Meteorologists

Career summary

The atmosphere consists of the air that covers the earth and the water vapor that turns into rain and snow. Meteorologists study what the atmosphere is made of and how it affects the rest of our environment.

Meteorologists usually specialize in one area:

Weather forecasting

Meteorologists who forecast the weather identify and interpret weather patterns to predict the weather. They try to predict what the weather will be like for a week, a month, or several years.

In order to predict the weather, meteorologists interpret and analyze information. They get data from:

• Weather satellites
• Photographs
• Computers

Some forecasters broadcast their forecasts on the internet, radio or TV. They warn if severe weather is nearby. Other meteorologists create forecasts for specific groups such as farmers, airplane pilots, and fishers.

Weather research

Some meteorologists develop new methods of data collection, observation, and forecasting. They study weather patterns to better understand how tornados, hurricanes, and other types of severe weather form. Some researchers study the chemical and physical properties of the atmosphere.

Weather researchers use weather balloons and Doppler radar to find patterns in violent storm systems. They study the patterns to determine the direction of a storm and how strong it will be.

Climate science

Climatologists are meteorologists who study past records of weather. This includes wind, rainfall, sunshine, and temperatures over land or oceans. They try to figure out what changes will occur over a long period of time. Many study the impact of pollution on climate and air quality. They may use geographic information systems (GIS) technology to gather and analyze data.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
• Climate Change Analysts
• Geographic Information Systems Specialists
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
• News Reporters
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists

Military careers

• Meteorological Specialists
• Physical Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to meteorologists.

• Conduct research about weather patterns and other aspects of the weather.
• Broadcast weather forecasts online, or on the TV or radio.
• Measure wind, temperature, and humidity for present conditions and to check other data.
• Analyze climate data sets gathered by weather balloons, radar, and satellites.
• Direct weather forecasting services for radio, TV, or weather stations.
• Operate computer graphic programs. Make weather reports and maps for analysis and TV broadcasts. Create media to show climate from the past or for the future.
• Develop weather and climate forecasting tools.
• Study reports that summarize data gathered from many sources. Prove or disprove information taken from various sources.
• Analyze the impact of industrial pollutants on climate and air quality.
• Issue severe weather warnings.
• Predict short- and long-range weather and climate conditions for certain areas. Use varied data sets to make predictions.
• Make forecasts for specific groups of people or agencies.
• May teach college-level courses.
• Interpret data from reports, maps, photos, or charts.

Common work activities

Meteorologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Think creatively
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Teach others
• Perform for or work with the public
• Schedule work and activities
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, meteorologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They talk with weather observers and other scientists and may also interact with the public.
• Communicate on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, and in person. Occasionally write letters and memos.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are sometimes responsible for work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors. However, they sometimes work outdoors when broadcasting weather reports on TV.
• May share office space with others.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Meteorologists must try to be as accurate as possible
• Repeat the same activities.
• Make decisions that impact their employer's reputation. They usually act independently.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first. Must meet strict deadlines.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week. Schedules are generally established.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.
• May work overtime during weather emergencies.

Physical demands

Meteorologists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for meteorologists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for meteorologists to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Skills and abilities

Meteorologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology

Other programs of study to consider

• Geological and Earth Sciences
• Oceanography
• Physical Sciences, General

Training

To work as a meteorologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology.

Education after high school

You need at least a bachelor's degree if you want to be an operational meteorologist. If you didn't major in meteorology, you will need to have taken several classes in that area. Some people get a master's degree or second bachelor's degree so that they can qualify for these jobs.

If you want to do applied research, you usually need at least a master's degree in meteorology. A bachelor's degree in math, physics, or engineering is good preparation for graduate study. You need a doctoral degree (PhD) to lead research projects or teach at a college or university.

Because meteorology is a small field, few colleges and universities offer degrees in meteorology or atmospheric science. However, many departments of physics, earth science, and geophysics offer atmospheric science and related courses. Make sure that the school you are considering offers the courses required by the National Weather Service.

On-the-job training

Many employers offer additional training once you are hired. In general, meteorologists receive up to three months of on-the-job training.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to work as meteorological specialists. Training lasts from seven to 18 weeks. Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Earth Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related field. Employers of researchers require a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. Some employers may substitute a combination of experience and education for a degree.

Employers look for applicants who can absorb, process, and apply new information quickly. Employers who hire broadcast meteorologists look for applicants who have excellent communication and computer skills.

Costs to workers

After entering this field, most workers join professional associations and pay annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Atmospheric and Space Scientists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by area of the country and the worker's level of education. The federal government pays higher wages to meteorologists who have more education.

Meteorologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health and life insurance, a retirement plan, vacation, and sick leave.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal government agencies (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)
• Weather consulting firms
• Colleges and universities
• Research and testing services
• Radio and television stations

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow faster than average. New forecasting technology allows forecasting for specific purposes. This will lead to more jobs in private industry as businesses need accurate weather data. Jobs in government such as with the National Weather Service (NWS) will be scarce. Openings will occur as people leave or retire. 

Competition for jobs will be strong. There are more people graduating from atmospheric science programs than there are jobs. Job prospects are best for those with advanced degrees.

Other resources

All About Careers in Meteorology 

American Geophysical Union 
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Meteorological Society 
45 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
617.227.2425

Career Guide for the Atmospheric Sciences 

Careers in Space: A Universe of Options 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Science Careers 

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

What Do Earth and Space Scientists Do? 
(from the American Geophysical Union)

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Atmospheric and Space Scientists (19-2021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Meteorologist (025.062-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional
• Investigative/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Science Professional