Image that illustrates Geographer

Geographer

46 000 kr

Archaeologists and specialists in humanities etc.

41 100 - 52 100 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Administration, ekonomi

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Geographer

Average salary 46 000 kr
Males 46 600 kr
Females 45 300 kr

What does a geographer do? – Tasks and work environment

Geographers analyze and understand the Earth's physical landscape, societal development, and the interaction between humans and the environment. Tasks can range from field studies and data collection to advanced GIS analysis and report writing. Many geographers work in the public sector, research institutes, or consulting firms, working both individually and in project teams. The work environment is often flexible, alternating between office work, fieldwork, and collaboration with other specialists in areas such as environment, urban planning, and transportation.

Salary development over time

The salary for geographers has shown a stable and positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,000 SEK, followed by a slight increase to 43 300 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen to 46 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7% from 2022. Factors driving salary development include increased demand for geographic analysis in urban planning and climate issues, as well as a high level of education among practitioners. The ongoing technological development within GIS and data-driven analysis has also contributed to strengthening the profession’s position and salary levels.

Geographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 46 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,100 SEK/month (men), 42,000 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 52,100 SEK/month (men), 50,700 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage (average): 277 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a geographer, an academic degree in geography or related fields is generally required. Basic education typically spans three to five years at university or college, with specialization in areas such as GIS, urban planning, or environmental analysis being common. Internships, project work, and field studies are often important parts of the education, and further specialization can be achieved through postgraduate or master's programs and courses in new techniques and analysis tools.

  • Bachelor's degree in geography: 3 years
  • Master's degree (optional): 2 years
  • Courses in GIS and environmental analysis: Recommended
  • Internship or project work: Common during education
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university/college

Geographers often have opportunities to work internationally, as geographic analysis and GIS skills are in demand worldwide, from aid projects to international environmental organizations. This mobility can open doors to exciting career paths and unique work experiences in various parts of the world.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for geographers include wellness allowances, opportunities for flexible working hours and remote work, as well as extra vacation days and professional development through courses and conferences. Fieldwork may also include per diems and travel allowances.

Competition and challenges

The job market for geographers is characterized by some competition, especially for the most attractive positions in larger cities and research environments. Although demand for geographic expertise is increasing, a clear specialization or technical profile, such as GIS or environmental analysis, is often required to stand out. Challenges may also include overlapping tasks with other professions, such as urban planners and environmental scientists, which can demand broad skills and good collaboration abilities. The ability to quickly adapt to new technology and changing work methods is crucial for long-term success.

Tips for aspiring geographers

To succeed as a geographer, it is good to combine analytical skills with curiosity and a desire to understand complex relationships. A first step is to pursue a broad education in geography and supplement it with courses in GIS, statistics, and environmental analysis, as these skills are highly sought after. Being communicative and able to present results pedagogically is also important, as geographers often work in interdisciplinary teams and need to explain their analyses to different audiences. Internships or summer jobs in relevant organizations provide valuable experience and can create important contacts for the future. Precision and patience are qualities that facilitate both fieldwork and data processing. Finally, being flexible and open to new technologies benefits those whose roles are continuously evolving with new digital tools and working methods.

Key facts about Geographer

  • Education level: Bachelor's or master's degree in geography
  • Work environment: Alternates between office, field, and project work
  • Demand: 758 job openings within the profession (2024)
  • Special skills: GIS, environmental analysis, urban planning

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a geographer can advance to specialist roles within GIS, environmental strategy, or urban planning, or move into project management. There are also opportunities to work as a researcher, case officer, or consultant in the public sector, government agencies, and international organizations. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate continued good prospects, especially due to increasing needs for sustainable development and climate adaptation. Technological advancements within geographic information systems and data-driven analysis also open new career paths and work areas for those wishing to further develop their skills.

Frequently asked questions about Geographer

  • What does a geographer earn?
    - A geographer has an average salary of 46 000 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between men and women look?
    - Men earn 46 600 SEK, women 45 300 SEK, which is 97% of men's salary.
  • What education is required to become a geographer?
    - Usually, a bachelor's degree in geography is required, sometimes complemented with a master's degree.
  • What are the job duties of a geographer?
    - Tasks include analysis of the environment, societal development, GIS, and report writing.
  • What are the future prospects for geographers?
    - The forecast is positive, with 758 job openings in the profession according to current statistics.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a geographer?
    - Highest salary for men is 52,100 SEK, for women 50,700 SEK. Lowest salary for men is 41,100 SEK, for women 42,000 SEK.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Common benefits include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Geographer is 52100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a data missing. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Geographer is 41100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 101% 45600 kr 45800 kr
45-54 101% 47200 kr 47300 kr
55-64 91% 47300 kr 47300 kr
Snitt 97% 45900 kr 46000 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Geographer has the SSYK code 2623, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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