Geographers Salary in California
Geographers in California earn a median of $114,460 a year, +12% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $114,460
- vs. U.S. median
- +12% ($102,040)
- Rank among states
- 2 of 7
- Jobs in the state
- 80
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $85,800; the top 10% earn over $144,910. Nationally the range is $66,770 to $136,660.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$124,920 median in California
- Anthropologists and Archeologists$72,240 median in California
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists$130,610 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$98,530 median in California
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$106,500 median in California
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$102,780 median in California
Geographers pay in California
How much do geographers make in California?
The median is $114,460 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $85,800 and the top 10% earn over $144,910. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for geographers?
On pay alone it ranks 2 of 7 (+12% vs. the national median of $102,040). Living costs are not included.