Specialists who work in geography examine how different places and the people who live in them relate to the rest of the world. They think spatially and focus on location. Their tasks can cover translating the physical world into digital form to helping solve crises such as the topography that supports a wildfire. Careers, education and salaries differ by job title.

Geographer Career



Geographers study the Earth, its physical features and its political and cultural boundaries and how they affect people. They use field observations and maps of terrain, statistical analysis, surveys and interviews of populations. They write reports and advise decision makers about their findings. Though some with bachelor’s degrees may work for some entry-level jobs, most geographers need at least a master’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow by 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is the same as the average anticipated job growth across all occupations. It also shows average wages of geographers at $36.92 per hour or $76,790 per year as of May 2017. Most geographers worked for the federal government, which offered the highest average salary of $40.88 per hour or $85,030 per year.

Surveyor Career



Surveyors measure the Earth’s surface to establish land, water and air boundaries. They use specialized instruments such as transits and global positioning systems to prepare plots and maps and present their findings to mapping professionals, clients and government agencies. They need a minimum bachelor’s degree as well as a license before they can certify documents showing property lines. Their employment will grow by 11 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average. In 2017, surveyors earned an average $31.40 per hour or $65,300 per year. Their biggest employers were architectural and engineering services, with the highest pay in natural gas distribution at an average $43.76 per hour or $91,020 per year.

Cartographer Career



Cartographers collect geographic information about such topics as population density and wind patterns to create maps and charts for educational, cultural and political uses. They can use survey information, geographic reports and satellite information to prepare thematic maps. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, though some states require licensing as surveyors. Jobs will increase by 19 percent in the decade that ends in 2026, which is much faster than average. Cartographers averaged $32.40 per hour or $67,390 per year in 2017. Most worked in local government and architectural and engineering services, though the highest salaries were in the federal government at an average of $43.20 per hour or $89,850 per year.

Postsecondary Geography Teacher Career

