Geographers

Also Called: Supervisory Geographer

What Geographers do

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.

  • 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.
  • Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
  • Write and present reports of research findings.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Soil core sampling apparatus
  • Water samplers
  • Anemometers
  • Laboratory box furnaces
  • Stereo or dissecting light microscopes

Technology

Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
Minitab

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Math and Science
geography
sociology and anthropology
Arts and Humanities
English language
history and archeology
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics

Education

  • 43% Bachelor's degree
  • 35% Master's degree
  • 22% Doctoral degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Artistic (Creator)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Integrity
  • Persistence

Values

  • Independence
  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Geographers across the country typically make.

$28.78 / hour
$59,850 /year

Entry Level

$43.69 / hour
$90,880 /year

Median Level

$61.03 / hour
$126,940 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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