Education and libraries
Geography teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay
$97,590
Growth to 2035
+3%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
300
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Geography teachers, postsecondary
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional 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
Geography teachers, postsecondary: 59% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as urbanization, environmental systems, and cultural geography.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Also called: Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Geography Instructor · Geography Professor · Human Geography Instructor · Human Geography Professor · Instructor · Lecturer
Outlook and AI
Geography teachers, postsecondary held 4,100 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 4,200 by 2035 (+3%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Sociology teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. History teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Geographer
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Political science teachers, postsecondary
- Geography teachers, postsecondary vs. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary