Career Overview
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 Known As
- Forecaster
- General Forecaster
- Meteorologist
- Research Meteorologist
Alternate Job Titles
- Aerologist
- Air Analyst
- Astrochemist
- Atmospheric Chemist
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Broadcast Meteorologist
- Climate Change Risk Assessor
- Climatologist
- Computer Meteorologist
- Forecaster
- General Forecaster
- Hurricane Tracker
- Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech)
- Hydrometeorologist
- Marine Meteorologist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Speech Clarity
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Tolerance for Ambiguity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Photoshop
- C++
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Tools & Equipment
- Air quality samplers
- Air temperature thermometers
- Analog anemometers
- Desktop computers
- Digital anemometers
- Doppler radar equipment
- Graphic tablets
- Hygrometers
- Laptop computers
- Light meters
- Mercury barometers
- Next Generation Weather Radar NEXRAD
- Personal computers
- Psychrometers
- Radiosonde launchers
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $49,990 |
| Median | $97,450 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $160,710 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 8,780
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
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Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
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Data Scientists
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Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.