What You Need to Know About Geographer
Position Description 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.
What Do Geographers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Teach geography.
- Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.
- 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.
- Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
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Geographer Required Skills
These are the skills Geographers say are the most useful in their careers:
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist)
- Biogeographer
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS Analyst)
- Scientist
- Geomorphologist
Job Demand for Geographers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,500 jobs in the United States for Geographer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Geographer by 2026. The BLS estimates 200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Geographer are Oregon, Missouri, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Wisconsin, Washington, or North Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Geographers Make A Lot Of Money?
Geographers make between $50,720 and $109,900 a year.
Geographers who work in California, Georgia, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Geographers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $69,730 |
| California | $85,530 |
| Colorado | $84,380 |
| Georgia | $79,030 |
| Louisiana | $81,160 |
| Maryland | $84,990 |
| Minnesota | $67,820 |
| Missouri | $76,320 |
| Oregon | $78,630 |
| Texas | $65,000 |
| Washington | $83,530 |
What Tools & Technology do Geographers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Geographers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Minitab
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- ESRI ArcView
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- ESRI ArcInfo
- Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Golden Software Surfer
How to Become a Geographer
Education needed to be a Geographer:
What work experience do I need to become a Geographer?
Geographers Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Geographers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Geographer might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Geographer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Couleur via public domain (CC0)
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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