Geographers
SOC Code: 19-3092
Geographers carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $97,200 and -3.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 1,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Geographers (SOC 19-3092) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 1,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.1% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $97,200, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Geographers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
- 2. Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
- 3. Teach geography.
- 4. Write and present reports of research findings.
- 5. Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
- 6. Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
- 7. Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
- 8. Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
- 9. Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
- 10. Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Science
- Systems Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Geography
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Mathematics
- History and Archeology
- Law and Government
- Communications and Media
- Biology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Geographers?
Geographers has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Geographers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Geographers is projected to decline by 3.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 1,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Geographers?
Key skills for Geographers include Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Geographers earn?
The median annual wage for Geographers is $97,200, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Geographers?
The typical entry-level education for Geographers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Geographers?
Geographers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).