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Cartographer, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst, Human Geographer, Physical Geographer, Remote Sensing Specialist, Research Scientist, Social Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Geographers work on a range of issues. For example, they may study spatial processes and patterns at the earth’s surface. Or they may focus on environmental and social change in human and natural systems. They use theories and techniques from the social and natural sciences as well as information technologies (IT). IT systems may include high-end mapping and geomatics techniques, geographical information systems (GIS), and satellite data analysis (remote sensing). They often do fieldwork to collect or verify information.
They may:
Geographers use laboratory, statistical, interview, and field techniques to collect data. They use computers for data analysis, qualitative and quantitative survey material, and remotely sensed imagery. For example, they may use survey data to examine urban, rural, and social issues, or GIS and image analysis systems (IAS) for planning and resource management.
Geographers work in offices, labs, and classrooms. Those who do field studies may work in various environments. These can range from Arctic tundra to rainforest and from cities to rural areas, depending on their focus. Fieldwork happens in Canada and abroad. In the field, hours of work depend on the weather and duration of the field season.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Geographers
2023 OaSIS: 41409.03
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Geographers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Mar 24, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 7 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Excellent written communication | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 7 |
| Tasks: Perform administrative tasks | 7 |
| Construction Specialization: Interpersonal awareness | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Analytical | 6 |
| Construction Specialization: Judgement | 6 |
| Type of Related Experience: Qualitative research | 6 |
| Type of Related Experience: Quantitative research | 6 |
| Work under pressure | 5 |
The minimum education requirement for geographers is a bachelor’s degree in geography. To specialize in a particular area, a master’s degree or a doctoral (PhD) degree is required.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Geographers may function as environmental consultants, resource managers, geography specialists, or advisors. They may also work as urban or regional planners. They may work for:
Geographers may specialize in a wide range of areas. These may include climatology, the environment, developing countries, resource management, transportation studies, land-use planning, social service delivery planning, or medical geography.
Often, geographers start as technicians. Experienced geographers may advance to supervisory or administrative positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c.
2016 NOC: 4169
80.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Earnings vary a lot depending on the geographer’s responsibilities and qualifications. Entry-level geographers often earn below the average as they have less education and experience.
Geographers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4169: Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.00 | $39.64 | $36.28 | $37.80 |
| Overall | $33.00 | $56.53 | $46.44 | $47.78 |
| Top | $36.50 | $56.53 | $48.67 | $50.26 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $86,223 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $85,840 |
| Public Administration | $92,961 |
American Association of Geographers (AAG) website: www.aag.org
Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) website: www.cag-acg.ca
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) website: rcgs.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
