Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Geographers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree. PayThe median annual wage for geographers was $102,040 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of geographers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for geographers was $102,040 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of geographers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of geographers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.
Work Environment
Most geographers work full time. Geographers who do fieldwork may travel to foreign countries or remote locations.
How to Become a Geographer
Geographers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for geographers was $102,040 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of geographers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most geographers work full time. Geographers who do fieldwork may travel to foreign countries or remote locations.
How to Become a Geographer
Geographers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Some jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for geographers was $102,040 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of geographers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Despite declining employment, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for geographers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of geographers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about geographers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.