Geographers

Career summary

#no matching wois descriptions, checked 2/18/15 lh

Geographers consider physical aspects of a given area. The area could be on a local, regional, continental, or global in scale.

Geographers also create and modify maps using geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). They gather data through observations, maps, photos, and other means.

Geographers write reports and make presentations of their research findings. Some geographers teach at the college or university level.

There are several specialties in geography:

Physical geography

Physical geographers look at the physical aspects of a region. They collect data on land features, climates, and soil as well as the animals and plants that live there.

Human geography

Human (or cultural) geographers study people and how they adapt to the physical environment. They take into consideration political, societal, and economic factors.

Human geographers may specialize in one area:

• Economic geography
• Environmental geography
• Medical geography
• Political geography
• Regional geography
• Urban geography

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Scientists
• Anthropologists
• Archeologists
• Astronomers
• Foreign Service Officers
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• Political Scientists
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
• Sociologists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to geographers.

• Use surveying and meteorological equipment to assess geology and biology within a given area.
• Make and interpret maps, graphs, and diagrams, using geographic information software (GIS).
• Develop and maintain GIS systems. Find and use existing geographic information databases.
• Gather data from a variety of sources, including censuses, fieldwork, satellite photos, and maps.
• Collect data on the physical characteristics of a given area.
• Study characteristics of the population within an area.
• Conduct fieldwork at outdoor sites.
• Prepare environmental impact reports based on studies.
• Write and present reports on research findings.
• Teach geography, usually at the college level.
• Provide advice on boundary issues, business location, and environmental hazards.

Common work activities

Geographers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Teach others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Think creatively
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop goals and strategies
• Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, geographers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate daily via a variety of means, including telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and face-to-face meetings.
• Have a medium level of social contact. They talk to coworkers, but also spend time alone analyzing information.
• Often work as part of a work group or team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Occasionally speak in front of large groups.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors to create maps and analyze information. Occasionally work outdoors to do fieldwork and survey areas.
• May share office space with others.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure that all details of the job are done.
• Sometimes repeat the same mental activities.
• Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work overtime to meet deadlines.
• Usually work a set schedule. May have flexible schedules, as teachers at colleges or universities.
• May travel to remote areas to do fieldwork. There they may work under rugged conditions.

Physical demands

Geographers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for geographers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for geographers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Geographers need to:

Communicate

• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Geography

Other programs of study to consider

• Cartography
• Demography and Population Studies
• Ethnic Studies
• International Studies
• Urban Studies

Training

To work as a geographer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in geography.

Education after high school

You need at least a bachelor's degree in geography to become a geographer. Many geographers have a master's degree in geography. As a student you should also take courses in economics, history, and urban studies. Map reading courses are also important. Computer courses are important for people who want to use or create digital maps. Most colleges and universities have bachelor's programs in geography.

You need a doctoral (PhD) degree to teach geography at a college. Many colleges and universities offer advanced degrees in geography.

Work experience

Working as a research assistant for a geographer is good experience for this field. Look for this kind of work when you are a college student.

On-the-job training

Some students complete an internship while in school. This is important work experience for finding a job.

Depending on your employer, you may receive training on your first job. The length of training varies by employer, but may last up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Geographers use advanced math. Try to take math through Trigonometry.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Economics
• Geography

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for geographers who have earned at least a bachelor's degree in geography. They look for workers who know how to use computers and mapping software. They also prefer to hire people with a portfolio, a collection of completed maps. Geographers also need good written and oral communication skills.

Costs to workers

Workers must pay for association dues, reference books and journals, seminars, and advanced-level classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Geographers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for geographers is $28.71 per hour ($4,976 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The geographer's education and level of responsibility also affect wages.

Geographers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that there will be no openings annually due to new positions and one opening annually from a worker leaving this occupation.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings. 

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal government agencies
• Consulting firms

National outlook

Growth is expected to be about as fast as average for geographers. Despite cuts in government spending, geographic technology including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will spur some growth in this occupation. Government uses geographic data for land use planning. Companies use geographic information to make business plans.

Competition for jobs is expected to be strong. This is due to the limited number of job openings. Geographers who have an advanced degree who know how to use GIS technology will have the best job prospects.

The employment and outlook data does not include geographers who teach at colleges and universities.

Other resources

About Geography Careers 
(from the American Association of Geographers)

African Studies Association 

American Association of Geographers 
1710 - 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.234.1450

American Planning Association 
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60601
312.431.9100

Association of Pacific Coast Geographers 

International Cartographic Association 

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Association for Ethnic Studies 
P.O. Box 842542
Richmond, Virginia 23284

Society of Women Geographers 
415 E Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Geographers (19-3092.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Geographer (029.067-010) 
• Geographer, Physical (029.067-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Geographer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Artistic

COPSystem

• Science Professional