Geographer
A geographer is a social scientist dedicated to studying the Earth's various physical features, climates, and natural phenomena, as well as the intricate relationships between human activities and the environment. Their work often involves analyzing data related to natural resources, wildlife, and climate, as well as understanding the implications of public policies on different communities. Geographers typically hold at least a bachelor's degree, with many advancing to master's or doctoral levels, particularly if they engage in teaching or specialized research.
The career of a geographer spans both office environments, where they utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other technology for data analysis and map creation, and fieldwork, which may involve surveys in diverse terrains and weather conditions. They play a vital role in various sectors, including government agencies, academia, and private consulting firms, contributing to areas such as urban planning, environmental management, and public health. The median annual earnings for geographers are around $90,880, though the job outlook indicates minimal growth in employment opportunities. Overall, geographers are essential in promoting a deeper understanding of the world's complex spatial dynamics and guiding informed decision-making.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Geographer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Research, data analysis, map making, environment
Earnings (Yearly Median): $90,880 per year $43.69 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Geographers are social scientists who study the Earth’s climate, topography, features, and natural phenomena, as well as the interaction between humans and their environment and the effects of that interaction on both people and places. Geographers contribute to a better understanding of natural resources, wildlife, climate, and vegetation. They help provide clues about how diseases spread, how public policy impacts certain areas, and how public services may be more effectively distributed within a given geographic area.
Work Environment. Geographers work in government agencies, universities and colleges, and private corporations and consulting firms. These settings are clean, pleasant, and highly organized. Geographers also work in the field, surveying mountain ranges, forest ecosystems, and animal habitats. In this arena, geographers may be required to travel great distances, cross or fly over remote and rugged terrain, and work in varying weather conditions. Other geographers work in cities and neighborhoods, among certain social and economic groups. Geographers usually work forty-hour weeks, although they may work erratic hours due to travel, evening meetings, and individual research.
Occupation Interest. Geographic research helps medical professionals deliver care to specific neighborhoods, political leaders gauge the effectiveness of public policy among individual demographics, and residents consider the effects of development on natural habitats. They help warn people about climate shifts, changes in animal populations, and the spread of disease. Geographers who work in academic settings frequently work flexible hours, which enables them to teach students while conducting their pursuits. They frequently travel to and experience new cultures and natural sites. Government--state, local, and federal--employs the largest number of geographers.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Physical geographers study the physical features and trends of a particular region, such as glaciers (glaciology) or oceans (oceanography), while cultural geographers study the particular economic, social, and political characteristics of people living within a certain area. Other areas of study, including urban and transportation geography, medical geography, and economic geography, are found within cultural geography.
Geographers design and create maps of certain physical and cultural groupings, using data obtained through surveys, aerial and satellite photographs, field observations, and other methods. They develop, utilize, and maintain geographic information systems (GIS) hardware (including video cameras, plotters, and printers) and software. They also search existing GIS databases to compile their findings. They use this data to write reports and present their findings to clients and the public.
The work performed by geographers depends on their particular area of expertise. As consultants, they inform private landowners and government officials about land and natural resource management, sustainable development practices, environmental risks, cultural and ethnic population shifts, and urban development. Geographers also work with cartographers to modify maps, geographic charts, and diagrams (used for military and public purposes) using GIS, global positioning systems (GPS), and related software. Furthermore, geographers who work with private businesses and corporations frequently perform market analyses, recommend sites for production facilities, and locate new markets for goods and services. Additionally, geographers work with climatologists and weather services to track weather patterns, climate changes, and other issues related to the natural environment.
Many geographers are also educators, teaching university courses and conducting guest lectures, seminars, and conferences. Some geographers work with emergency medical professionals, such as epidemiologists, to track the spread of disease outbreaks and other health issues.
Economic Geographers (059.067-010). Economic geographers study the geographic distribution of economic activities, such as manufacturing, trade, and agriculture.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Geographers spend a significant part of their time working in offices, where they analyze photographs, collate survey results and data, write reports, and conduct meetings. These environments are clean, bright, and organized. Geographers also conduct fieldwork in urban, rural, and unpopulated locations, which may present safety hazards and unpleasant weather conditions or may be difficult to reach.
Human Environment. Depending upon geographers’ areas of specialty, they may interact with government officials, business executives, marketing professionals, university students and professors, sociologists, climatologists, environmental scientists, political scientists, and epidemiologists.
Technological Environment. In the field, geographers use various sampling and detection devices, including soil core sample apparatuses, wind direction sensors, aerial photographic equipment, and GIS and GPS systems. In their offices, geographers use a wide range of computer systems, such as map creation programs, analytical and scientific software, graphic and photo imaging systems, and databases and office suites.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should take classes such as history, social studies, government, and economics. They must also take mathematics courses, including geometry, algebra, and statistics. Additionally, computer science classes are essential, as are courses that build writing and communication skills, such as English.
Postsecondary. Most employers, including the federal government, require that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree in geography. However, a master’s degree in geography and/or a field relevant to the geographer’s area of specialty is preferred. Geographers who also teach courses at the university level, as well as those who seek senior-level positions, must have a doctorate.
Related Occupations
− Metallurgical-Materials Engineer
− Mining and Geological Engineer
Bibliography
"Geographers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-3092 Geographers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes193092.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.