A Consulting Meteorologist is someone paid to provide advice on weather. Some Consultants work with the insurance industry. Others work with power companies or shipping companies to try to reduce the cost associated with inclement weather. Consulting meteorologists usually need to have a B.S. or M.S. in meteorology, and may find a Ph.D. helpful. They also need some work experience before becoming an independent consultant.
Climatologists collect weather records and produce summaries of the records.
Most states have a State Climatologist who provides state officials with future weather predictions. Many climatologists are members of college or university faculties and do research with their data. Faculty members need a Ph.D. in meteorology or atmospheric science.