Geographer Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Geographers in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$112,260
per year
Hourly Rate
$53.97
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+10% vs US median
US median $102,040
State Rank
#3 of 7
40 employed here

How much does a Geographer make in Washington?

Geographers in Washington take home a median of $112,260 annually — roughly $53.97 an hour — which runs 10% above the national median of $102,040.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $76,490 while the top 10% make $147,990 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $89,270 and $124,130 a year.

Geographer salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$76,490$36.77
25th percentile (early career)$89,270$42.92
50th percentile (median)$112,260$53.97
75th percentile (experienced)$124,130$59.68
90th percentile (top earners)$147,990$71.15

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 3rd out of 7 states and territories for Geographer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Maryland$114,920
2California$114,460
3Washington$112,260
4Virginia$108,020
5Missouri$102,040

Working as a Geographer in Washington

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 Washington pay ($112,260) 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

How much does a Geographer make in Washington?
The median Geographer salary in Washington is $112,260 per year, or about $53.97 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $76,490 at the entry level to $147,990 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Geographers about 10% more than the national median of $102,040. Washington ranks 3rd out of 7 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Geographers?
Yes on pay — Washington pays above the national median for this occupation, at $112,260 a year. About 40 Geographers are employed in Washington. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Geographer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.