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.
From people doing the work
My day often involves a mix of field work, data analysis using GIS software, and writing reports. It's to uncover spatial patterns and understand how human and physical systems interact across landscapes. There's a constant learning curve with new technologies and data sources.
Drawn from AAG discussions, GIS forums, Academic papers
Attribution: Composite
Composite · Synthesised from AAG discussions, GIS forums, Academic papers
A day in the life of a Geographer
- People interaction
- Extensive
- Team vs solo
- 75% Team / 25% Solo
- Client facing
- Sometimes
- Impact visibility
- Low
- Travel
- Occasional
- Schedule flexibility
- Flexible
- Remote work
- Hybrid
- Typical work hours
- 40-50
- Stress level
- Moderate
Geographers salary, education and outlook at a glance
- Median salary
- $97,200
- Entry-level
- $63,000
- Senior
- $160,000
- Growth by 2033
- -3.1%
- Demand
- Declining
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- 154%
- Typical student debt
- High
Skills you need as a Geographer
Hard skills
- Geography
- Complex Problem Solving
- Analytical or scientific software
Soft skills
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Learning Strategies
- Speaking
Technical complexity: Low
Tools of the trade
Core tools
- ArcGIS (Software): Used for creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping all types of geographic data.
- QGIS (Software): An open-source geographic information system for viewing, editing, and analyzing geospatial data.
- Remote Sensing Software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS Imagine) (Software): Processes and analyzes satellite and aerial imagery for environmental monitoring and land use mapping.
Commonly used
- Python (Language): Used for scripting, data analysis, and automating GIS tasks.
- GPS Devices (Hardware): Collects precise location data in the field for mapping and surveying.
Specialist tools
- Statistical Software (e.g., R, SPSS) (Software): Analyzes spatial and non-spatial data to identify patterns and relationships.
How to become a Geographer
- Minimum education
- Bachelor's Degree
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 6-10
- Years to senior
- 15-20
- Career switching
- Hard
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
- Hydrologic Technician: Often involves collecting and analyzing water-related data, which can lead to a focus on broader geographical patterns.
- Surveyor: Involves measuring and mapping land, providing foundational skills for geographical analysis.
- Environmental Scientist: Focuses on environmental issues, often requiring spatial analysis and understanding of ecosystems, similar to geographical studies.
Where you can go from here
- Cartographer: Specializes in designing and producing maps, a direct application of geographical knowledge and GIS skills.
- Urban Planner: Applies geographical principles to design and manage the development of cities and regions.
- Geospatial Analyst: Focuses on analyzing spatial data using GIS and remote sensing technologies, often a more specialized role than a general geographer.
Typical progression
- Hydrologic Technicians
- Geographers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- or Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Geographers job outlook and future demand
- Automation probability
- Low-Moderate
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Declining
Job satisfaction as a Geographer
- Overall satisfaction
- 7.8/10
- Meaning
- 8.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 7/10
- Prestige
- 8.5/10
- Social perception
- Very High
Where practitioners gather
Professional organisations
- American Association of Geographers (AAG): A scholarly and professional organization advancing research, education, and public understanding in geography.
Podcasts and media
- National Geographic: A renowned publication offering articles, photos, and videos on geography, exploration, and culture.
Reddit communities
- r/geography: An online community for discussions, news, and resources related to the field of geography.
Online communities
- GIS Stack Exchange: A question and answer site for people interested in geographic information systems and science.