Meteorologist

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Work Tasks

• Study what happens in the atmosphere and how it affects the environment
• Predict the weather by looking at air pressure, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and other things
• Study the atmosphere's chemical and physical properties
• Look at past weather records and plan how to make new buildings safer and the environment better
• Work for the government, the military, weather advisors, research and testing services, airlines, radio stations, TV stations, and universities
• Work with computer models of the atmosphere, maps and charts, forecasts, warnings, radiometers, sensors, measuring equipment, and data from satellites, radar, high-altitude balloons, and aircraft

Salary, Size & Growth

• $83,000 average per year ($40.00 per hour)
• A small occupation (8,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.5% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in meteorology or atmospheric science
• Employers Prefer: A Ph.D. degree
• Skills/Courses: College courses include meteorology, chemistry, math, physics, and computer science. Courses in communications and broadcasting are useful for weather reporters.
• Certification/Licensing: Certifications are available.