Atmospheric Scientist

Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 900 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Education: Bachelor's degree Details

Education Details

50%

Bachelor's Degree

30%

Master's Degree

15%

Doctoral Degree

Some College Courses

Salary

High: $141,520.00

Average: $93,610.00

Hourly

Average: $45.01

Summary of What they do:

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Responsibilities

Conduct climatological research.

Create images or other visual displays.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.

Conduct climatological research.

Provide technical information or assistance to public.

Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Interpret research or operational data.

Conduct climatological research.

Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Communicate with the public on environmental issues.

Provide educational information to the public.

Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.

Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.

Write computer programming code.

Develop training materials.

Present information to the public.

Teach classes in area of specialization.

Provide technical information or assistance to public.

Collect environmental data or samples.

Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

Measure environmental characteristics.

Direct technical activities or operations.

Collect environmental data or samples.

Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.

Develop environmental research methods.

What Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists Do

Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate. They may compile data, prepare reports and forecasts, and assist in developing new data collection instruments.

Duties

Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists

Research meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena such as lightning.

Atmospheric scientists typically do the following:

Measure atmospheric properties, such as temperature, dewpoint, humidity, and windspeed
Use computer models that analyze atmospheric data (also called meteorological data)
Write computer programs to support their modeling efforts
Conduct research to improve understanding of weather phenomena
Generate weather graphics for users
Report current weather conditions
Prepare long- and short-term weather forecasts using computers, mathematical models, satellites, radar, and local station data
Plan, organize, and participate in outreach programs to educate the public about weather
Issue warnings to protect life and property threatened by severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes

Atmospheric scientists use instruments such as radar systems, satellites, and weather balloons to monitor the weather and to collect data. They also use graphics software to illustrate data in forecasts and reports for their clients or the public.

The data that atmospheric scientists collect and analyze are critical to understanding issues related to weather and climate. Atmospheric scientists may work with geoscientists, hydrologists, or other scientists to help solve problems in areas such as agriculture, commerce, energy, the environment, and transportation. For example, atmospheric scientists may work with hydrologists and government organizations to study how rainfall and temperatures impact the water supply and its management.

The following are examples of types of atmospheric scientists:

Broadcast meteorologists give forecasts to the public through television, radio, and digital media, such as streaming videos. They use graphics software to develop maps and charts that explain their forecasts. Not all weather broadcasters appearing on television are meteorologists or atmospheric scientists; reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts may present weather conditions and forecasts but do not have specific training in meteorology.

Climatologists study how climate changes over time so that they can interpret long-term weather patterns or shifts in climate. They may examine data from remote sensing imagery, either analyzing the images by software or combining them into color composites to highlight details not visible to the naked eye.

Forensic meteorologists use historical weather data to reconstruct weather conditions for a specific location and time. They investigate whether the weather was a factor in events such as traffic accidents and fires. Forensic meteorologists may be called as experts to testify in court.

Research meteorologists develop new methods of data collection, observation, and forecasting. They also conduct studies to improve understanding of climate, weather, and other aspects of the atmosphere. For example, they may study severe weather patterns to understand why cyclones form and to develop better ways of predicting hurricanes and tornadoes. Others focus on environmental problems, such as air pollution.

Weather forecasters use computer and mathematical models to produce weather reports and short-term forecasts ranging from a few minutes to more than a week. In addition to developing forecasts for the public, their forecasts for business clients—including airports, utility companies, or grocery stores—help these clients plan for weather events that may affect demand for products or services. They also issue warnings for potentially severe weather, such as blizzards and hurricanes. Some forecasters prepare long-range outlooks to predict whether temperatures and precipitation levels will be above or below average in a particular month or season.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Atmospheric scientists need to evaluate large amounts of data produced by computer models.

Communication skills. Atmospheric scientists must be able to write and speak clearly so that their weather information is useful to the public or business clients.

Critical-thinking skills. Atmospheric scientists need to interpret data and information to create forecasts or reports.

Math skills. Atmospheric scientists must understand the mathematics used to develop models for weather forecasts and to calculate relationships between atmospheric properties, such as how changes in air pressure may affect air temperature.

Tasks On The Job

Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.

PERSONALITY

KEY:

Strength

Caution

Warning

Your Assessment Results		CAREER CHARACTERISTICS Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	91%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	90%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	88%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	85%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	78%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	74%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	74%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	66%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	66%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	65%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	60%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	51%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Your Assessment Results		IMPORTANT STRENGTHS Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment		95%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment		56%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Your Assessment Results		WORK VALUES Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	67%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	67%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

APTITUDES

KEY:

Strength

Caution

Warning

Your Assessment Results		ABILITIES \| SKILLS Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	81%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	81%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	81%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	72%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	70%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	70%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	69%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	60%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	60%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	59%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	59%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	57%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	57%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	57%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	56%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	56%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	55%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	55%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	54%	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	52%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	52%	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Your Assessment Results		TASKS \| ACTIVITIES Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	96%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	90%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	87%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	86%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	84%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	84%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	82%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	78%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	76%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	73%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	69%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	67%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	66%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	64%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	60%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	59%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	59%	Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	58%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	58%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	55%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	53%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	53%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Your Assessment Results		CONTEXT \| ATTRIBUTES Importance


? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	100%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	98%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	89%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	88%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	88%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	86%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	86%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	81%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	75%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	74%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	69%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	68%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	64%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	61%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	54%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
? ? ? ? Begin Career Assessment	69%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

Work Environment

Many atmospheric scientists work at weather stations located throughout the country.

Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists held about 10,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists were as follows:

Federal government, excluding postal service	29%
Other professional, scientific, and technical services	23
Television broadcasting stations	10
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	10

In the federal government, most atmospheric scientists work as weather forecasters with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in weather stations throughout the United States: at airports, in or near cities, and in isolated and remote areas. In small stations, they often work alone; in larger ones, they work as part of a team.

Atmospheric scientists involved in professional, scientific, and technical services or research often work in offices and laboratories. Some travel frequently to collect data and to observe weather events, such as tornadoes, up close. They also may observe weather conditions from aircraft.

Broadcast meteorologists present their reports to the public from television and radio studios. They also may broadcast from outdoor locations to highlight current weather conditions, such as near the ocean before a tropical storm.

Atmospheric scientists who work in private industry may have to travel to meet with clients or to gather information in the field. For example, forensic meteorologists may need to collect information from the scene of an accident as part of their investigation.

Work Schedules

Most atmospheric scientists work full time. Weather may change quickly, so weather forecasters need to continually monitor conditions. Schedules vary by position and employer. For example, some meteorologists work shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage. While some atmospheric scientists may have a standard workweek, broadcast meteorologists may work evenings and weekends. In addition, they may work extended hours during severe weather, such as hurricanes.

Getting Started

How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric scientists issue warnings for severe weather.

Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. For research positions, these scientists typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. In addition, experience gained through an internship or by volunteering while in college may be helpful.

Education

Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related physical science. In addition to meteorology and atmospheric science, course requirements may include physics, mathematics, and computer programming.

Atmospheric scientists who work in research typically need at least a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a related field. Graduate programs may not require program applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science; a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering is usually acceptable.

Training

Atmospheric scientists and meteorologists may need training after they are hired, depending on where they work. For example, new employees of the National Weather Service (NWS) need training on the use of equipment for issuing warnings about severe weather.

Other Experience

Experience gained in the military or through opportunities during college, such as internships or volunteering, may be helpful for prospective atmospheric scientists. For example, the National Weather Service offers opportunities for students through internship, fellowship, volunteer, and scholarship programs.

Licenses and Certifications

Although not required, professional certification may benefit atmospheric scientists in some fields. For example, forensic meteorologists may enhance their credibility for testimony if they have the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Certified Consulting Meteorologist credential.

Certification demonstrates a level of knowledge that employers often value. For example, employers of broadcast meteorologists may prefer to hire candidates who have the AMS designation of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.

Contacts for More Information

For more information about atmospheric scientists, including a list of colleges and universities offering atmospheric science programs, visit

American Meteorological Society (AMS)

For a broad range of information concerning atmospheric scientists within the geosciences perspective, visit

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)

For more information about atmospheric science careers in research, visit

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

For more information about federal government education requirements for atmospheric science positions, visit

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

For more information about the COMET training program, visit

MetEd

To find job openings for atmospheric scientists in the federal government, visit

USAJOBS

For more information about federal government atmospheric science careers in the National Weather Service, visit

National Weather Service (NWS)

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.	Bachelor's degree	$97,800
Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.	Bachelor's degree	$96,530
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.	Bachelor's degree	$76,480
Geoscientists	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.	Bachelor's degree	$87,480
Hydrologists	Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.	Bachelor's degree	$85,990
Mathematicians and Statisticians	Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.	Master's degree	$99,960
Physicists and Astronomers	Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.	Doctoral or professional degree	$139,220
Postsecondary Teachers	Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.	See How to Become One	$80,840