Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Earth Observations Scientist
- Geographer
- GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)
- GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)
Alternate Job Titles
- Biogeographer
- Cultural Resources Specialist
- Earth Observations Scientist
- Economic Geographer
- Geographer
- Geomorphologist
- GIS Coordinator (Geographic Information Systems Coordinator)
- GIS Geographer (Geographic Information Systems Geographer)
- GIS Physical Scientist (Geographic Information Systems Physical Scientist)
- Glaciologist
- Imagery Analyst
- Natural Resources Specialist
- Physical Geographer
- Political Geographer
- Scientist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- Teach geography.
- Write and present reports of research findings.
- Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Geography
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Dependability
- Adaptability
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Python
Tools & Equipment
- Abney levels
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Anemometers
- Atomic emission spectroscopes
- Automatic levels
- Cathodoluminescence microscopes
- Chain saws
- Compaction meters
- Conductivity meters
- Crosscut saws
- Deionizers
- Demagnetizing equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital imaging microscopes
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $62,390 |
| Median | $97,200 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $133,680 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,380
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $108,970
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: $86,730
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $99,240
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $78,380
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.