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Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeLower pressure

What they do

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Kinds of work

  • Investigative: Science, research, figuring out how things work and solving complex problems.
  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $99,070 Median per year · $47.63/hr Most earn $53,060–$161,890

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
  • Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
  • Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  • Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
  • Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  • Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.

Job outlook

United States
3% more jobs by 2035, about as fast as average · about 800 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Federal government, excluding postal service26.0%
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools16.3%
  • Television broadcasting stations9.6%
  • Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers4.2%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: Bachelor's degreeExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Most people need a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, plus about 1 to 2 years of related work, before landing a meteorologist job, so this is not usually an entry-level job straight out of school. Plan on roughly 5 to 6 years from starting college to this career.

  1. Bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science

    4 years

    You learn how weather and climate work, plus the math, physics, and computer skills needed to read data and build forecasts.

  2. Meteorological Technician or Junior Forecaster

    1-2 years

    You help collect and check weather data, run forecast models, and write short weather reports while building experience with real forecasting.

  3. Meteorologist

    You analyze atmospheric data from satellites, radar, and weather stations to prepare forecasts and reports for the public or other users.

Where it can lead

  1. Senior Meteorologist

    3-5 years of experience first

    You take on harder forecasts, mentor newer forecasters, and often lead severe-weather decisions, which takes a strong track record and clear communication.

  2. Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist

    2-4 years of experience first

    You focus on using satellite and radar data in more technical ways, which usually calls for extra skill in data processing and programming.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take physics, earth science, and the highest math you canPhysics and math build the base you need for atmospheric science, and earth science introduces weather and climate.
  • Learn basic programmingCoding helps you analyze weather data and model forecasts, which is a big part of the job today.
  • Join a science or weather clubA club gives you a chance to explore weather topics, do experiments, and meet others who share your interest.
  • Keep a daily weather logRecording temperature, pressure, wind, and clouds for a few months helps you learn how to read patterns and check forecasts yourself.
  • Look for a summer job or volunteer role at a science center or museumHelping with science programs builds communication skills and shows you how scientists share their work.

In college

  • Major in meteorology or atmospheric scienceThis is the most direct route, since it covers the core courses that employers look for in a meteorologist.
  • Take calculus, differential equations, and statisticsThese courses are the math foundation for weather models and data analysis.
  • Learn Python or another data toolWorking with weather data and forecast models requires programming, and it is a skill you can practice on your own or in class.
  • Apply for an internship at a weather office or TV stationHands-on experience during college makes your résumé stronger and helps you learn how forecasts are made and delivered.
  • Join a student weather or science organization, or work as a research assistantClubs and lab jobs give you real project experience and connections with professors and working meteorologists.

Tips for getting started

  • Get strong at math and coding early. Forecasting relies on calculus, statistics, and programming (often Python), so these skills make you stand out.
  • Look for real experience during school, like a campus weather station, a local TV or radio weather internship, or a university research lab. Employers often want to see hands-on work.
  • Practice explaining weather in plain language. Much of the job is turning complicated data into clear warnings and forecasts that people can act on.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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