1

Geography Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in Geography or related fields such as Earth Science, Geology, or Meteorology from an accredited institution. The Geography Department at Harper College is seeking a qualified ...

Master's degree in Geography or related fields such as Earth Science, Geology, or Meteorology from an accredited institution. The Geography Department at Harper College is seeking a qualified ...

Master's degree in Geography or related fields such as Earth Science, Geology, or Meteorology from an accredited institution. The Geography Department at Harper College is seeking a qualified ...

Master's degree in Geography or related fields such as Earth Science, Geology, or Meteorology from an accredited institution. The Geography Department at Harper College is seeking a qualified ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online High School Geography tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

Part Time Faculty, Geography

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.5K - $5.6K/wk

Part Time Faculty, Geography Full-time Faculty Positions Full-time faculty positions will be posted on a per-opening basis. Postings are organized by college/school and department. Applicants will be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Geography information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$27

$46

How much do geography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for geography in Illinois is $27.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $32.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do geographers do?

Geographers study the Earth and its land, features, inhabitants, and phenomena. They examine both the physical properties of a region and how humans interact with their environment, often using maps, spatial data, and field observations. Their work can involve researching climate change, urban planning, population trends, and cultural patterns. Geographers may specialize in physical geography, human geography, or geographic information systems (GIS). Their findings help inform policy decisions, environmental management, and community development.

How to get a job in geography?

A bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, or a related subject can help you pursue a job in this field. During the pursuit of your degree, try to spend some time doing fieldwork in an internship. This can give you an idea of the career opportunities, allow you to hone in on your specializations, and grant you valuable experience. Whether it be a surveying or urban planning, you can make great use of your geography skills as an intern. You should also work to develop strong communication and organizational skills. Hands-on experience with specialized computer programs is also useful, especially for cartographers and planners.

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 usually a relevant degree such as geography or environmental science. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing software, and data visualization tools is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help geographers interpret data and present findings effectively. These skills enable geographers to analyze complex spatial patterns, support decision-making, and address real-world environmental and societal challenges.

What are some common challenges geography professionals face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Geography professionals frequently collaborate with experts from fields such as urban planning, environmental science, and public policy, which can present challenges like differing methodologies and communication styles. Navigating varying data standards, integrating spatial analysis with non-spatial data, and aligning project goals require flexibility and strong teamwork skills. Being proactive in fostering open communication and understanding each discipline’s priorities can help geography professionals contribute effectively and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Geography vs Cartography?

AspectGeographyCartography
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geography or related fieldBachelor's or higher in Cartography, Geography, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research, classroom, GIS labsDesigning maps, GIS software, digital and print map production
Industry UsageEducation, research, urban planning, environmental managementMapping agencies, GIS firms, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonUnderstanding spatial relationships, environmental issuesCreating accurate maps, visual data representation

Geography focuses on studying Earth's landscapes, environments, and spatial relationships, often involving fieldwork and research. Cartography specializes in designing and producing maps, using GIS technology and graphic skills. While both roles involve spatial data, geography emphasizes analysis and understanding, whereas cartography centers on map creation and visualization.

What jobs can you do with geography?

A geography degree prepares individuals for careers such as cartographer, GIS analyst, urban planner, environmental consultant, and transportation planner. These roles often require skills in spatial analysis, data management, and familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) software. Job opportunities exist in government agencies, environmental organizations, consulting firms, and education sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Geography jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Geography jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Geography jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Geography job openings:

Infographic showing various Geography job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,491 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Adjunct-Geography

Palatine, IL


Harper College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Uninterrupted breaks


Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview

Minimum: Master’s degree in Geography or related fields such as Earth Science, Geology, or Meteorology from an accredited institution.
Job Description: The Geography Department at Harper College is seeking a qualified instructor to teach a variety of geography courses in person on campus.
Courses to be taught: Physical Geography (lecture and lab), World Regional Geography, and Cultural Geography. Please note that these courses are offered in person only, as there are no online courses for this position.
Experience Requirements: At least one year or two semesters of teaching experience preferred. The candidate should maintain the highest standards of classroom instruction. The ability to teach in both in-person and blended learning environments, as well as experience with course management systems such as Blackboard, is preferred.


What Harper College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom