The art of studying geography is a career that spans back to ancient civilization.
Some of the earliest careers were founded with an understanding of maps, and the world beyond the current borders.
Today, a career in geography could be someone who is keeping a career to study maps, teach geography to young minds, or inspire others to travel to these new places.
There are also several career options in between that have geography as one of the central focuses of the position. Keep reading for some of the most important careers related to geography today.
1. Cartographer
Why Become a Cartographer?
With the help of technology, maintaining map accuracies as a cartographer has gotten easier.
The position is still essential with over a 15 percent outlook of growth over the next two decades.
Those who pursue a career as a cartographer will need to expect a Bachelor’s degree requirement in a related field of geography.
The average salary for this position is around $70,000 annually.
| Cartographer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $73,510 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $35.34 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 15% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Cartographer
2. Junior High Teacher
Why Become a Junior High Teacher?
If you want to take geography and offer this subject to others, consider becoming a junior high geography teacher.
The outlook for this position is above 10 percent and there is an educational requirement.
Most states require these teachers to have a minimum of a four-year degree.
Salaries in this field vary based on the state, but the national average is approximately $65,000 annually.
| Junior High Teacher Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $66,880 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 12% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Junior High Teacher
3. Landscape Architect
Why Become a Landscape Architect?
Use your understanding of geography to focus on outdoor areas for your clients.
Being able to provide an area that is attractive and serves its purposes is at the core of a landscape architect.
While the outlook is positive, it is only four percent.
You will need at least a four-year degree for this position, but you can expect an average salary of around $75,000 annually.
| Landscape Architect Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $74,980 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $36.05 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 4% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Landscape Architect
4. Landscaper
Why Become a Landscaper?
If you want a geography career without extensive education, then consider becoming a landscaper.
This position starts out at around $30,000 annually but has the potential to grow your salary.
You do not need any education for this position, just experience working on lawns and how to use the proper equipment.
This position is also one that stays in demand around the country and will have a positive outlook for the next several decades.
| Landscaper Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $35,240 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $16.94 |
| Education | 0-1 Year |
| Outlook | 9% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Landscaper
5. Geographer
Why Become a Geographer?
As a geographer, you can expect to have career stability with a 13 percent outlook while you are developing and maintaining maps of the Earth.
While you do need at least a 4-year degree and some graduate-level education, this position offers a competitive salary.
Annually, this salary is averaging around $80,000 with some areas paying more than others.
| Geographer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $86,740 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $41.70 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 13.3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Geographer
6. Politician
Why Become a Politician?
While you may not connect the two at first, being a politician is a geography career.
You need to know where your potential voters are and live so you know where to campaign and what the issues in that area may be.
Politicians often have at least a graduate-level degree, with school around 6-8 years.
This is a stable position that will maintain a positive outlook.
The average salary per year for local and state politicians average around $120,000.
| Politician Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $120,430 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $57.90 |
| Education | 3-4 Years |
| Outlook | 6.1% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Politician
7. Meteorologist
Why Become a Meteorologist?
Understanding weather patterns of the earth and different geographical patterns is an important job of a meteorologist.
With an 8 percent outlook expected over the next decade, this is a stable geographical career.
This position requires at least a four-year degree and a salary that averages around $100,000 annually.
| Meteorologist Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $96,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.58 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Meteorologist
8. Surveyor
Why Become a Surveyor?
Sometimes you want a career out of the cameras but still have a focus on geography.
Being a surveyor is a traditional position that calculates and maps the surface of the planet.
With at least a Bachelor’s degree required, you can expect a positive return on this career.
The average salary for this position is around $68,000 annually.
| Surveyor Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $68,880 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $33.12 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 6% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Surveyor
9. Computer Programmer
Why Become a Computer Programmer?
Because the geography industry is advancing in technology, having a team that understands that technology is essential.
This is why many are considering becoming computer programmers where the career outlook is at least 7 percent.
Depending on the position, you only need 2-4 years of education, with some positions requiring more for a different set of skills.
The average salary for this position is over $90,000 annually.
| Computer Programmer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $96,650 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $46.46 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 7% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Computer Programmer
10. Travel Writer
Why Become a Travel Writer?
Some folks have the writing skill and can use their words to attract readers.
If you want to be a travel writer, use your talent to attract visitors to new places by identifying different features in their geography.
All most travel writers need is a certificate or diploma from a six-month program.
The average salary is approximately $70,000 annually with the opportunity to advance.
| Travel Writer Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,120 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.00 |
| Education | 0-6 Months |
| Outlook | 3% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become a Travel Writer
11. Urban Planner
Why Become an Urban Planner?
Taking the different geographic features into your account can help you become a very successful urban planner.
This career has a positive outlook of over 12 percent and does require a minimal Bachelor’s degree.
Some governments want their urban planners to have a graduate-level degree, as well.
The average salary is close to $80,000 annually for this position.
| Urban Planner Key Stats | |
|---|---|
| Avg. Salary / year | $81,310 |
| Avg. Pay / hour | $39.09 |
| Education | 4+ Years |
| Outlook | 12.8% |
Read the full career guide: How to Become an Urban Planner
