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GIS Associate Salary in California

How much does a GIS Associate make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a GIS Associate in California is $75,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a GIS Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $91,641
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,280 to $84,043
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,438
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out GIS Associate Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence GIS Associate Salaries

A GIS Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects GIS Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a GIS Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $73,958
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $84,714
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $99,603
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $128,008
  • Expert (over 8 years): $146,026
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
GIS Associate less than 1 year $73,958
GIS Analyst II 1-2 years $84,714
GIS Analyst III 2-4 years $99,603
GIS Analyst IV 5-8 years $128,008
GIS Analyst V over 8 years $146,026

How Do GIS Associate Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract GIS Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,985.
  • California: $75,697.
  • Massachusetts: $74,688.

Top Paying Cities for GIS Associate

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $75,827
  • West Hollywood: $75,772
  • Dodgertown: $75,826

GIS Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For GIS Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 68% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, GIS Associate positions in Software & Networking or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view GIS Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a GIS Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services $98,406 $47.0 30%
Biotechnology $94,621 $45.0 25%
Pharmaceuticals $92,350 $44.0 22%
Energy & Utilities $89,322 $43.0 18%
Internet $87,051 $42.0 15%

GIS Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a GIS Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$69,280
Average $75,697/year
$84,043
$5,773
Average $6,308/month
$7,004
$1,332
Average $1,456/week
$1,616
$33
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,043 $7,004 $1,616 $40
Average $75,697 $6,308 $1,456 $36
25th Percentile $69,280 $5,773 $1,332 $33

Find Your Next GIS Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current GIS Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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