CFChooseField
Science

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Geographers
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Median pay

$97,200
Median annual pay for Geographers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Geographers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Geographers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Writing
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Geography
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Sociology and Anthropology
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Inductive Reasoning
  2. 2Written Comprehension
  3. 3Written Expression
  4. 4Deductive Reasoning
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Intellectual Curiosity
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Dependability
  5. 5Adaptability
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Analyzing Data or Information
  2. 2Working with Computers
  3. 3Processing Information
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
  • Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · in demandStructured query language SQL · in demandESRI ArcGIS software · in demandPython · in demandGeographic information system GIS systems · in demandGeographic information system GIS software · in demandMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyIBM SPSS Statistics · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyR · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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