How much does a geographer make?
The median geographer in the United States earns $102,040 per year, about $49.06 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all geographers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 19-3092.
Geographer salary range
Pay for geographers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $66,770 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $136,660. The average (mean) wage of $102,350 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,770 | $32.10 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $80,290 | $38.60 | |
| Median (50th) | $102,040 | $49.06 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $121,870 | $58.59 | |
| 90th percentile | $136,660 | $65.70 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for geographers (SOC 19-3092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Geographer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Geographers earn the most in Maryland at $114,920 a year, and the least in Texas at $79,170. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $114,920 | 210 |
| California | $114,460 | 80 |
| Washington | $112,260 | 40 |
| Virginia | $108,020 | 130 |
| Missouri | $102,040 | 40 |
| Illinois | $92,640 | 40 |
| Texas | $79,170 | 180 |
State median wages for geographers (SOC 19-3092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for geographers
The BLS projects employment of geographers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 2.1%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 1,500 jobs in 2025 moving toward 1,500 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 100 openings a year for geographers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a geographer
The typical entry-level education for geographers is a bachelor's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a geographer earns
Degree level, employer type, and field of research drive the numbers. Roles in private industry and government labs often pay above academic and entry-level positions.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Maryland, $114,920) and the lowest (Texas, $79,170) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 1,400 people work as geographers in the United States. At $102,040 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Geographer salary FAQ
How much does a geographer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a geographer is $49.06. The middle half of geographers earn between $38.60 and $58.59 per hour.
What is the highest geographer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of geographers earn more than $136,660 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a geographer make a year?
The median annual salary for a geographer is $102,040. The average (mean) wage of $102,350 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a geographer a well paid job?
At $102,040 a year, a geographer earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 1,400 people work as geographers in the United States.
Which state pays geographers the most?
Maryland has the highest median salary for geographers at $114,920 a year. California ($114,460) and Washington ($112,260) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a geographer a good career?
Employment of geographers is projected to shrink 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 100 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a geographer?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for geographers as a bachelor's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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