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.
Common Job Titles
- Earth Observations Scientist
- GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)
- GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)
- Geographer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary research findings from physical and human geography to develop comprehensive regional assessments and scholarly publications.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign spatial analysis methodologies and research protocols for investigating human-environment interactions and geographic patterns, working independently or leading interdisciplinary teams.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate research objectives and spatial hypotheses to investigate emerging geographic problems such as climate change impacts, urbanization, or resource management.Advanced
- MindsetModel scholarly rigor and ethical research standards when conducting fieldwork, publishing findings, and teaching geographic concepts to students and the public.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze spatial interactions of physical and cultural phenomena across multiple geographic scales using GIS software and remote sensing data to interpret land use patterns and environmental change.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate complex geospatial datasets including climate, soil, vegetation, and demographic information to determine regional interdependencies and inform policy recommendations.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret field observations, laboratory analyses, and spatial modeling results to communicate geographic insights to diverse stakeholders including policymakers and the public.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate GPS receivers, total stations, and field sampling equipment during fieldwork in varied terrain to collect geospatial and environmental data.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of ESRI ArcGIS, Python scripting, and statistical software to process large geospatial datasets, perform spatial modeling, and visualize geographic patterns.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, ecology, and economics when addressing complex sustainability challenges and regional planning questions.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute laboratory procedures for soil, water, and sediment sample analysis using microscopes, spectrometers, and analytical balances to characterize physical properties.Developing
- MindsetEngage with diverse communities and stakeholders to understand local geographic knowledge and ensure culturally responsive research practices.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Geographers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
1,380
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $62,390. 25th percentile: U.S. $75,590. 50th percentile: U.S. $97,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $117,190. 90th percentile: U.S. $133,680. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $62,390 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $133,680 |
| Workers on average earn | $98,160 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Geography4.8/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Python
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Caliper Maptitude
- Clark Labs IDRISI Andes
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- ESRI ArcIMS
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcView
Tools & Equipment
- Abney levels
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Anemometers
- Atomic emission spectroscopes
- Automatic levels
- Cathodoluminescence microscopes
- Chain saws
- Compaction meters