Geography studies the Earth's physical features, including its landforms, climates, and ecosystems.
It also involves studying human activity on the Earth, including the distribution of populations and resources.
Reasons To Study Geography
There are many reasons why one might want to study geography. But, perhaps the most important reason is that geography can help us understand our world and the people who inhabit it.
By studying the physical features of different places, we can learn about their climate, ecology, and economy.
Geography can also help us understand why different places are the way they are. For example, by studying the history of a place, we can learn about the events that have shaped its development. Likewise, understanding a place's physical and cultural features can enable you to appreciate its unique beauty better.
Geography is a valuable career as well. People who study geography can find jobs in many different fields, such as:
- Forestry
- Conservation
- Tourism
- City planning
- Water management
- Agriculture
- Architecture
Geographers are needed to help protect the environment by studying its natural resources and ecosystems.
They are also needed to manage water resources for drinking water and farming purposes. Geographers can also help plan cities and develop new tourist destinations.
So, there are many reasons why one might want to study geography. First, it is a fascinating subject that can help us understand our world and the people who inhabit it.
Second, it is also a useful field of study for those who want to work in careers that deal with the environment or city planning.
Potential Earnings With A Geography Career
What can you earn with a geography degree? That's a question that depends on many factors, including your specialization, experience, and location.
But we can give you some idea of what to expect with our breakdown of geography salaries by country. So first, let's look at what geographers in the United States can expect in terms of compensation.
SalaryExpert has put together a list of the average salaries for geography jobs in the United States by role, from cartographers to geographers. Here is an overview:
Geographer
$40,000-$75,000
This is a median range for entry-level positions in this field. Geographers in the U.S. typically need a bachelor's degree but may also benefit from having a master's or Ph.D.
Cartographer
$36,000-$70,000
This is the typical starting range for cartographers in this field, although cartographers with more experience can earn an income higher than this.
Cartography is a field that is closely related to geography, so having a geography degree can be beneficial if you want to become a cartographer.
Soil Scientist
$48,000-$86,000
This range reflects the salaries of soil scientists with varying levels of experience. Soil science is an essential aspect of geography, as it is the study of soil and how it influences people, places, and ecosystems.
Earth Scientist
$63,000-$118,000
Earth scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as geology or geography. This range reflects salaries for earth scientists with one to four years of experience.
Those with five to nine years of experience can expect an average salary of $85,000, and those with more than ten years of experience can earn around $141,000.
Oceanographer
$50,000-$96,000
An oceanographer with one to four years of work experience typically earns around $59,000; scientists who have worked in the field for more than ten years can earn up to $120,000.
Geography Salaries per country
Now let's look at some countries where geographers can earn higher salaries
- Australia: Geographers in Australia earn an average salary of $79,000, potentially earning up to $130,000 with experience
- Sweden: The average salary for a Swedish geographer is $67,000.
- Norway: Geographers in Norway earn an average of $65,000, potentially earning up to $115,000 with experience
- United Kingdom: The average salary for a geographer in the United Kingdom is £40,000 (approximately $53,000 US)
- Germany: Geographers in Germany earn an average salary of €55,000 (approximately $61,000 US)
- Spain: The average salary for a Spanish geographer is €40,000 (approximately $44,000 US)
- France: Geographers in France earn an average salary of €38,000 (approximately $41,000 US)
- Italy: Geographers in Italy earn an average salary of €36,000 (approximately $39,000 US)
So as you can see, geography is a versatile field with many potential career paths.
The salaries for these careers vary depending on your location and experience, but they typically offer higher than average incomes. What's not to like about that?
Where To Find A Job In The Field Of Geography
There are many different places to find a job in geography. Some of the best places to look are online job boards, newspapers, and professional organizations.
Online job boards are a great place to start your search for a job in geography. Many boards specialize in different disciplines within geography, so you can ensure that you are looking in the right place.
Some of these boards include:
- GeoJobs.com: This website lists jobs from various sources, including geography associations, governments, private companies, and colleges and universities. The site includes a search engine that allows users to search by job type and a state or ZIP code
- Indeed.com: This website includes a search engine that allows users to search for jobs by keyword, location, and company. It also has a section called "Jobs Near Me" that will enable users to find jobs based on their current location
- The Economist: This website covers topics ranging from economics and finance to science and technology. You can either search for jobs directly on this site, or you can subscribe to their email list, which will send you job listings each day
Newspapers are another great place to look for jobs in geography. There are many newspapers throughout the country, so several options should be available near your current location.
One of these newspapers include:
- The New York Times: This website includes a section called "Careers" that includes job listings from around the country. You can search for jobs by keyword, location, or job type
Professional organizations are also great places to find jobs in geography. Many of these organizations have job listings on their websites, and some even offer scholarships to students studying geography.
Some of these organizations include:
- American Association of Geographers: This association includes a list of available jobs you can search by the location or type of job you are looking for. You can also sign up to receive job alerts from this site
The best way to find a job in geography is to explore all of your options; use as many resources as possible. This will give you the best possible chance of finding a job that fits your needs
How To Get Started With Your Geographer Career
You can get started with your geographer career by seeing what people in geographers typically do.
Primary Responsibilities
People in this job typically do the following:
- Collect and analyze geographic data using a variety of methods
- Study the physical and human characteristics of places
- Evaluate spatial patterns and relationships
- Plan and conduct studies to help solve local and regional problems
- Design and direct the construction of maps, models, and other graphic representations of geographic information
- Teach geography to students at all levels
Required Qualifications
You can also get started by getting a degree in geography. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in geography or a related subject, such as economics, business administration, or computer science.
Professional organizations may recommend that students take courses in a variety of subjects, which could include:
- Physical geography: Physical processes and environmental study
- Cartography: Mapmaking and map use
- Climatology: Weather and climate study
- Geomorphology: Landform study
- Delineation: Of land surveying and mapping
- Data processing: The manipulation of geographic data for research or mapping purposes
- Remote sensing: Interpretation of aerial or satellite images
- Computer science: The use of computers for storing and processing geographic data
- Anthropology: Human culture study
- Political science: The study of government and its impact on society
Jobs: Which Ones And Where Do You Find Them?
Once you have your degree, you can then look for a job in the field. You can search for jobs on Indeed.com, Monster.com, and SimplyHired.com.
You can also search for jobs by geographic area. For example, if you want to work in California, you can search for "geographer jobs California."
Some standard job titles in this field include:
- Geographer
- GIS Analyst
- Cartographer
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Spatial Analyst
To get an entry-level geographer position, you can apply for internships. Internships allow students to gain vital work experience and connect with potential employers.
The Pros And Cons Of Being A Geographer
There are benefits and pitfalls of being a geography professional like any other career. Here are some of them:
Pros
- Geographers can work in various fields, from research to applied work
- Geography is a versatile field that allows for specialization in many different areas, from climate change to urban planning
- One has the chance to travel and see many different places worldwide
- Geography is a growing field with many employment opportunities
- Geography is an intellectually stimulating field that allows one to engage in meaningful work
Cons
- Geography can be a challenging field to break into, especially if one wants to research
- Geographers spend a significant amount of time in the office, which can lead to burnout
- Geography can be a challenging field, both intellectually and emotionally
Overall, the pros of being a geographer far outweigh the cons, it seems. The area is growing with the current "age of exploration" and certainly has many exciting opportunities for those interested in working outside the box.
As more of the world becomes developed, there is undoubtedly a need for people who can analyze and understand these changes.
Become A Geography Professional With Expert Help
Whether you want to become a geographer, Earth scientist, archeologist, or teacher, you need to learn from the best.
By hiring a professional private tutor, you will be able to prepare for entrance exams for college, get ready for a job interview, or complete your geography homework.
So, where do you find these professionals? Superprof, that's where!
Superprof is a platform that links teachers and students from every field imaginable. All you have to do is sign up, search for your preferences, and find yourself an instructor near you!
Visit today, and you may even get a free first session!
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