Careers in Geography

All levels of government and an increasing array of private sector firms hire geographers. They may work for local and state economic development agencies, conduct research in land use options using Geographic Information Systems, engage in urban planning or historic preservation, or analyze and map environmental impacts using satellite images.

Geography careers and associated earnings

• Cartographer $68,380
• Conservation Scientist $64,010
• Emergency Management Director $76,250
• *Environmental Science & Protection Technician $46,850
• *Environmental Scientist & Specialist $73,230
• Geological and Hydrologic Technician $50,630
• Geopolitical Analyst $76,304
• Geoscientist $93,580
• Market Research Analyst $65,810
• Natural Sciences Manager $137,940
• Real Estate Appraiser $49,540
• Surveying and Mapping Technician $46,200
• *Urban and Regional Planner $75,950

* = fastest projected growth 

(Median Annual Salary)

• Cartographic Technician $41,000 – 69,000
• Geospatial Information Scientist $90,500 – 121,000
• Geospatial Intelligence Analyst $75,500 – 117,500
• GIS Analyst $52,000 – 83,500
• GIS Consultant $98,000 – 159,000
• GIS Specialist $41,000 – 77,000
• GIS Supervisor $61,000 – 121,000
• GIS Web Developer $91,500 – 130,000
• Middle/High School Teacher $42,000 - 85,000
• Urban Planning Supervisor $76,000 – 99,000

(Average Annual Range)

Sources:

https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/geography-careers

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/g/Highest-Paying-Geography-Jobs

https://research.com/careers/geography-careers

 

For more information, explore these sites:

American Association of Geographers: Your Professional Journey

https://www.aag.org/jobs-careers/

Zippia The Career Expert – geographic, business, and salary breakdowns

https://www.zippia.com/geography-major/salary/