Texas
How to Become a Cartographer GIS Specialist
Learn what cartographer GIS specialist professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current Texas earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$73,970
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
4-6 years of professional experience required for GISP mean
Total Investment
$40,000 - $60,000 for in-state tuition and fees
Employment #s
1780
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026).
Who It's For:
For people exploring cartographer GIS specialist and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: GISCI Mandate and Governance; GISCI Certification Framework: The GISP Standard | Current Texas and U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$43,040 – $138,390
United States
$43,040 – $138,390
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Is a license required?
No
Credential
THE LICENSE: GIS PROFESSIONAL (GISP) CERTIFICATION
Continuing Education
200 hours, even for experienced professionals
Examination
The recent integration of a mandatory GISP Exam further solidifies this framework, addi
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No state license stands between you and this work — which changes how you compete.
Common Questions
Credential
