Geographer: Career Information

A geographer is a social scientist who studies the land, features, inhabitants and phenomena of a specific region or area of the earth. A physical geographer studies the physical aspects of that area while a cultural geographer's focus is on the effect human activities, including economic activities, social characteristics and political organization, have on it.

There were 1,000 geographers employed in the U.S. in 2008.

To work in this occupation one generally needs a master's degree in geography. To teach in a college or university, a Ph.D. is required.

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Because a geographer must present research findings both in writing and orally, he or she should have excellent research and writing skills.

With experience and a strong publication record, a geographer, like other social scientists, can advance to a top-level research or administrative position.

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The job outlook is excellent. This occupation is projected to experience faster growth, through 2018, than other occupations requiring at least a master's degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

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Geographers earned a median annual salary of $71,470 in 2009.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a geographer currently earns in your city.

On a typical day geographer's tasks might include:

• writing and presenting his or her research findings
• using geographic information software to create and modify maps, graphs or diagrams
• gathering data from censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs and existing maps

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Social Scientists, Other, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos315.htm (visited April 05, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Geographer, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-3092.00 (visited November 22, 2010).