How much does a Geographer make in California?
A Geographer working in California earns a median salary of $114,460 per year, or about $55.03 per hour. That is 12% above the national median of $102,040 for this occupation.
Within California, entry-level pay starts around $85,800 while the top 10% make $144,910 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $97,680 and $130,850 a year.
Geographer salary range in California
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $85,800 | $41.25 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $97,680 | $46.96 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $114,460 | $55.03 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $130,850 | $62.91 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $144,910 | $69.67 |
How California compares
California ranks 2nd out of 7 states and territories for Geographer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $114,920 |
| 2 | California | $114,460 |
| 3 | Washington | $112,260 |
| 4 | Virginia | $108,020 |
| 5 | Missouri | $102,040 |
Geographer salary in other states
Working as a Geographer in California
Nationally, about 1,000 people work as Geographers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare California pay ($114,460) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
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← See the national Geographer salary report