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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 is the job outlook?

Employment of geographers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$69,280

10%

$90,880

Median

$116,170

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    45%

  • Doctoral degree

    25%

  • Master's degree

    20%

  • Associate's degree

    5%

  • Post-doctoral training

    5%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geographic Information Science and Cartography
  • Geography, Other
  • Earth Systems Science
  • Medical/Health Humanities
  • Climate Science
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Environmental Geosciences

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Geography
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.