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Geography Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Geography Professor information

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$18.5K

$63.2K

$128.5K

How much do geography professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for geography professor in the United States is $63,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a geography professor do?

A Geography Professor teaches courses related to physical and human geography at the college or university level. They develop curricula, deliver lectures, guide student research, and often conduct their own academic research in various areas of geography. In addition to teaching, they may publish scholarly articles, attend conferences, and contribute to their academic community through service roles. Geography Professors help students understand topics like climate, landforms, population, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Their work often combines classroom instruction with practical fieldwork and analysis.

What does a geography professor do?

As a geography professor, your job is to teach geography classes at a college or university. In this role, you may help students learn more about the different types of geography within the country, help write a curriculum, and adjust lesson plans based on the unique learning needs of each student. Geography professors often participate in school activities and events, and you may personally oversee the education of graduate students or the daily work of assistant professors. You may also perform research when not teaching classes. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this job sometimes involves writing books, recording videos, or providing input for news companies looking for expert explanations of recent geographic events.

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

To thrive as a Geography Professor, you need an advanced degree in geography or a related field, a strong research background, and expertise in both physical and human geography. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical software, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help engage students and foster a collaborative learning environment. These competencies ensure effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the academic community.

What are some common challenges geography professors face when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Geography Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging lectures, mentoring students, and conducting original research. One common challenge is finding time to pursue research projects and secure funding while meeting teaching obligations and departmental service commitments. Effective time management and collaboration with colleagues can help, but it’s important to set realistic goals and communicate openly with department leadership about workload. Universities typically offer support through research grants, teaching assistants, and sabbaticals to help manage these demands.

What is the difference between Geography Professor vs Geography Teacher?

AspectGeography ProfessorGeography Teacher
Required CredentialsDoctorate or Master’s degree in Geography or related fieldBachelor’s degree or teaching certification in Geography
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, research settingsHigh schools, middle schools, or community education programs
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academic researchSecondary education institutions, public or private schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, research opportunitiesClassroom teaching, student engagement

While both Geography Professors and Geography Teachers work in educational settings related to geography, Professors typically hold advanced degrees and teach at the college level, focusing on research and higher education. Teachers usually have a bachelor's degree and teaching certification, working in primary or secondary schools to instruct students directly. The roles differ mainly in educational level, credentials, and work environment, but both contribute to geography education.

What cities are hiring for Geography Professor jobs?

Cities with the most Geography Professor job openings:

What states have the most Geography Professor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Geography Professor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Geography Professor jobs?

For Geography Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Geography Professor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,181 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Tenure-Stream Assistant Professor of Geography

Hamilton, NY • On-site

Colgate University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach introductory and advanced courses in climate science, physical geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

  • Conduct research using geospatial analysis to study topics related to physical geography or human-environment concerns.

  • Participate in all-university programs and contribute to developing or leading off-campus study programs.


Colgate University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
The Geography Department at Colgate University invites applications for a tenure-stream position in climate science at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning fall semester 2027. Our department is vibrant, growing, and interdisciplinary, with strengths across the discipline of geography. Completion of a Ph.D. in Geography, Climate Science, Earth System Science, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline prior to or shortly after the date of hire is required. Teaching and/or postdoctoral research experience is preferred.
We seek a climate scientist whose research uses geospatial analysis to study cutting-edge topics. These might include ones centered in physical geography, such as atmospheric circulation, surface-atmosphere interactions, or extreme weather/climate events, or ones that engage directly with human-environment concerns, such as urban climates, climate injustice, or climate impacts on vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Teaching duties will include offering introductory and advanced courses in climate science, physical geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The successful candidate will also fulfill the expectation that all Colgate faculty participate in all-university programs, including the Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, and may have opportunities to develop or lead off-campus study programs.
We invite applicants to submit a cover letter that addresses how their teaching and research interests align with this position, a C.V., and names and contact information for three individuals prepared to write letters on their behalf, which must be submitted through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/189915. Colgate strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities. In their application cover letter, candidates must describe how their approach to teaching might create an inclusive educational environment. Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Letters of recommendation, and teaching and research statements will be solicited for candidates who advance beyond the initial review stage.
Colgate is a vibrant liberal arts university of 3,200 students situated in central New York state. Colgate faculty are committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Further information about the Geography Department can be found here. Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York at this website.
Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics
The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page here. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

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