The study of the atmosphere—its physical characteristics, motions, and processes—is the work of meteorologists. Although the best-known application of this study is in weather forecasting, meteorologists are also engaged in research and problem solving in the fields of air pollution, transportation, agriculture, and industrial operations.
Physical meteorologists study the chemical and electrical properties of the atmosphere as they affect the formation of clouds, rain, and snow. Climatologists analyze past data on wind, rainfall, and temperature to determine weather patterns for a given area; this work is important in designing buildings and in planning effective land use. Operational or synoptic meteorologists study current weather information, such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and wind velocity, in order to make short- and long-term forecasts.
The largest single employer of civilian meteorologists is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which employs about 1,800 meteorologists at stations in all parts of the United States.
Some meteorologists work for private industry, including airlines, private weather consulting firms, manufacturers of meteorological instruments, radio and television stations, and the aerospace industry.
Colleges and universities employ about 1,000 meteorologists in teaching and research positions.
Related jobs include geologist, geophysicist, and oceanographer.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Meteorologists work in all areas of the United States, but the largest concentrations are in California, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area.
Since they continue around the clock, seven days a week, jobs in weather stations entail night and weekend shifts. Some stations are at remote locations and may require the meteorologist to work alone.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Curiosity, analytical thinking, and attention to detail are necessary qualities for a meteorologist.
High school should include as many science and mathematics courses as possible.
A bachelor's degree with a major in meteorology or a related field is acceptable for some jobs, but many employers prefer to hire workers with an advanced degree. Teaching positions, research, and many jobs in private industry require advanced degrees.
Potential and Advancement
There are about 6,200 civilian meteorologists and several thousand members of the armed forces who do forecasting and meteorological work. Job opportunities for meteorologists should be more plentiful in the next five to ten years than they have been in the past. The National Weather Service plans to increase its employment of meteorologists, and there will be many jobs created in private industry as private weather forecasting and meteorological services come into greater demand. Employment of meteorologists in branches of the federal government other than the National Weather Service is not expected to increase.
Meteorologists with advanced degrees and experience can advance to supervisory and administrative positions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of meteorologists is expected to grow at a relatively fast rate—9%—between 2014 and 2024. Therefore, jobs and advancement opportunities should be strong during this time.
Income
On average, atmospheric scientists (a group which includes meteorologists) make roughly $90,000 per year. This figure will vary depending on a meteorologist’s levels of experience and education, among other factors.
Additional Sources of Information
American Geophysical Union, Washington, DC 20009
American Meteorological Society, Boston, MA 02108
