Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Geography teachers at the postsecondary level instruct students in courses covering physical geography, human geography, regional studies, and related topics. They work at colleges and universities, where they combine classroom instruction with research activities. Some focus primarily on teaching while others divide their time between both responsibilities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against geography teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes preparing and delivering lectures to classes of varying sizes, grading assignments and exams, and holding office hours to meet with students. Geography instructors develop course materials, update curricula to reflect current global issues, and may conduct fieldwork or research projects. Those with research responsibilities spend time writing grant proposals, analyzing geographic data, or publishing findings in academic journals.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
Geography teachers typically enjoy investigating how physical systems and human societies interact across different regions and scales. You tend to be drawn to understanding complex spatial patterns and enjoy sharing these insights with students through structured coursework and scholarly work.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $112,980 | $146,040 | $192,800 | 280 |
| Oregon | $65,270 | $113,500 | $171,540 | 180 |
| Vermont | $103,710 | $107,790 | $110,030 | 40 |
| Connecticut | $79,790 | $105,470 | $135,670 | 40 |
| Maryland | $97,830 | $103,430 | $132,230 | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $80,650 | $101,870 | $128,200 | 60 |
| Illinois | $78,210 | $100,790 | $119,300 | 140 |
| New York | $82,160 | $100,420 | $131,920 | 200 |
| Texas | $64,180 | $99,510 | $127,000 | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | $79,590 | $97,120 | $123,900 | 220 |
| Minnesota | $80,210 | $95,890 | $118,070 | 120 |
| Washington | $75,540 | $90,550 | $100,080 | 100 |
All 28 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- LIUNA Instructor Certification — LIUNA Training & Education
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against geography teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1064.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.