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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to analyze data, and to incorporate in studies knowledge from related fields such as geology, biology, meteorology, economics, demography, political science, sociology and history
Interest in consulting with governments and international, educational, industrial and other organizations on how to determine administrative and political boundaries, how to measure, evaluate and control environmental pollution, and how to assess actual and potential land uses, remote sensing applications and census design; and in compiling and designing maps and atlases
Interest in handling equipment to collect, observe and measure data and remote sensing information
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Geographers need:
They should enjoy:
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.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 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 2016 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 [pdf] 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 | $21.00 | $42.06 | $32.76 | $33.00 |
| Overall | $23.25 | $55.54 | $44.68 | $43.11 |
| Top | $25.00 | $80.04 | $54.73 | $50.69 |
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 | $82,211 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $74,555 |
| Public Administration | $105,776 |
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.
