What Geographers DoStudy 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.
- 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.
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
Geographers Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)
Training TimeOver 4 years
Job Openings100 Annually
Median Earnings
$97,200 in California
$97,200 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Being creative or artistic
- Thinking and problem solving
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Job security
you are skilled in
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Science
Go Deeper: Geographers Explained
GeographerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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