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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 90 | $70,410 | $33.85 | |
| California | 100 | $90,230 | $43.38 | |
| Colorado | 100 | $88,410 | $42.51 | |
| Florida | 30 | $84,300 | $40.53 | |
| Georgia | 40 | $67,960 | $32.67 | |
| Illinois | 50 | $81,010 | $38.95 | |
| Louisiana | 30 | $83,730 | $40.25 | |
| Maryland | 240 | $93,010 | $44.72 | |
| Massachusetts | 40 | $95,270 | $45.80 | |
| Missouri | 40 | $82,380 | $39.61 | |
| Pennsylvania | 40 | $88,360 | $42.48 | |
| Texas | 140 | $69,580 | $33.45 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the interaction of the Earth's oceanographic, atmospheric, and terrestrial systems. Includes instruction in biogeochemistry, climate dynamics, geographical information science (GIS), geophysics, hydrology, landscape ecology, meteorology, and satellite remote sensing analysis.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the environmental implications of geological processes and human activities on Earth. Includes instruction in environmental/natural resource management, geographic information systems (GIS), geology, hydrology, regulatory agency compliance, hazard identification and mitigation, environmental law, environmental policy, and sustainability studies.
A program that focuses on interactions between people and the natural and built environments. Includes instruction in climate science, sustainability, environmental science and policy, research methods, geographic information systems (GIS), human geography, physical geography, remote sensing, and public policy.
A program that prepares individuals to analyze security and intelligence problems using a geographic perspective by relating human actions to cultural, political, economic, social, and physical landscapes. Includes instruction in aerial photography analysis, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), physical geography, remote sensing, spatial programming, and quantitative methods in geographic research.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life. Includes instruction in historical and political geography, cultural geography, economic and physical geography, regional science, cartographic methods, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and applications to areas such as land-use planning, development studies, and analyses of specific countries, regions, and resources.
A program that focuses on the systematic study of map-making and the application of mathematical, computer, and other techniques to the analysis of large amounts of geographic data and the science of mapping geographic information. Includes instruction in cartographic theory and map projections, computer-assisted cartography, geographic information systems, map design and layout, photogrammetry, air photo interpretation, remote sensing, spatial analysis, geodesy, cartographic editing, and applications to specific industrial, commercial, research, and governmental mapping problems.
Any instructional program in geography not listed above.
A program that explores the ethical, historical, literary, philosophical, and religious dimensions of medicine or health. Includes instruction in art, cultural studies, economics, ethics, history, literature, medical anthropology, philosophy, religion and spiritual thought, science and technology, visual art, and writing.
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$86,740 per yearNational average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as geographers.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 2%
- College dropout 6%
- Associate’s degree 4%
- Bachelor’s degree 33%
- Master’s degree 39%
- Doctorate degree 16%
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