Geographers
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.
Also called: Biogeographer, Cultural Resources Specialist, Earth Observations Scientist, Economic Geographer, Geographer, Geomorphologist
Median pay
$102,040
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,770 – $136,660
People employed
1,400
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Geographers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (7 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What geographers do
- 01Create 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.
- 02Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- 03Teach geography.
- 04Write and present reports of research findings.
- 05Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- 06Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Geography
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from geographers
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists86% · −3%
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers86% · 0%
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists85% · group pay
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists80% · −20%
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians79% · group pay
Change into geographers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists86% · $99,070
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers86% · $101,920
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists83% · $81,390
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary80% · $97,590
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians79% · $116,580
Majors that lead here
- Climate Science
- Earth Systems Science
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Geography
- Geographic Information Science and Cartography
- Geography, Other
- Geography and Anthropology
- Medical/Health Humanities
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.