Meteorologist Career Guide

What is a meteorologist?

Meteorologists are like nature’s detectives. They study the atmosphere to understand and forecast the weather. This isn’t just about telling us if it’s going to rain or shine; it’s about using advanced science and technology to predict dangerous storms, help farmers plan their crops, and even aid pilots in navigating the skies safely.

Duties and responsibilities

These weather wizards have a lot on their plate. They use data from satellites, radars, and weather stations to predict what the weather will be like. They need to keep an eye on current weather conditions, make models to guess future weather, and study how these conditions can affect us and our environment.

Meteorologists also share their forecasts with the public, businesses, and government agencies. This can include warnings about severe weather like hurricanes and blizzards. For those in research, their job includes studying climate change and developing new tools to better understand the atmosphere.

Work environment

Where a meteorologist works can vary a lot. Some spend most of their time in offices, looking at data and making forecasts. Others might be out in the field, collecting data right where the weather is happening, even if it means standing in the middle of a storm. And if you’ve ever seen someone giving the weather report on TV or radio, that’s a meteorologist, too!

Typical work hours

Since the weather never stops, meteorologists often work in shifts to make sure someone is always keeping an eye on things. They might work day or night, on weekends, and even on holidays, especially if severe weather is happening. Those in research usually have more regular hours, but they might also have to work long or unusual hours when they’re out gathering data.

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How to become a meteorologist

Interested in a career that lets you chase storms or predict sunny days? Becoming a meteorologist involves a bit of education, some real-world experience, and a passion for the skies. Here’s how you can get started.

Step 1: Finish high school

Start by getting your high school diploma. Pay extra attention to math and science classes because they’re the foundation of meteorology. It’s also smart to get into computer science courses since a lot of weather forecasting is done on computers nowadays.

Step 2: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Next up, head to college for a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. You’ll study everything from the basics of weather patterns to the details of climate change. Classes will cover calculus, physics, and computer programming, among others.

Step 3: Find internships

While in school, try to snag some internships. These are super helpful for gaining hands-on experience and learning directly from pros in the field. Plus, they can be a great way to make connections that could lead to a job later.

Step 4: Maybe go for a master’s degree

If you’re really into research or want to get into teaching or high-level forecasting, consider going for a master’s degree in atmospheric science. It’s not required for all jobs, but it can help if you want to specialize.

Step 5: Get certified

Check out certification programs from organizations like the American Meteorological Society. These can boost your resume and show employers you know your stuff. For example, if you want to be on TV, you might want the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation.

Step 6: Land your first job

Start your career with an entry-level job at a weather station, an environmental agency, or maybe even a TV station. Your first job might not be your ultimate dream job, but it’s your entry into the world of meteorology. From there, who knows? The sky’s the limit!

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How much do meteorologists make?

Meteorologist salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. Specialized skill sets such as expertise in climatology, geophysics, or oceanography and the type of employers, ranging from government organizations to private sector companies, can also impact their compensation.

Highest paying industries

• Federal Executive Branch: $102,190
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $96,780
• Architectural and Engineering: $90,680
• Scientific Research and Development Services: $89,560
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: $88,430

Browse meteorologist salary data by market

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Types of meteorologists

Curious about the different types of meteorologists? From predicting storms to helping cities plan for the future, they have a variety of exciting specializations. Let’s explore some of the main ones.

Operational meteorologist

These are the pros who work in weather stations or offices, and even with the military, providing up-to-the-minute weather forecasts. They are crucial in industries like aviation, marine, defense, and agriculture, where knowing the weather is key to everyday operations.

Broadcast meteorologist

When you watch the weather forecast on TV or online, you’re probably listening to a broadcast meteorologist. They take complex weather data and make it easy for everyone to understand. Being great at communicating is a must for this job.

Climate scientist

Climate scientists look at weather patterns over long periods to figure out what’s changing. They use past data to predict future climate conditions and help everyone from government officials to farmers make informed decisions.

Research meteorologist

These meteorologists are all about digging deeper into how the atmosphere works. They usually work at universities, government agencies, or in private companies, doing experiments and studies to push forward our knowledge of the weather.

Environmental consultant

These experts use their weather smarts to advise on projects that might be affected by the climate. They assess how projects impact the environment, help manage risks related to weather, and ensure projects comply with environmental laws.

Hydrometeorologist

Focusing on how water in the atmosphere affects the weather, hydrometeorologists study things like rain, snow, and how they impact water resources on the ground. Their work is vital for managing water supplies, predicting floods, and understanding droughts.

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Top skills for meteorologists

Want to know what it takes to be a meteorologist? Here are the key skills that will help you excel in this dynamic field.

Analytical skills

Meteorology is all about data. You’ll need to be sharp at analyzing weather data and using computer models to predict what’s coming. This means diving deep into the details and patterns that dictate our weather.

Communication skills

It’s not just about knowing the weather; it’s about explaining it too. Whether you’re talking to the public or writing reports, you need to make complex forecasts easy to understand. Using visuals like charts and maps can really help get your message across.

Technical skills

You’ll be using some high-tech gear as a meteorologist. From weather radars to satellite systems, knowing how to operate and maintain these tools is crucial. And if you can pick up some programming skills, even better!

Problem-solving skills

Weather can be unpredictable. When things don’t go as planned, or when technology gives out, you’ll need to think on your feet. This might mean figuring out new ways to gather data or coming up with fresh methods to forecast weather.

Attention to detail

The little things can make a big difference in weather forecasting. Being detail-oriented helps you catch those small changes that could mean a big shift in the weather, making your forecasts as accurate as possible.

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Meteorologist career path options

Thinking about a future in meteorology? Whether you’re starting out or dreaming big, here’s how your career could evolve in this exciting field.

Starting out

Most meteorologists begin by forecasting weather for local or national news. This is where you get to apply what you’ve learned and help people plan their days around the weather.

Climbing the ladder

With experience and a knack for the job, you could move up to a senior meteorologist role. Here, you’d manage less experienced meteorologists, issue important storm warnings, and take on more responsibility for the forecasts you deliver.

Becoming the boss

The next step could be becoming a chief meteorologist, where you oversee all weather forecasts and ensure everything your team does is accurate and reliable.

Specialized roles

Meteorology isn’t just about the weather on Earth. You could specialize in areas like:

• Aviation meteorology: Helping pilots understand and navigate weather conditions.
• Marine meteorology: Forecasting for oceans to aid ships in planning their routes.
• Space weather: Predicting solar activity that affects satellites and space missions.

Management opportunities

If you’re interested in the business side of things, you might move into roles like laboratory manager or operations director. These positions involve overseeing the scientific work, managing budgets, and making policy decisions.

Academia and research

For those who love teaching and discovery, there are opportunities in universities and research institutions. You could teach future meteorologists, conduct research to advance weather forecasting technology, or work on policy advisory for climate issues.

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Similar job titles

• Environmental Scientist
• GIS Specialist
• Health and Safety Inspector
• Research Scientist
• Geologist
• News Anchor

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Position trends and outlook for meteorologists

Curious about what the future holds for meteorologists? As our world’s climate becomes more complex, their role is becoming increasingly important. Here’s what’s changing and what it means for those in the field.

• Tech advancements: With better computer models and satellite images, meteorologists can predict weather and climate conditions more accurately than ever. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will have even more powerful tools at their disposal.
• Big data and analytics: By applying big data techniques and statistical methods, they are getting better at making precise predictions. This trend toward data-centric approaches is expected to keep growing, offering these pros new ways to refine their forecasts.

Employment projections

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is expected to grow by 4% through 2031—about as fast as the average for all jobs. While opportunities will be available across various sectors, the most promising job prospects might be found in private industries.

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Meteorologist career tips

Explore different sectors

Meteorology isn’t just about weather forecasting on TV. You could work in environmental consulting, government, academia, or even in research. Dive into a sector that really interests you, and become an expert in that area.

Boost your technical skills

Meteorology is packed with technology and data. You might need to work with weather models, analyze atmospheric data, and use advanced forecasting tools. Being good at computer science, statistics, and geographic information systems (GIS) will keep you ahead of the curve.

Stay updated with research

Meteorology changes fast. To keep your forecasts sharp, stay on top of the latest research. This means reading scientific papers, attending seminars, and maybe even conducting your own studies.

Polish your communication skills

Whether you’re reporting the weather on TV or explaining technical details to colleagues, being a clear and effective communicator is crucial. Work on your speaking and writing skills to make complex information understandable for everyone.

Network, network, network

Meeting other pros can open up new opportunities and give you insights that books can’t teach. Connect with others at events, through organizations, or online.

• American Meteorological Society (AMS)
• National Weather Association (NWA)
• Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS)
• Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS)

Keep learning

Never stop learning. Take courses in advanced statistics, learn new computer modeling techniques, or get certifications that show you’re a serious professional. Attending industry conferences is also a great way to learn and network.

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FAQs