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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.
Other titles employers use
Earth Observations Scientist · Geographer · GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator) · GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer) · GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist) · Scientist · Biogeographer · Economic Geographer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and creative work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
Subjects to know
- Geography
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.7 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 2.4 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 2.1 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 45%
- A doctorate or professional degree 30%
- A master's degree 20%
- A two-year degree 5%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 320
- Job openings each year
- 30
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 6.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 320 | 30 | 6.7% |
| Texas | 170 | 10 | 6.3% |
| Colorado | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Virginia | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Washington | 70 | 10 | 16.7% |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | 0 | — |
| Illinois | 40 | 0 | — |
| Missouri | 40 | 0 | — |
| Louisiana | 30 | 0 | — |
| Minnesota | 30 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 20 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 20 | 0 | 100.0% |
| Oregon | 20 | 0 | — |
| Idaho | 10 | 0 | — |
| New Jersey | 10 | 0 | — |
| South Carolina | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
- Degrees each year
- 114
- Admit rate
- 64%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Degrees each year
- 123
- Admit rate
- 43%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
University of California-Santa Barbara
- Degrees each year
- 81
- Admit rate
- 28%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
Kennesaw State University
- Degrees each year
- 145
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
University of California-Los Angeles
- Degrees each year
- 108
- Admit rate
- 9%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 126
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Farmingdale State College
- Degrees each year
- 180
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
James Madison University
- Degrees each year
- 61
- Admit rate
- 76%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000