Geographer/ GIS Specialist

A geographer is a social scientist who studies countries, regions and cities through the lens of their economy, climate, and topography. With their research, geographers are able to solve problems in many different areas such as urban planning, business, and agriculture. Geographers can work for government agencies and do environmental planning. However, many teach and do research at colleges and universities. Most geographers specialize in a specific area of study. This can range from economic geographers to climatologists.

$70,000 median salary

Bachelor's Degree

A Day in the Job

A day on the job for a geographer can involve a variety of things. Most days, a geographer will analyze physical and cultural geographic distributions on a local, regional, continental, or global scale. A geographer will also create and modify maps or diagrams, record geographic information, and maintain geographic information computer systems.

Work Takes Place

Mostly Indoors

Skills

Attention to detail
Communication
Critical thinking and problem solving
Technology

Career Categories

Protecting the Natural World Investigating the Environment Shaping Policy

Potential Employers

Government agencies (federal, state, local)
Engineering Consulting Companies
Utility Companies

A Day in the Life

Meet a Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst

Imagine yourself using the same technology behind Google Maps, Pokémon Go, and social media location tags to help track wildfires, protect drinking water, and solve real environmental problems. Hannah Walters, a GIS Analyst at Denver Water, shares how her love for hiking, maps, science, and exploring Colorado’s mountains turned into a career using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve environmental problems. Learn more about Hannah's career journey and what it's like to be a GIS Analyst in her presentation at the Green Pathways: Careers That Matter event in 2026.