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Geographer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Geographer

Reston, VA · On-site

$74K/yr

Basic Education Requirement Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for the Geographer Series, GS-0150. A. Education Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher ...

Geographer

Reston, VA · On-site

$74K/yr

Basic Education Requirement Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for the Geographer Series, GS-0150. A. Education Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher ...

Human Geographer - Mid-Level - TS/SCI Location: Springfield, VA Experience Level: Level 3, Middle (5-10 years) Required Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance Wiser offers innovative solutions ...

Human Geographer - Mid-Level - TS/SCI Location: Springfield, VA Experience Level: Level 3, Middle (5-10 years) Required Clearance: Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance Wiser offers innovative solutions ...

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Showing results 1-20

Geographer information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$74.6K

$111.5K

How much do geographer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for geographer in Virginia is $74,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $90,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid career in geography?

In geography, the highest paid careers are often in GIS management, remote sensing, or urban planning at senior levels, with professionals such as GIS directors or urban planners earning six-figure salaries. Advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience in specialized tools like ArcGIS or remote sensing software typically contribute to higher earnings.

What jobs can you do with geography?

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 mapping tools like GIS software. Many positions are found in government agencies, research institutions, and private companies, sometimes requiring relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What jobs do geographers have?

Geographers work in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, transportation, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). They analyze spatial data, create maps, and study human and physical landscapes, often using tools like GPS and remote sensing. Many geographers work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies, and some pursue careers in academia or consulting.

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 are geographers?

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 pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of geography, high-paying roles such as senior geospatial analysts, GIS directors, or consultants working in specialized industries like oil and gas or technology can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and proficiency with GIS software and data analysis tools.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geographer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Geographer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Geographer jobs in Virginia? For Geographer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geographer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Geographer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Geographer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Geographer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Geographer jobs in VA? For Geographer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Geographer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,553 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Geographer

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

409th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located within the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Core Science Systems, Cartographic Data Services.

Duty Locations:

  • Rolla, Missouri
  • Lakewood, Colorado
  • Reston, Virginia

Salary (GS-11):

  • Lakewood, CO: $83,265 (Step 1) to $108,251 (Step 10)
  • Rolla, MO: $74,678 (Step 1) to $97,087 (Step 10)
  • Reston, VA: $85,447 (Step 1) to $111,087 (Step 10)
Qualifications:

Basic Education Requirement

Applicants must meet A or B below to satisfy the basic education requirement for the Geographer Series, GS-0150.

A. Education

Successfully completed a bachelor's or higher degree 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.

OR

B. Combination of Education and Experience

Successfully completed a combination of education and experience that included coursework equivalent to a major in geography or a related field, with at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields, as described in A above, plus appropriate experience and/or additional education. The combination of education and experience must be comparable in type, scope, and depth to that acquired through successful completion of a four-year course of study as described above.

Minimum Qualification Requirements for the GS-11 Grade Level

In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, applicants must meet one of the following:

A. Specialized Experience

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing duties such as:

  • Analyzing and interpreting geographic information, maps, digital geospatial data, and related datasets to solve geographic problems.
  • Researching, evaluating, and selecting information from multiple sources to support the location, documentation, and standardization of geographic names and features for maps, charts, or gazetteers.
  • Analyzing the spatial distribution of geographic phenomena and comparing relationships among natural or human-induced features.
  • Assisting higher-graded researchers on geographic studies, projects, or analyses by collecting, organizing, evaluating, and interpreting geographic information.
  • Performing independent assignments or significant portions of larger projects while applying established geographic principles, methods, and procedures to resolve routine problems.

OR

B. Education

Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in geography or another directly related field of study.

OR

Successfully completed three years of progressively higher-level graduate education (54 semester hours, 81 quarter hours, or the equivalent) leading to a Ph.D. in geography or another directly related field, provided the education demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR

C. Combination of Graduate Education and Specialized Experience

Successfully completed a combination of graduate education beyond the second year of graduate study and specialized experience, as described above, that together meet the qualification requirements for the GS-11 grade level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:
  • Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
  • Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit:https://www.usgs.gov/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs
Employment Type: OTHER

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