Geographers
SOC code 19-3092 · O*NET-SOC 19-3092.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Geographers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$102,040
a year
Hourly
$49.06
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$102,350
$49.21 per hour
Middle 50%
$80,290 – $121,870
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$66,770 – $136,660
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
1,400
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $66,770
- $32.10/hr
- 25th percentile
- $80,290
- $38.60/hr
- Median percentile
- $102,040
- $49.06/hr
- 75th percentile
- $121,870
- $58.59/hr
- 90th percentile
- $136,660
- $65.70/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
-3%
Declining
1,500
jobs in 2024
1,500
projected for 2034
About 0 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a geographer 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to become a geographer
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 45% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree45%
- Doctoral Degree25%
- Master's Degree20%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Common questions
How much does a geographer earn?
The national median is $102,040 a year. The full range runs from $66,770 at the 10th percentile to $136,660 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a geographer without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is geographer in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to shrink by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — declining. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Writing4.1/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
- Science3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Geography4.8/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.5/5
- Mathematics3.0/5
- History and Archeology2.9/5
- Law and Government2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Systems Analysis.