### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			atmospheric scientists including meteorologists imageResearch meteorologists prepare to test hurricane resiliency of homes and warehouses in their lab.							
						Quick Facts:     Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists2023     Median Pay
            						$92,860     per year
										$44.65     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    10,500Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    4% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    500What Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most atmospheric scientists work indoors in weather stations, offices, or laboratories. They may work outdoors to observe the weather. Most atmospheric scientists are full time and may work extended hours during weather emergencies.
            
                                                How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist
                                                
                        
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $92,860 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												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.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists Do 
            

			Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologistsResearch meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena such as lightning.			
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 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 tornadoesAtmospheric 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.
 Work Environment
			Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologistsMany 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
                23Television broadcasting stations
                10Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                10In 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.
 How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist

			Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologistsAtmospheric 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.
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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Atmospheric Scientists, Including MeteorologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Atmospheric and space scientists$92,860  Physical scientists$89,350  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $92,860 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,960, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,250.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Federal government, excluding postal service
                $114,900Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                103,960Other professional, scientific, and technical services
                69,840Television broadcasting stations
                68,040Most 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 nights and weekends. In addition, they may work extended hours during severe weather, such as hurricanes.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Atmospheric Scientists, Including MeteorologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Physical scientists5%  Atmospheric and space scientists4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			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.
			Employment
	
			
New types of computer models have vastly improved the accuracy of forecasts, allowing atmospheric scientists to tailor forecasts to specific purposes. This should support demand for atmospheric scientists as businesses require more specialized weather information.
Businesses increasingly rely on just-in-time delivery to avoid the expenses incurred by traditional inventory management methods. Severe weather can interrupt ground or air transportation and delay inventory delivery. Businesses have begun to maintain forecasting teams around the clock to advise delivery personnel, and this availability helps them stay on schedule. In addition, severe weather patterns have become widely recognizable, and industries have become increasingly concerned about their impact, which will create demand for work in atmospheric science.
As utility companies continue to adopt wind and solar power, they depend more heavily on weather forecasting to arrange for buying and selling power.
			

                        Employment projections data for     atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Atmospheric and space scientists**
			19-2021
			10,500
			11,000
			4
			500
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Atmospheric and space scientists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 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
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Computer Programmers**
            Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,700**Environmental Engineers**
            Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,090**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
            $78,980**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**Hydrologists**
            Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
            Bachelor's degree
            $88,770**Mathematicians and Statisticians**
            Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.
            Master's degree
            $104,860**Physicists and Astronomers**
            Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $149,530**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380
 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)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Atmospheric and Space Scientists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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