Geographer Salary
Geographers earn a median $102,040 a year nationally. Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
What geographers do
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.
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- None
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -2.1% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 100
Employment of geographers is projected to shrink 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 100 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Geographer take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$13,619
- Social Security (6.2%)$6,326
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,480
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$80,615
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $66,770 | $32.10 | $55,803 |
| 25th percentile | $80,290 | $38.60 | $65,314 |
| Median (50th) | $102,040 | $49.06 | $80,615 |
| 75th percentile | $121,870 | $58.59 | $94,564 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $136,660 | $65.70 | $104,673 |
Geographer salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $114,920 | +5.3% | $84,560 | $71,840 – $140,670 | 210 |
| California | $114,460 | — | $81,449 | $85,800 – $144,910 | 80 |
| Washington | $112,260 | +1.7% | $87,805 | $76,490 – $147,990 | 40 |
| Virginia | $108,020 | — | $79,425 | $71,650 – $156,750 | 130 |
| Missouri | $102,040 | +7.6% | $76,757 | $75,800 – $126,440 | 40 |
| Illinois | $92,640 | +1.5% | $69,561 | $63,330 – $125,650 | 40 |
| Texas | $79,170 | +4.8% | $64,526 | $62,890 – $114,550 | 180 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $101,110 | Bachelor's degree | -0.2% |
| Historian | $76,750 | Master's degree | +3.0% |
| Anthropologist and Archeologist | $70,770 | Master's degree | +6.0% |
| Political Scientist | $142,080 | Master's degree | -2.0% |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $100,580 | Doctoral or professional degree | +11.7% |
| Sociologist | $106,030 | Master's degree | +3.8% |
| School Psychologist | $95,990 | Master's degree | +0.8% |
| Psychologists, All Other | $110,840 | Master's degree | +2.3% |
| Urban and Regional Planner | $89,320 | Master's degree | +3.9% |
| Economist | $124,720 | Master's degree | +4.7% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a geographer make?
The national median salary for geographers is $102,040 a year ($49.06 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $66,770 and the top 10% earn over $136,660. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays geographers the most?
Maryland has the highest median pay at $114,920.
How many geographers are there in the U.S.?
About 1,400 people work as geographers nationwide.