Geospatial Analyst / GIS.
Lexington.
$61,000
median salary, 16% below the national average
$47,000 to $80,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Geospatial Analyst / GIS in Lexington earns a median of $61,000 in 2026. That is 16% below the national average. The range runs from $47,000 to $80,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Industry application drives the widest pay variation, with defense, oil and gas, and tech companies paying 20 to 35% more than government or environmental consulting.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $55,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
to $49,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$52,000
to $64,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$67,000
to $79,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$76,000
to $95,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$61,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $75,000
How Lexington compares
Lexington, KY
$61,000
Cost of living: 14% below average
National Average
$73,000
Lexington is $12,000 below
Geospatial Analyst / GIS salary by city
Salary by role in Lexington
What you should know
Here is what the Geospatial Analyst / GIS market actually looks like in Lexington. Lexington is Kentucky's second largest city with an economy driven by the University of Kentucky, healthcare, and the equine industry. A growing tech startup scene and affordable cost of living are attracting remote workers. The bourbon and manufacturing sectors also contribute to the local economy. Industry application drives the widest pay variation, with defense, oil and gas, and tech companies paying 20 to 35% more than government or environmental consulting. Proficiency in Python, R, and cloud-based geospatial platforms boosts earnings significantly. Remote sensing and LiDAR processing skills add notable premiums.
Junior GIS analysts start at $56,000 to $65,000. Senior geospatial analysts earn $73,000 to $96,000 after four to six years. GIS managers and geospatial directors reach $100,000 to $135,000, with principal spatial data scientists at tech firms exceeding $150,000. In Lexington, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Government GIS roles offer stable benefits, pension, and step increases. Defense contractors add clearance pay of $5,000 to $15,000. Tech companies working on mapping, autonomous vehicles, or logistics offer equity grants and 10 to 15% bonuses. And on the tax side: kentucky has a flat 4% state income tax. Lexington has an occupational tax of about 2.25%. The combined rate is moderate and the very affordable housing stretches salaries further. When someone quotes you $61,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage UK Health and the medical corridor when negotiating. Healthcare and biotech roles command nationally competitive salaries in Lexington. The range for Geospatial Analyst / GISs in Lexington runs from $47,000 to $80,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Accountant in Lexington earns $60,000 (2% less)
- The highest-paying role in Lexington is Distinguished Engineer at $275,000
Common questions.
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