Geographer
Also known as: human geographer, biogeographer, economic geographer, natural geographer, geographers, physical geographer
About this occupation
Geographers are scholars who study human and physical geography. Depending on their specialisation, they study political, economical and cultural aspects of humanity contained within human geography. Moreover, they study land formations, soils, natural frontiers, and water flows contained in physical geography.
Essential skills and knowledge
- scientific modelling
- collect data using GPS
- scientific research methodology
- use geographic information systems
- find trends in geographic data
- statistics
- geographic information systems
- geography
- perform scientific research
- conduct public surveys
- apply scientific methods
- apply statistical analysis techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Geographers (O*NET 19-3092.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Active Learning
US median pay: US$102,040 a year (2025), 1,400 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyExtremely important (4.8)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Environmental ScienceO*NET: Biology + GeographyVery important (3.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.8)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Data Scientists
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Anthropologists and Archeologists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Statisticians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.