Education:
50%
Bachelor's Degree
30%
Master's Degree
Atmospheric Scientist
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Job Outlook:
As fast as average
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Salary
High:
$141,520.00
Average:
$93,610.00
Hourly
Average:
$45.01
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.
On the job, you would:
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Atmospheric scientists need to evaluate large amounts of data produced by computer models.
Communication skills. Atmospheric scientists must be able to write and speak clearly so that their weather information is useful to the public or business clients.
Critical-thinking skills. Atmospheric scientists need to interpret data and information to create forecasts or reports.
Math skills. Atmospheric scientists must understand the mathematics used to develop models for weather forecasts and to calculate relationships between atmospheric properties, such as how changes in air pressure may affect air temperature.
Personality
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Characteristics of this Career |
|---|---|---|---|
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91% | Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. | |
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90% | Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. | |
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88% | Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. | |
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85% | Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. | |
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77% | Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. | |
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75% | Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. | |
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75% | Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. | |
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75% | Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical. | |
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74% | Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. | |
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74% | Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. | |
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66% | Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. | |
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66% | Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. | |
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65% | Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
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95% | Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Values of the Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
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72% | Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
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67% | Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
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67% | Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
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67% | Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
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61% | Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
Aptitude
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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81% | Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. | |
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81% | Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. | |
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81% | Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. | |
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75% | Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. | |
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75% | Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. | |
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72% | Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. | |
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72% | Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). | |
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72% | Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). | |
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72% | Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. | |
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72% | Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. | |
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69% | Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality |
|---|---|---|---|
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70% | Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. | |
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70% | Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
Job Details
Responsibilities
Conduct climatological research.
Conduct climatological research.
Create images or other visual displays.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Conduct climatological research.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Interpret research or operational data.
Conduct climatological research.
Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
Provide educational information to the public.
Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
Write computer programming code.
Develop training materials.
Present information to the public.
Teach classes in area of specialization.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Measure environmental characteristics.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
Develop environmental research methods.
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent |
|---|---|---|---|
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100% | Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job? | |
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98% | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? | |
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89% | Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? | |
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88% | Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting? | |
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88% | Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? | |
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86% | Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? | |
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86% | Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? | |
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81% | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? | |
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75% | Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? | |
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74% | Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? | |
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69% | Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? | |
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68% | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? | |
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69% | Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week. |
| A3 | Your Strengths | Importance |
Tasks & Values |
|---|---|---|---|
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96% | Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. | |
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90% | Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. | |
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87% | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. | |
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86% | Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. | |
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84% | Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. | |
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84% | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. | |
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82% | Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. | |
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77% | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. | |
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76% | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. | |
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73% | Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. | |
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69% | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. | |
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67% | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. | |
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66% | Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
What Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists Do
Research meteorologists study atmospheric phenomena such as lightning.
Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate. They may compile data, prepare reports and forecasts, and assist in developing new data collection instruments.
Duties
Atmospheric scientists typically do the following:
- Measure atmospheric properties, such as temperature, dewpoint, humidity, and windspeed
- Use computer models that analyze atmospheric data (also called meteorological data)
- Write computer programs to support their modeling efforts
- Conduct research to improve understanding of weather phenomena
- Generate weather graphics for users
- Report current weather conditions
- Prepare long- and short-term weather forecasts using computers, mathematical models, satellites, radar, and local station data
- Plan, organize, and participate in outreach programs to educate the public about weather
- Issue warnings to protect life and property threatened by severe weather, such as hurricanes and tornadoes
Atmospheric scientists use instruments such as radar systems, satellites, and weather balloons to monitor the weather and to collect data. They also use graphics software to illustrate data in forecasts and reports for their clients or the public.
The data that atmospheric scientists collect and analyze are critical to understanding issues related to weather and climate. Atmospheric scientists may work with geoscientists, hydrologists, or other scientists to help solve problems in areas such as agriculture, commerce, energy, the environment, and transportation. For example, atmospheric scientists may work with hydrologists and government organizations to study how rainfall and temperatures impact the water supply and its management.
The following are examples of types of atmospheric scientists:
Broadcast meteorologists give forecasts to the public through television, radio, and digital media, such as streaming videos. They use graphics software to develop maps and charts that explain their forecasts. Not all weather broadcasters appearing on television are meteorologists or atmospheric scientists; reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts may present weather conditions and forecasts but do not have specific training in meteorology.
Climatologists study how climate changes over time so that they can interpret long-term weather patterns or shifts in climate. They may examine data from remote sensing imagery, either analyzing the images by software or combining them into color composites to highlight details not visible to the naked eye.
Forensic meteorologists use historical weather data to reconstruct weather conditions for a specific location and time. They investigate whether the weather was a factor in events such as traffic accidents and fires. Forensic meteorologists may be called as experts to testify in court.
Research meteorologists develop new methods of data collection, observation, and forecasting. They also conduct studies to improve understanding of climate, weather, and other aspects of the atmosphere. For example, they may study severe weather patterns to understand why cyclones form and to develop better ways of predicting hurricanes and tornadoes. Others focus on environmental problems, such as air pollution.
Weather forecasters use computer and mathematical models to produce weather reports and short-term forecasts ranging from a few minutes to more than a week. In addition to developing forecasts for the public, their forecasts for business clients—including airports, utility companies, or grocery stores—help these clients plan for weather events that may affect demand for products or services. They also issue warnings for potentially severe weather, such as blizzards and hurricanes. Some forecasters prepare long-range outlooks to predict whether temperatures and precipitation levels will be above or below average in a particular month or season.
Work Environment
Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists held about 10,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 29% |
| Other professional, scientific, and technical services | 23 |
| Television broadcasting stations | 10 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 10 |
In the federal government, most atmospheric scientists work as weather forecasters with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in weather stations throughout the United States: at airports, in or near cities, and in isolated and remote areas. In small stations, they often work alone; in larger ones, they work as part of a team.
Atmospheric scientists involved in professional, scientific, and technical services or research often work in offices and laboratories. Some travel frequently to collect data and to observe weather events, such as tornadoes, up close. They also may observe weather conditions from aircraft.
Broadcast meteorologists present their reports to the public from television and radio studios. They also may broadcast from outdoor locations to highlight current weather conditions, such as near the ocean before a tropical storm.
Atmospheric scientists who work in private industry may have to travel to meet with clients or to gather information in the field. For example, forensic meteorologists may need to collect information from the scene of an accident as part of their investigation.
Work Schedules
Most atmospheric scientists work full time. Weather may change quickly, so weather forecasters need to continually monitor conditions. Schedules vary by position and employer. For example, some meteorologists work shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage. While some atmospheric scientists may have a standard workweek, broadcast meteorologists may work evenings and weekends. In addition, they may work extended hours during severe weather, such as hurricanes.
Getting Started
How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric scientists issue warnings for severe weather.
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. For research positions, these scientists typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. In addition, experience gained through an internship or by volunteering while in college may be helpful.
Education
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related physical science. In addition to meteorology and atmospheric science, course requirements may include physics, mathematics, and computer programming.
Atmospheric scientists who work in research typically need at least a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a related field. Graduate programs may not require program applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science; a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering is usually acceptable.
Training
Atmospheric scientists and meteorologists may need training after they are hired, depending on where they work. For example, new employees of the National Weather Service (NWS) need training on the use of equipment for issuing warnings about severe weather.
Other Experience
Experience gained in the military or through opportunities during college, such as internships or volunteering, may be helpful for prospective atmospheric scientists. For example, the National Weather Service offers opportunities for students through internship, fellowship, volunteer, and scholarship programs.
Licenses and Certifications
Although not required, professional certification may benefit atmospheric scientists in some fields. For example, forensic meteorologists may enhance their credibility for testimony if they have the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Certified Consulting Meteorologist credential.
Certification demonstrates a level of knowledge that employers often value. For example, employers of broadcast meteorologists may prefer to hire candidates who have the AMS designation of Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.
Job Outlook
Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 900 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
New types of computer models have vastly improved the accuracy of forecasts, allowing atmospheric scientists to tailor forecasts to specific purposes. This should support demand for atmospheric scientists as businesses require more specialized weather information.
Businesses increasingly rely on just-in-time delivery to avoid the expenses incurred by traditional inventory management methods. Severe weather can interrupt ground or air transportation and delay inventory delivery. Businesses have begun to maintain forecasting teams around the clock to advise delivery personnel, and this availability helps them stay on schedule. In addition, severe weather patterns have become widely recognizable, and industries have become increasingly concerned about their impact, which will create demand for work in atmospheric science.
As utility companies continue to adopt wind and solar power, they depend more heavily on weather forecasting to arrange for buying and selling power.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about atmospheric scientists, including a list of colleges and universities offering atmospheric science programs, visit
American Meteorological Society (AMS)
For a broad range of information concerning atmospheric scientists within the geosciences perspective, visit
American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
For more information about atmospheric science careers in research, visit
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
For more information about federal government education requirements for atmospheric science positions, visit
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
For more information about the COMET training program, visit
To find job openings for atmospheric scientists in the federal government, visit
For more information about federal government atmospheric science careers in the National Weather Service, visit
National Weather Service (NWS)
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer Programmers |
Computer programmers write, modify, and test code and scripts that allow computer software and applications to function properly. |
Bachelor's degree | $97,800 |
|
Environmental Engineers |
Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health. |
Bachelor's degree | $96,530 |
|
Environmental Scientists and Specialists |
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. |
Bachelor's degree | $76,480 |
|
Geoscientists |
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. |
Bachelor's degree | $87,480 |
|
Hydrologists |
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. |
Bachelor's degree | $85,990 |
|
Mathematicians and Statisticians |
Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. |
Master's degree | $99,960 |
|
Physicists and Astronomers |
Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. |
Doctoral or professional degree | $139,220 |
|
Postsecondary Teachers |
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level. |
See How to Become One | $80,840 |