How to Become a Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist)
Model and forecast weather and climate, from broadcast meteorology to research and aviation support. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $99,070 per year and slower than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$99,070/yr
Middle half
$73,350 to $129,960
Job growth
Slower than average
Openings / yr
700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Weather Modeling
- Data Interpretation
- Forecasting
- Science
- Communication
Helpful certifications
- AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (broadcast track)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
58/100
Work-life balance
55/100
Stress level
46/100
Related careers
- Physicist$172,250 median
- Natural Sciences Manager$167,220 median
- Astronomer$128,820 median
- Biochemist$127,410 median
- Biostatistician$105,650 median
- Statistician$105,650 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist) make?
The median pay for a Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist) is $99,070 a year, and the middle half of workers earn between $73,350 and $129,960 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). That covers everyone in the job, not only people starting out, so newer workers sit toward the lower end.
What degree do you need to become a Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist)?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Atmospheric Science, Physics, Earth Science, and Mathematics.
Is Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist) a growing field?
Projected job growth for this role from 2024 to 2034 is slower than average (BLS projections via O*NET), with roughly 700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Meteorologist (Atmospheric Scientist) use most?
Common skills for this role are Weather Modeling, Data Interpretation, Forecasting, Science, and Communication.
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Take the major quizWhere these pay figures come from
Career pay is the annual wage of everyone working in that occupation, not only recent graduates, so it includes people who have done the job for decades. The middle half is the 25th to the 75th percentile. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
All figures are national. What you earn depends on where you work, who you work for, and how far you take the degree.
Job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median and percentile annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).