Geographers
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.
At a Glance
Geographers earns a median of $97,200/yr with -3.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Geography, Analyzing Data or Information, Working with Computers.
$97,200/yr
-3.1%
N/A
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (10)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Knowledge (5)
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Abilities (13)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Technology (17)
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (19)
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Computer and Mathematical · 206 shared skills
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 205 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 204 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Architecture and Engineering · 200 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 200 shared skills
Hydrologists
Life, Physical, and Social Science · 200 shared skills
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Architecture and Engineering · 199 shared skills
Information Technology Project Managers
Computer and Mathematical · 199 shared skills
Explore Key Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to build these skills?
Sign up to find courses that teach these skills, track your progress, and build a skills passport aligned to Geographers.
Get Started Free