People with jobs in meteorology study conditions of the atmosphere to make forecasts and recommendations. If you’re curious about the world’s complex weather patterns and want to make a difference, a career in or relating to meteorology may be a perfect fit. Learning about the different meteorology jobs and what they do can help you decide which one interests you.
Recommended
In this article, we discuss what meteorology is, including a list of jobs in meteorology and tips for being successful in the industry.
What is Meteorology?
Meteorology is a field of study that examines the atmosphere, using scientific principles to help explain, understand, observe, and forecast atmospheric phenomena on the Earth’s surface. Meteorologists often focus on a variety of science areas, such as a physical meteorologist who specializes in conducting experiments and physical analyses of conditions in the atmosphere. Those studying meteorology typically take classes in math, physics, chemistry, and computer programming to help them learn how to predict weather and climate.
Job Sectors for Meteorologists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, meteorologist jobs are set to grow by 4% through 2031, with the private sector offering the most job prospects. Since there are many types of meteorologists, they can work for different businesses and organizations. Some job sectors where meteorologists may work include:
-
Broadcast networks: Individuals report the weather for TV stations to inform the public of what’s occurring and where, and explain the effects of weather events.
-
U.S. government: The U.S. government is the largest employer of meteorologists, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the National Weather Service.
-
Military: Military and airline forecasters work for the U.S. Armed Forces to make weather forecasts that can affect flights, space launches, deployments, and other missions.
-
Private sectors: Some businesses, such as airlines, cruise lines, and shipping companies, hire meteorologists to help predict the weather and keep them informed since their businesses are weather-dependent.
-
Academia: Meteorologists can work as instructors at colleges and universities and often collect data for academic research programs.
Jobs in meteorology
Here are nine careers to consider in meteorology, with a summary of their primary job duties and national average salary. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.
1. GIS technician
National average salary: $41,116 per year
Primary duties: A geographic information systems or GIS technician creates maps using geographic information systems tools to record a specific geographical location. Other job duties include conducting data research, transferring data into their databases, and troubleshooting any database issues. GIS technicians collect geographic information to help meteorologists understand storms and other weather-related events.
2. Broadcast meteorologist
National average salary: $56,456 per year
Primary duties: A broadcast meteorologist gives a weather forecast to viewers through the television, radio, or the internet, using maps and charts to explain their predictions. They may work with a weather team to gather data to use in their meteorology reports. Broadcast meteorologists also respond to severe weather events, informing the public about what’s occurring in their area. Finally, broadcast meteorologists may speak at special events, give tours of their facilities, and post about the weather on social media.
3. Environmental scientist
National average salary: $60,152 per year
Primary duties: An environmental scientist conducts research to identify, control, or eliminate risks affecting the environment and public health. They’re often experts in ecology, environmental chemistry, atmospheric sciences, social sciences, biology or geosciences. Using their findings, they develop plans to control, prevent, or fix an environmental problem, such as pollution. Environmental scientists also may record their findings and present them to corporate stakeholders and government officials.
READ ALSO: BEST ONLINE PUBLIC SAFETY DEGREES IN 2023
4. GIS analyst
National average salary: $64,754 per year
Primary duties: A GIS analyst, also known as a GIS researcher, uses mapping software to understand more about a specific geographic location. Their duties can change depending on the sector where they work, but almost all GIS analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data from GIS software to use for a variety of purposes. They also ensure that geographic data is up-to-date, helping others who use it have the most accurate information possible.
5. Professor
National average salary: $79,477 per year
Primary duties: A professor of meteorology and atmospheric science teaches college-level students meteorology courses. While working for a college or university, they may also perform research in field programs. Meteorology professors often oversee graduate student research projects.
6. Research scientist
National average salary: $84,782 per year
Primary duties: A research scientist, also referred to as a research meteorologist or atmospheric scientist, develops alternative methods for collecting data and observing weather conditions. They study the atmosphere to improve their understanding of weather, climate, and other related aspects. Research meteorologists interpret their data to prepare reports for the public to use.
7. Hydrologist
National average salary: $87,519 per year
Primary duties: A hydrologist, or water scientist, studies the movement of water through the Earth’s crust. They measure the properties of water bodies by measuring the volume and streamflow. Hydrologists also collect water and soil samples to test for properties, such as pollution levels and pH, and analyze the environmental effects of pollution, drought, and erosion.
8. Geophysicist
National average salary: $101,920 per year
Primary duties: A geophysicist examines several aspects of the Earth using electrical, magnetic, seismic, and gravitational methods. They conduct field tests and lab work for private engineering and oil companies. Geophysicists may apply scientific principles to solve problems and use weather and other information to make recommendations about the best sites for oil drilling and renewable energy sources such as solar panels and windmills.
9. Data scientist
National average salary: $124,693 per year
Primary duties: A data scientist designs data modeling processes to build predictive models and algorithms and conducts analysis, including meteorological data for forecasting. Using their data, they may create presentations and reports for their stakeholders. Data scientists may also find actionable results by correlating similar data.
Tips for working in Meteorology
Here are some tips to help you when working in a career in meteorology:
-
Learn to teach. Because meteorologists often communicate weather information to the public, it’s helpful to know how to translate meteorology and technical concepts into common, daily language.
-
Maintain good grades. Employers in meteorology pay close attention to your grades and often ask to review your transcript, making it important to get excellent grades through college.
-
Pursue an internship. Since jobs in meteorology vary across a variety of sectors, becoming an intern can help you find an area that interests you and help you gain experience prior to getting a full-time job.
-
Earn a certification. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) offers a certification program to become a certified broadcast meteorologist (CBM) for those working with broadcast networks and a certified consulting meteorologist (CCM) for those who give meteorology advice to the public.
I hope you find this article helpful.
Leave a Reply