Atmospheric and Space Scientists
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.
Also called: Broadcast Meteorologist · Forecaster · General Forecaster · Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech) · Meteorologist · Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist
Median pay (national)
$97,450
$49,990–$160,710 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
8,780
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+0.7%
~700 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for atmospheric and space scientists shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $160,710 versus $49,990 at the bottom 10% — 3.2x. The median of $97,450 leaves roughly 65% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +0.7% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 700 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 45 states with released data, Hawaii pays the most for this role (median $122,180, +25% vs the national median), while Utah sits lowest at $59,640 — a 105% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Monitoring
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- 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.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- C++
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- Perl
- Python
- R
- SAS
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
- AccuWeather Galileo
- Advanced Visual Systems AVS/Express
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Communications and Media
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry