, the salary has remained unchanged at 40 400 SEK. This trend reflects a market where demand for GIS engineers remains strong, but salary growth has slowed somewhat in the recent year. The stability in salary development is linked to a balanced job market and a steady supply of qualified candidates, while the long-term outlook indicates increased demand that could positively influence salaries in the future.

GIS engineer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 40 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 50,600 SEK/month (female, government sector, research degree)
  • Hourly wage: 243 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 40 100 SEK/month, men 40 700 SEK/month (women 98% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between urban and rural areas, but detailed statistics are lacking.

GIS engineers play a key role in societal development and environmental work – their analyses are used, for example, in urban planning, climate research, and smart city development. Advances in drone and satellite data technology have also opened new opportunities for the profession in recent years.

– statsskuld.se

Education and qualifications

To work as a GIS engineer, a university or engineering degree in geographic IT, geosciences, urban planning, or related technical fields is usually required. Many employers also seek practical skills in database management, programming, and cartography. Combining theoretical education with internships or project work is common to strengthen GIS and related technical competencies.

  • Formal degree: Bachelor or master’s degree (3–5 years) in GIS, geography, urban planning, or IT
  • Certifications: Courses in ArcGIS, QGIS, or database management, for example
  • Internships: Work experience from trainee programs or internships is advantageous
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in mathematics, programming, and geosciences
  • Tips for choosing: Combine technical education with courses in environment, planning, or social analysis for broader skills

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for GIS engineers include occupational pension, flexitime, wellness allowances, and opportunities for remote work. The profession often offers skills development through courses and conferences, as well as access to advanced technical equipment and software. In some cases, bonuses and extra vacation days are also available depending on the employer.

Competition and challenges

The job market for GIS engineers is characterized by balance, with the number of available positions and applicants being relatively even. Challenges may arise as technology develops rapidly and new tools and standards are established, requiring continuous skills development. Competition for the most attractive positions, such as within large consulting firms or innovative tech companies, is tougher than for more traditional roles in the public sector. The industry demands high analytical ability, teamwork skills, and technical flexibility, meaning professionals must continually develop their skills to stay competitive.

Tips for aspiring GIS engineers

To succeed as a GIS engineer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical curiosity with a solid technical foundation. Being meticulous and detail-oriented helps ensure the quality of geographic data and accurate analyses. An interest in problem-solving and the ability to quickly learn new software are crucial to keep pace with technological developments. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines and make it easier to explain complex relationships to decision-makers. Finally, a genuine interest in societal and environmental issues is an asset, as much of the work contributes to long-term societal development.

Key facts about GIS engineers

  • Education level: Bachelor or master’s degree (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Office-based, sometimes with fieldwork
  • Demand: 564 job openings in the profession (2024)
  • Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, increasing demand over 5 years
  • Special skills: GIS software, cartography, database management

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, GIS engineers can advance to more specialized roles such as GIS coordinator, project manager in geographic information, or developer of GIS systems. Some choose to deepen their expertise in research, data analysis, or environmental and urban planning. The Employment Service’s prognosis indicates that job opportunities for GIS and mapping engineers are moderate nationally, with demand expected to grow over the next five years. This is driven by digitalization in urban development and increasing needs for geographic analysis across various industries. The job market is balanced, but technological advances and new applications for GIS will create additional career opportunities in the future.

Frequently asked questions about GIS engineers

  • What does a GIS engineer earn?
    - A GIS engineer has an average salary of 40 400 SEK per month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a GIS engineer?
    - Typically, a university or engineering degree in GIS, geosciences, or urban planning is required.
  • What are the job responsibilities of a GIS engineer?
    - Tasks include collecting, analyzing, and visualizing geographic data, as well as developing GIS systems.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand for GIS engineers is expected to increase over the next five years, and the job market is balanced according to the Employment Service.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a GIS engineer?
    - The highest salary is 50,600 SEK and the lowest is 34,900 SEK per month.
  • What is the hourly wage of a GIS engineer?
    - The average hourly wage is 243 SEK.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a GIS engineer is 50600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Government sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 42200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a GIS engineer is 34900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 97% 38300 kr 38500 kr
35-44 100% 40600 kr 40800 kr
45-54 99% 41300 kr 41400 kr
55-64 98% 40600 kr 40800 kr
Snitt 98% 40200 kr 40400 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession GIS engineer has the SSYK code 3117, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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