Geographers Salary in U.S.
The median pay for a geographers in U.S. is $97,200/year ($46.73/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $62K at the entry level to $134K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in U.S.?
About geographers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level geographers (10th percentile) start around $62K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $134K or more - a $71K spread from bottom to top.
Geographers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $110K | +14% | 30 |
| Maryland | $109K | +12% | 260 |
| Missouri | $95K | -2% | 40 |
| Illinois | $91K | -6% | 50 |
| Arizona | $87K | -10% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $85K | -12% | 40 |
| Texas | $76K | -22% | 170 |
Track geographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do geographers make in U.S.?
The median is $97,200 a year - that works out to about $46.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $62,390, and experienced geographers can clear $133,680. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,397/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 22.1% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a geographers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median geographers salary is worth about $97,200 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do geographers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.