EIU Department of Geology and Geography

Careers in Geography

There is a common misconception that the job possibilities for geographers are limited to either teachers/professors or cartographers. In reality, geographers hold a wide range of jobs, from government analyst, planners of various types, conservationist, travel agent, airline pilot, journalist, meteorologist, climatologist, spatial analyst, and many more, including military positions -  both enlisted and civilian.

One of our professional organizations, the American Association of Geographers (AAG), has a wealth of information on careers in Geography, including salary and employment trends, examples of where geographers work, and profiles of practicing geographers:  https://www.aag.org/jobs-careers/.   

Many of our students also go on to further their education at graduate programs across the U.S., and even Canada.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly pay for professional geographers was $85,000 in 2020, and employment of geographers is projected to grow from now until the year 2030. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor has designated Geospatial Technology as a high growth industry. 

Careers in Geography:

• American Association of Geographers (AAG): Careers in Geography
  
• Indeed.com (fill-in the "What" with geographer/geography/GIS/etc. or by Location)
• https://www.usajobs.gov/. (search for geographer/geography/GIS/etc. or by Agency or Location)

GIS-Specific Job Boards:

• GIS Jobs Clearinghouse