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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of geographers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Biological Scientists, All Other
• School Psychologists
• Chemists

Quick questions

How much does a geographer make?

The median pay is $49.06 per hour — roughly $102,000 a year, with the real range running from about $32.10/hr (10th percentile) to $65.70/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a geographer?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a geographer actually do all 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.