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Geographer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Geographer information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$74.2K

$111K

How much do geographer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for geographer in California is $74,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $89,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs do geographers have?

Geographers work in fields such as urban planning, environmental consulting, transportation, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and research. They analyze spatial data, create maps, and study human and physical landscapes, often using specialized software and fieldwork. Many geographers work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geographer, you need a solid background in physical and human geography, spatial analysis, and typically a bachelor's or advanced degree in geography or a related field. Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing tools, and data visualization software is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills help geographers interpret data and convey findings effectively. These competencies are essential for producing accurate spatial analyses and supporting decisions in urban planning, environmental management, and research.

What are some common challenges geographers face when conducting fieldwork?

Geographers often encounter challenges such as difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, or limited access to certain locations when conducting fieldwork. Additionally, gathering accurate data can require navigating logistical and technical issues, such as ensuring precise GPS readings or coordinating with local authorities. Effective planning, adaptability, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring successful research outcomes.

What is a geographer?

Geographers are professionals who study the Earth's surface, its physical features, and the human societies spread across it. They analyze how people interact with their environments and use tools like maps, GIS (geographic information systems), and fieldwork to gather and interpret data. Geographers can specialize in physical geography, focusing on natural features like landforms and climates, or human geography, which examines cultures, economies, and urban development. Their work is valuable in areas such as urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response.

What do geographers do?

Geographers study the physical features of the earth and its populations. While many specialties exist, all geographers employ several methods of gathering information, including field observations, satellite imagery, and censuses. They process and interpret such information and translate it into findings relevant to the particular industry in which they’re working. Specialties include physical geographers who study the earth’s surface, the physical landscapes, and the natural environment. Human geographers focus on the relationship between human activity and their environment, which reveals insights on culture, society, and economy.

What jobs can I do with a geographer?

A geographer can work in fields such as urban planning, environmental consulting, GIS analysis, transportation, and resource management. These roles often require skills in spatial analysis, data interpretation, and the use of GIS software. Geographers may work for government agencies, private companies, or research institutions, often requiring a bachelor's or master's degree in geography or related fields.
More about Geographer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Geographer jobs in California? The most popular types of Geographer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Geographer jobs in California? For Geographer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geographer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geographer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geographer jobs? Cities in California with the most Geographer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Geographer jobs in CA? For Geographer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Geographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geographer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $74,213 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

GEOGRAPHER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Camp Pendleton, CA • On-site

$85K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Applying geographic analysis, GIS principles, cartography, and remote sensing techniques to environmental and natural resource management issues, utilizing ESRI software suite (i.e., ArcGIS, ArcSDE, ArcIMS, etc.) for data management, analysis, and map production, compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting spatially distributed data to support environmental planning, resource management, and compliance efforts, collaborating with technical staff and stakeholders to gather data, develop solutions, and implement GIS applications, providing technical guidance and training on GIS technologies and applications.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/geography-series-0150/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must posses:
Degree: Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in geography; or related physical or social science such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields.
To qualify for this position via education substitution in addition to the basic education requirement above, applicants must possess:
  • 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major in geography, or a related physical or social science such as geology, meteorology, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, political science, history, cartography, computer science, urban studies, or planning that included at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields, plus the appropriate experience or additional education.
Transcripts must be submitted so education requirements can be verified.Employment Type: OTHER

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