Profession · Full profile

Meteorologist

Meteorologists analyze atmospheric data, track storms, and create forecasts for the public and industry.

Average salary

$97,580

Salary range

$52,000 – $160,000

Training time

About four years

Job market

Slower than average

5/10

Work-life balance

Variable

Meteorologists examine the atmosphere to understand weather patterns and predict climate conditions. They review observations from satellites, weather stations, radar, and computer simulations to build short-term and long-range forecasts. In operational settings, these professionals monitor developing storms, issue weather warnings, and brief emergency managers about safety risks. Other atmospheric scientists focus on research, model development, and specialized guidance for agriculture, energy, or transportation firms. Daily work relies on advanced mathematics, computing tools, and disciplined scientific communication.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A typical shift at a weather forecasting center or broadcast station focused on live data monitoring and issuing forecasts.

6:00 AM
Handover briefing
Review overnight meteorological conditions and receive updates from the outgoing shift forecaster.
6:30 AM
Radar and satellite analysis
Examine satellite imagery, Doppler radar feeds, and surface station observations for developing patterns.
8:30 AM
Numerical model evaluation
Compare computer forecast models to identify atmospheric discrepancies and calibrate short-term projections.
10:30 AM
Weather warning coordination
Draft updated public forecasts and communicate storm advisories to regional emergency managers.
11:30 AM
Media and broadcast preparation
Record digital weather updates and provide technical briefings for on-air broadcast staff.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Midday break away from forecasting workstations.
1:00 PM
Forecast verification and logging
Archive verified temperature and precipitation data to evaluate model accuracy.
2:00 PM
Shift handover preparation
Organize current atmospheric charts and prepare notes for incoming operational meteorologists.

Task breakdown

A research-oriented workday focused on climate data analysis, coding prediction models, and scientific writing.

8:30 AM
Data observation check
Review overnight model outputs and verify automated data ingestion from weather sensors.
9:00 AM
Atmospheric model programming
Write and test code to refine algorithms that simulate boundary layer interactions.
11:00 AM
Research team meeting
Discuss climate data trends and project milestones with academic colleagues.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Meal break and informal discussion with research staff.
1:00 PM
Statistical analysis
Apply statistical tools to historical climate datasets to identify seasonal precipitation patterns.
3:00 PM
Scientific report writing
Document methodology and findings for a peer-reviewed atmospheric science journal.
4:30 PM
Workflow planning
Schedule high-performance computing runs and organize tasks for the following workday.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$52,000

Average

$97,580

Maximum

$160,000

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$52,000	$97,580	$160,000
California	—	$105,000	—
Texas	—	$94,000	—
Florida	—	$93,000	—
New York	—	$103,000	—
Illinois	—	$96,000	—

Salary by sector

Sector	Min	Avg.	Max
Federal government	—	$107,000	—
Broadcasting	—	$75,000	—
Research and development	—	$100,000	—
Colleges and universities	—	$79,000	—

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided by employers to support healthcare needs.

Retirement plans

Employer-sponsored plans to help employees save for retirement.

Paid time off

Allotted paid leave for vacation, personal needs, and illness.

Paid parental leave

Paid leave to support employees welcoming a new child.

Professional development support

Assistance for attending meteorological conferences, continuing education, and skill training.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Bachelor's degree

About four years

Bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science

Provides foundational training in atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamic processes, forecasting techniques, and computational data analysis.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; admission requirements vary by college.
High school subjects: Meteorology, physics, mathematics, computer science

Master's degree

About two years after a bachelor's degree

Master's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science

Prepares atmospheric scientists for specialized forecasting, advanced research roles, or leadership positions in private and public sectors.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field; specific prerequisites vary by program.
High school subjects: Climate science, severe weather, atmospheric modeling

Doctoral degree

About four to six years after a bachelor's degree

Doctoral degree in atmospheric science

Focuses on original scientific inquiry, complex computational modeling, and research necessary for university faculty roles and research institutions.

Entry requirements: A relevant bachelor's or master's degree and admission to a doctoral program.
High school subjects: Advanced mathematics, atmospheric modeling, data analysis

On-the-job training

Employer training and operational forecasting experience

Teaches new meteorologists specific forecasting software, local microclimates, shift procedures, and communication standards used by the employer.

Costs: Paid by the employer
Entry requirements: A relevant degree and the qualifications required for the specific employer or position.
High school subjects: Local forecasting procedures, software systems, communication protocols

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Weather analysis and forecastingEvaluating observational data to construct accurate short-term and long-range atmospheric forecasts.
Atmospheric scienceApplying principles of physics and atmospheric thermodynamics to understand weather mechanisms.
Statistics and applied mathematicsUsing mathematical techniques to quantify forecast uncertainty and interpret climate trends.
Programming and data analysisWriting code to process large meteorological datasets and automate numerical simulation tools.
Radar and satellite interpretationAnalyzing Doppler radar scans and satellite imagery to track storm development and motion.
Scientific writing and presentationTranslating complex meteorological data into clear briefings, technical papers, or broadcasts.

Soft skills

Clear communicationExplaining hazardous weather risks and technical findings clearly to non-scientists and emergency personnel.
Attention to detailSpotting critical anomalies across continuous streams of real-time observational data.
Critical thinkingEvaluating conflicting computer model outputs to determine the most probable weather scenario.
Decision-making under pressureIssuing timely warnings and public safety advisories during life-threatening severe weather events.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
AnalyticalEvaluates complex atmospheric data, identifying trends and discrepancies across numerical forecast models.
✓
Calm under pressureMakes sound decisions and communicates urgent warnings during rapidly evolving severe weather events.
✓
Detail-orientedNotices subtle variations in radar scans, satellite feeds, and pressure readings that signal atmospheric changes.
✓
InquisitiveInvestigates unusual weather phenomena and explores underlying atmospheric physics through scientific inquiry.
✓
AdaptableAdjusts quickly to changing forecast conditions, rotating shift schedules, and developing storm systems.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Trend

Stable

Regional demand

New York

Broadcast media centers, private forecasting firms, and financial risk modeling employ atmospheric scientists.

Illinois

Regional weather forecasting hubs, agricultural commodity consulting, and academic research institutions create opportunities.

California

Operational forecasting, research facilities, and environmental risk assessment drive demand.

Texas

Severe weather monitoring, petrochemical energy operations, and aviation forecasting require specialists.

Florida

Tropical cyclone monitoring, marine forecasting, and broadcast meteorology support steady needs.

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Entry-level meteorologist
0 to 3 years
Assists with data collection, basic forecasting, and routine model verification under supervision.
Operational or broadcast meteorologist
3 to 7 years
Prepares independent forecasts, issues storm warnings, and presents weather briefings directly to audiences or clients.
Senior meteorologist or forecasting lead
7 or more years
Directs operational forecasting shifts, refines predictive models, and oversees severe weather crisis management.
Forecasting manager or research director
10 or more years
Leads forecasting departments or scientific research programs, setting organizational strategy and managing project teams.

Horizontal move

Environmental scientist
Applies meteorological knowledge to evaluate air quality, climate change impacts, and environmental resource management.
Data scientist
Uses programming and statistical expertise to analyze complex multi-dimensional datasets across various commercial industries.
View Data Scientist

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Hours vary by employer and role. Forecasting operations and newsrooms often require coverage around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Remote work: Some analysis and research can be done remotely, but operational monitoring, broadcast work, and team coordination may require on-site work.
Physical requirements: Mostly desk-based work, with extended computer use. Some field assignments may involve travel and working outdoors in changing weather.
Typical employers: Federal agencies, television and radio stations, private weather forecasting companies, universities and research institutions, as well as energy, agriculture, and transportation companies.
Professional associations: American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a meteorologist do?

A meteorologist studies the atmosphere to observe, understand, and forecast weather patterns. They collect and review data from satellites, radar, weather stations, and computer simulations to track changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture. In operational roles, they issue severe storm warnings and deliver briefings to emergency services, private clients, and the public. Others conduct research on climate trends or refine computer prediction models.

Do you need a license to work as a meteorologist?

No general state license is required to work as a meteorologist in the United States. Employers prioritize relevant academic degrees in meteorology or atmospheric science rather than mandatory government credentials. Some broadcast roles may seek professional certification through organizations such as the American Meteorological Society or the National Weather Association. These voluntary credentials demonstrate competence, scientific credibility, and adherence to professional broadcast standards.

What degree is required to become a meteorologist?

A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is the standard requirement for most entry-level positions. This degree takes about four years and includes coursework in meteorology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Advanced positions in specialized research or university teaching generally require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. Certain employers also require structured on-the-job training to teach new hires local weather patterns and software systems.

Can meteorologists work from home?

Remote work is possible for some research and data analysis roles, though operational forecasting often demands on-site attendance. Forecasting centers, broadcast studios, and emergency response offices need staff on site to monitor radar feeds, coordinate rapidly with colleagues, and deliver live updates. Meteorologists who specialize in climate modeling, software development, or statistical analysis have greater flexibility to complete their responsibilities from a home office.

What schedule do operational meteorologists work?

Operational meteorologists frequently work rotating schedules that include overnights, weekends, and holidays to provide continuous coverage. Because weather changes constantly, forecasting centers and newsrooms require monitoring around the clock. During severe weather events, shifts may expand to handle increased data analysis, emergency briefings, and real-time storm warnings. In contrast, professionals focused on atmospheric research or consulting often follow more predictable weekday business hours.

Which industries hire meteorologists?

Meteorologists work for federal agencies, media outlets, research institutions, and various private corporations. Federal agencies employ atmospheric scientists for national forecasting and research initiatives. Television and radio stations hire broadcast specialists to present daily weather reports. Private forecasting firms serve sectors like energy, agriculture, and transportation, helping businesses minimize risks from extreme temperatures, heavy precipitation, or severe winds.

How is artificial intelligence changing weather forecasting?

Artificial intelligence helps meteorologists process massive volumes of observational data and generate routine forecasts faster. Even with automated models, human meteorologists must interpret uncertainty, validate computer outputs, and explain localized weather impacts to the public and emergency managers. Strong skills in programming and data analysis enable atmospheric scientists to build, evaluate, and collaborate with these evolving computational forecasting systems.

Related professions

In depth

All about meteorologist

The background, context and details.

Core tasks in atmospheric science

Weather changes fast. When monitoring developing storms, atmospheric scientists evaluate complex numerical model outputs alongside real-time radar imagery and satellite feeds to detect early indicators of hazardous environmental disruptions. Operational forecasters prepare short-term predictions as well as long-range outlooks for the public or specific commercial clients. They issue weather warnings. They explain weather risks directly to emergency managers through briefings and structured reports. Atmospheric scientists also build or refine forecasting models and analyze atmospheric patterns. Some conduct atmospheric research.

Work settings and operational schedules

Forecasting operations require around-the-clock staffing. Shifts rotate constantly. Broadcasting stations and federal agencies rely on continuous monitoring, which means operational personnel frequently cover overnight shifts, weekend hours, and holiday schedules throughout the entire calendar year. The work is mostly desk-based. Staff spend extended periods reviewing computer screens. Certain field assignments involve travel outdoors in changing weather conditions. Severe weather events can require extended monitoring and urgent communication. Research positions at universities generally follow regular weekday schedules.

Education and technical training

Most careers begin in college. A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science takes about four years to complete and prepares students for operational forecasting positions. Typical coursework covers four foundational subjects:

Meteorology
Physics
Mathematics
Computer science

Graduate study supports specialized research. A master's degree takes about two years after a bachelor's degree, while a doctoral degree requires about four to six years after undergraduate study. Advanced degrees prepare individuals for university faculty positions. No general state license is required to work as a meteorologist. Broadcast roles may seek professional certification through the American Meteorological Society or the National Weather Association.

Job market and technological tools

Employment growth remains slower than average. Hiring can be competitive for broadcast positions and university research jobs because the field is relatively small. Most opportunities come from replacement needs and specialized forecasting work. Private employers in transportation and energy hire specialists to interpret risks. Automated models and artificial intelligence tools speed up routine data processing, yet human meteorologists remain necessary to interpret uncertainty, validate model outputs, and communicate localized impacts during severe events. Build programming and data analysis skills to work effectively with modern numerical forecasting systems.