Geography and Cartographyat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $24,875/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Geography and Cartography average. Base-case 10-year earnings $560K; scenarios range from $515K to $569K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
The earnings profile for this program reflects the complex interplay of the Bay Area's unique labor market and the diverse applications of geography. While some graduates find high-paying roles in specialized tech firms leveraging geospatial data, many pursue careers in government, non-profits, or urban planning. These sectors, while offering crucial contributions, typically provide more modest compensation relative to the region's exceptionally high cost of living. SF State’s program often provides a comprehensive geographical foundation. To maximize your earning potential and mitigate AI risk, you'll need to aggressively cultivate highly technical skills in advanced GIS, remote sensing, and programming. Focus on building a portfolio that showcases your proficiency with cutting-edge tools and actively seek internships with Bay Area tech companies or specialized environmental consultancies.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to SF State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Geography and Cartography
How SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Geography and Cartography offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Geography and Cartography trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Geography and Cartography at SF State
How does San Francisco State University's Geography and Cartography program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Geography and Cartography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geography and Cartography to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geography and Cartography careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Geography and Cartography earnings lower at San Francisco State University?
Lower starting pay at San Francisco State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.