Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms what we have known for quite some time: Geography is a hot field with higher than average salaries and strong job growth potential.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition entry for Geographers offers the following statistics:
- 2012 median pay: $74,760 per year
- Job outlook 2012-2022: 29% (much faster than average)
[Also see the New York Times interactive infographic: COLLEGE IS STILL WORTH IT, DESPITE RISING COSTS. “Geographer” has the fourth highest job growth in the interactive graph “Maximize Earning Potential.”]
Essential to many careers in Geography are the mapping and spatial analysis skills associated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS skills also provide a strong foundation for jobs in other fields such as urban planning, environmental science, public health, business, transportation…. I could go on and on. Bottom line: if it can be mapped, it can benefit from GIS! More and more employers recognize this and are anxious to hire graduates with strong GIS, spatial analysis, programming and data science skills
Where should one receive their geographic education? The Department of Geography at The Ohio State University is one of the top Geography programs in North America, and it especially renowned for it world-class GIS program at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For example, see 2015 Rankings – Top Graduate Geography Programs for Spatial Careers
Join the GIS revolution and gain a career!