Science
Geographer
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.
Median pay
$102,040
Growth to 2035
−2%
declining
Openings a year
100
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Geographer
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Geographer: 55% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Earth Observations Scientist · Geographer · GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator) · GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer) · GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist) · Scientist
Outlook and AI
Geographers held 1,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 1,500 by 2035 (−2%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Geographer vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Geographer vs. Geography teachers, postsecondary
- Geographer vs. Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
- Geographer vs. Data scientist
- Geographer vs. Cartographers and photogrammetrists
- Geographer vs. Anthropologists and archeologists
- Geographer vs. Surveyor
- Geographer vs. Atmospheric and space scientists
- Geographer vs. Physical scientists, all other
- Geographer vs. Statistician