Careers in Geography

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. Geography is unique in linking the social sciences and natural sciences together.

Our graduates become:

• Municipality analysts
• Drone pilots and technical consultants
• Cartographers and photogrammetrists
• Urban and regional planners
• Natural resource managers
• Environmental analysts and consultants
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysts
• Remote sensing analysts
• Teachers and professors
• Surveying and mapping technicians

Where geographers work

• Local, State, and Federal government agencies
• Federal government agencies
• School districts 
• National Parks and State Parks
• Engineering companies
• Esri, Maxar and drone mapping companies
• Climate and weather agencies
• Disaster relief and human rights agencies
• U.S. Census Bureau, USGE, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and NASA

What geographers make

For more information on the outlook for geographers and related occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

2024 Median Pay for a Geoscientist is $99,240 per year with a B.S. degree. The job outlook 2024-2034 is 3% increase faster than the average employment.
2024 Median Pay for a Cartographer/GIS Specialist is $78,380 per year with a B.S. degree. Job outlook 2024-2023 is 6% faster than the average job.

Learn more about Careers in Geography from the American Association of Geographers.