Occupation · SOC 19-3092
Geographers
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.
Median wage
$97,200
$62,390–$133,680
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
1,380
Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
428 mapped
Core skills
WritingReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisScienceSystems EvaluationLearning StrategiesInstructingTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationMonitoringMathematicsCoordinationNegotiationPersuasionOperations AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesProgrammingTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesOperations MonitoringManagement of Financial ResourcesQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingInstallationEquipment Selection
Knowledge areas
GeographyEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingSociology and AnthropologyMathematicsHistory and ArcheologyLaw and GovernmentCommunications and MediaBiologyAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeCustomer and Personal ServiceDesignPersonnel and Human ResourcesTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyPsychologyTransportationPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsEconomics and AccountingPhilosophy and TheologyForeign LanguageChemistryProduction and ProcessingSales and MarketingTherapy and CounselingBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalFine ArtsMedicine and DentistryFood Production
Technology & tools
ACD Systems CanvasAdobe DreamweaverAdobe PhotoshopAutodesk AutoCADCaliper MaptitudeClark Labs IDRISI AndesCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcIMSESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcViewGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsGeographic resources analysis support system GRASSGolden Software GrapherGolden Software SurferGoogle Earth ProGroundwater VistasHydroSOLVE AQTESOLVIBM SPSS StatisticsITT Visual Information Solutions ENVILeica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINELemkesoft GraphicConverterMODPATHMapInfo MapMarkerMartin D Adamiker's TruFliteMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMinitabPattern searching softwarePythonRIVERMorphRockWare ArcMapRockWare MODFLOWSASStructured query language SQL
Representative tasks
Analyzing Data or InformationWorking with ComputersProcessing InformationGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsTraining and Teaching OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesSelling or Influencing OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Geographic data sources such as censuses, field observations, and aerial photographs — locate and compile under direct supervision for assigned research projects.GIS software and map creation tools — apply foundational functions to produce basic thematic maps under guidance from senior geographers.Coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, and map scale principles — apply to interpret and verify existing cartographic products in a professional office environment.Spreadsheet and analytical software — enter, organize, and perform basic queries on geographic datasets under structured supervision.Physical and cultural geographic distributions — identify and describe patterns at the local or regional scale using provided reference materials.Written research summaries — draft with direction from supervisors to document data collection procedures and preliminary findings.GIS hardware components including digitizers, plotters, and printers — operate and perform routine maintenance following established protocols.Geographic concepts related to population characteristics — recognize and apply to interpret socioeconomic or demographic data in familiar analytical contexts.Internet browser and office suite software — use to retrieve spatial datasets and prepare formatted reports under senior staff direction.Active listening and note-taking — practice during team briefings and client meetings to support geographic information systems projects in public or private sector settings.
developing
Thematic maps, graphs, and diagrams — create and modify using GIS and cartographic principles such as topography and elevation with reduced oversight on multi-scale projects.Geographic data from satellite imagery, field surveys, and existing maps — gather, evaluate, and integrate into project databases with routine independence.GIS systems including hardware, software, and peripheral devices — operate and maintain to support departmental geographic analysis workflows.Regional population characteristics including economic, political, and cultural factors — analyze using established methodologies and present findings to internal stakeholders.Research reports — write and deliver presentations synthesizing geographic findings for professional audiences in government or consulting environments.GIS technical support — provide to public and private sector clients by troubleshooting software issues and advising on data formatting and projection standards.Geographic distributions at continental or global scales — analyze using inductive and deductive reasoning to identify spatial trends across multiple datasets.CAD and graphics imaging software — apply to produce publication-quality cartographic outputs and visual analyses for project deliverables.Introductory geography instruction — facilitate for junior staff or intern cohorts by designing exercises aligned with core spatial thinking concepts.Systems analysis techniques — apply to evaluate GIS workflows and recommend efficiency improvements within a team project environment.
proficient
Complex multi-source geographic datasets including satellite imagery, census data, and field observations — integrate and analyze autonomously across local, regional, and global scales.Advanced GIS systems — develop, configure, and maintain end-to-end hardware and software environments to support sustained organizational geospatial operations.Non-routine cartographic challenges such as projection selection and scale distortion — resolve independently using deep knowledge of coordinate systems and cartographic principles.Comprehensive research reports and peer-reviewed documents — author and present to diverse stakeholder groups including government agencies and academic audiences.Economic, political, and cultural geographic analyses — conduct for specific regions and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for public or private sector clients.GIS consulting and technical guidance — deliver autonomously to external clients, resolving complex spatial data integration problems across enterprise platforms.Web-based geographic information platforms — design and deploy using web page creation tools and analytical software to extend spatial data access to end users.Learning strategies and instructional design — apply to develop geography training curricula for professional development programs in academic or agency settings.Critical thinking and systems evaluation — apply to assess the accuracy, completeness, and fitness of geographic data products used in high-stakes decision-making environments.Interdisciplinary geographic problems combining sociological, mathematical, and environmental variables — solve using advanced analytical and scientific software with full professional autonomy.
advanced
Organizational GIS strategy and geospatial data governance frameworks — establish and direct across enterprise or agency-wide programs to align spatial capabilities with institutional goals.Research agendas addressing complex geographic questions at national or global scale — define and lead, setting methodological standards for multidisciplinary project teams.Geographic information systems infrastructure investments — evaluate and champion at the executive level, advising leadership on technology adoption, vendor selection, and scalability.Junior and mid-level geographers — mentor and develop through structured performance feedback, stretch assignments, and individualized learning strategies in professional practice settings.Cross-sector GIS partnerships between public agencies, academic institutions, and private firms — build and sustain by representing organizational geospatial expertise to senior external stakeholders.Emerging geospatial technologies and analytical methodologies — assess and integrate into organizational practice, driving innovation in cartographic and spatial analysis workflows.High-impact geographic research findings — synthesize and communicate to policy makers, executives, and the public through authoritative reports, testimony, and professional presentations.Quality standards and peer-review processes for geographic data products and published research — establish and oversee to ensure scientific rigor across departmental outputs.Geography and spatial thinking education — lead at institutional or programmatic level by designing advanced curricula and shaping discipline-wide instructional standards.Organizational decision-making on complex spatial policy issues such as land use, environmental change, or demographic shifts — inform and guide using career-level expertise in systems analysis and geographic science.
Also known as
15 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
BiogeographerCultural Resources SpecialistEarth Observations ScientistEconomic GeographerGeographerGeomorphologistGIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist)GlaciologistImagery AnalystNatural Resources SpecialistPhysical GeographerPolitical GeographerScientist