Top 3 cities for geographers by average salary
| Washington, DC | $114,830 |
|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | $104,140 |
| Austin, TX | $78,670 |
Map: Geographers salary by metro area
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Geographers salary by state
California pays geographers the most statewide, $114,310 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | n/a | n/a | n/a | 1 | $114,830 | $114,830 |
| California | $114,310 | $114,460 | 80 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Washington | $113,420 | $112,260 | 40 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Virginia | $112,100 | $108,020 | 130 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Maryland | $109,820 | $114,920 | 210 | 1 | $104,140 | $104,140 |
| Missouri | $100,980 | $102,040 | 40 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Illinois | $92,160 | $92,640 | 40 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Texas | $84,830 | $79,170 | 180 | 1 | $78,670 | $78,670 |
Geographers salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $114,830 | $118,290 | $55.21 | 280 |
| Baltimore, MD | $104,140 | $104,770 | $50.07 | 30 |
| Austin, TX | $78,670 | $76,000 | $37.82 | 120 |
Related jobs
- Clinical and Counseling PsychologistsU.S. average $112,750
- School PsychologistsU.S. average $99,160
- EconomistsU.S. average $142,130
- Survey ResearchersU.S. average $79,580
- Urban and Regional PlannersU.S. average $94,750
- Anthropologists and ArcheologistsU.S. average $75,620
- HistoriansU.S. average $81,240
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherU.S. average $107,690
Geographers salary: questions
Where do geographers make the most money?
In Washington, DC, with an average of $114,830 a year, among the 3 metro areas we cover.
What is the average geographers salary in the U.S.?
$102,350 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $102,040, so half of geographers earn more than that and half less.
What salary should geographers ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of geographers nationwide earn between $80,290 (25th percentile) and $121,870 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays geographers the most?
California, with a statewide average of $114,310 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-3092.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.