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Geographer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Wiser

Human Geographer (Mid-Level) - TS/SCI

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Wiser

Human Geographer (Mid-Level)- TS/SCI

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

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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All JobsGeographer JobsGeographer Jobs in Reston, VA

Geographer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$45.3K

$78.2K

$117K

How much do geographer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for geographer in Reston, VA is $78,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $94,700.00 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.
More about Geographer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Geographer jobs in Reston, VA? For Geographer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geographer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Geographer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Geographer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Geographer job openings:
Geographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geographer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,232 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Human Geographer (Hiring Event)

Human Geographer (Hiring Event)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Springfield, VA

$51K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

Human Geographers apply knowledge of physical and socio-cultural aspects of countries, regions, and urban areas to support national security goals and issues. They monitor their area of responsibility, conduct research, and synthesize regional and human geographic data to build foundation geospatial data layers. They perform analyses to characterize events, identify relationships and trends, infer

Qualifications:

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
Demonstrated knowledge of human geography concepts.
Experience with physical or cultural geography (i.e., regional geography, economic geography, political geography).
Rudimentary experience with research and data analysis.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Anthropology, History, Cartography, or a related discipline that included at least 24 semester hours in Geography or related fields. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework in Geography or related fields as shown in option A, plus experience that includes the use of current GIS tools, methods of research and analysis, and/or application of cartographic principles, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. -OR- C. Experience: Four years of applied experience in Geography or related fields that includes the use of current GIS tools, methods of research and analysis, and/or application of cartographic principles, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Distinguish principal colors and shades/hues of principal colors; Near visual acuity of 20/20 or better with or without corrective lenses

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
Demonstrated proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Demonstrated experience with Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), cartographic principles, and the georeferencing of information.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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