Geographers
SOC Code: 19-3092Also known as:
Biogeographer, Cultural Resources Specialist, Earth Observations Scientist, Economic Geographer, Geographer
Median Annual Salary
$97,200
-3.1% growth (2024-2034)
100
Openings/Year
2K
Current Jobs
What Geographers Do
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
💰 Salary
$97,200
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
100
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,500
Projected Employment (2034)
1,500
Related Careers
Computer occupations, all other
$108,970 •
+8.2% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Cartographers and photogrammetrists
$78,380 •
+6.4% growth
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
$99,240 •
+3.2% growth
Geography teachers, postsecondary
$86,730 •
+3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
- Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
- Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Geographers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a geographers:
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
3,577 degrees awarded •
247 colleges offer this program
Geography
3,315 degrees awarded •
289 colleges offer this program
Geography and Environmental Studies
1,008 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Medical/Health Humanities
352 degrees awarded •
29 colleges offer this program
Geography, Other
213 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Climate Science
100 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Environmental Geosciences
96 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Geospatial Intelligence
53 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Earth Systems Science
43 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Geographers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become geographers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do geographers make?
The median annual salary for geographers is $97,200.
What education do geographers need?
Most geographers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Geographic Information Science and Cartography, Geography, Geography and Environmental Studies.
Is becoming geographers a good career choice?
Geographers is projected to see -3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for geographers?
Top colleges for aspiring geographers include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, Columbia University in the City of New York, Dartmouth College, University of California-Santa Barbara.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to geographers?
Geographers may also be known as: Biogeographer, Cultural Resources Specialist, Earth Observations Scientist, Economic Geographer, Geographer, Geomorphologist, GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator), GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer), GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist), Glaciologist, Imagery Analyst, Natural Resources Specialist, Physical Geographer, Political Geographer, Scientist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.