Shigoto Zukan
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How to become geographerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$102,040
25th–75th pct. $80,290–$121,870
Top pay (est.)
$177,700
Top 10% $136,660
Pay in 5 years
$109,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$117,000est.
$100,600–$135,800
Outlook score
33/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
94%
Very high
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.1%
100 openings / yr

How to become geographers

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Geographers

Key skills

Writing
4.9
Reading Comprehension
4.8
Speaking
4.4
Active Listening
4.1
Active Learning
4.1
Critical Thinking
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.6
Judgment and Decision Making
3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Geography
6.8
Education and Training
5.3
Computers and Electronics
5.0
Sociology and Anthropology
5.0
English Language
4.8
Mathematics
4.1
Administrative
3.9
Administration and Management
3.7

What the work involves

Processing InformationGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesThinking CreativelyOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInterpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
45%
Doctoral degree
25%
Master's degree
20%
Associate's degree
5%
Post-doctoral training
5%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
30%
None / short demo
20%
2–4 years
15%
3–6 months
15%
Over 10 years
5%
1–2 years
5%
6–12 months
5%
1–3 months
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
35%
6–12 months
20%
None
15%
2–4 years
10%
Over 10 years
5%
Up to 1 month
5%
6–8 years
5%
3–6 months
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as geographers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.