Geographers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for geographers in the United States was $102,040 ($49.06 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $66,770 | $32.10 |
| 25th | $80,290 | $38.60 |
| Median | $102,040 | $49.06 |
| 75th | $121,870 | $58.59 |
| 90th | $136,660 | $65.70 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-3092
- Total U.S. employment: 1,400
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
At $49.06 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $102,045 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $102,040.
Geographers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $114,460 | $55.03 | +12.2% | 80 |
| Colorado | — | — | — | 90 |
| Illinois | $92,640 | $44.54 | -9.2% | 40 |
| Maryland | $114,920 | $55.25 | +12.6% | 210 |
| Missouri | $102,040 | $49.06 | 0.0% | 40 |
| Texas | $79,170 | $38.06 | -22.4% | 180 |
| Virginia | $108,020 | $51.93 | +5.9% | 130 |
| Washington | $112,260 | $53.97 | +10.0% | 40 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — $59,350/yr
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents — $77,710/yr
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $78,660/yr
- Insurance Sales Agents — $62,280/yr
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $38,140/yr
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — $59,850/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for geographers?
The median annual wage for geographers is $102,040 ($49.06 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays geographers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many geographers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 1,400 geographers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do geographers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $49.06. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.