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.

$97,200

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

-3% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Geographers analyze the relationships between people, places, and environments to understand how physical and human systems interact across the Earth's surface. They spend their time collecting and interpreting data about locations, whether studying natural features like climate patterns and landforms or examining human elements such as population distribution, economic activities, and cultural landscapes. Much of their work involves geographic information systems (GIS) software, satellite imagery, and statistical analysis tools to create maps and models that reveal spatial patterns and trends.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Geography and Cartography(masters)Wilmington University, DE

Geography and Cartography(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI

Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Long Beach, CA

Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Geography and Cartography(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Geography and Cartography(masters)Portland State University, OR

Geography and Cartography(masters)Chicago State University, IL

Geography and Cartography(masters)Eastern Illinois University, IL

Geography and Cartography(masters)Eastern Michigan University, MI

Geography and Cartography(masters)Central Michigan University, MI

Geography and Cartography(masters)Central Connecticut State University, CT

Geography and Cartography(masters)Brigham Young University, UT

Geography and Cartography(masters)Auburn University, AL

Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Northridge, CA

Geography and Cartography(masters)Christian Brothers University, TN

Geography and Cartography(masters)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO

Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-East Bay, CA

Geography and Cartography(masters)Auburn University at Montgomery, AL

Geography and Cartography(masters)Binghamton University, NY

Geography and Cartography(masters)California State University-Los Angeles, CA

Geography and Cartography(masters)Ball State University, IN

Geography and Cartography(masters)Calvin University, MI

Geography and Cartography(masters)Boston University, MA

Geography and Cartography(masters)CUNY Hunter College, NY

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