Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Science, Technology, Engineering and MathematicsO*NET 19-2021.00United States
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.
- Median annual earnings
- $99,070
- Projected change
- +1.8%
- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Employment
- 13.88K jobs
50th percentile, United States
2025 to 2035
60% of the workforce
Growing to 14.13K by 2035
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The work
What atmospheric and space scientists do
Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the 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.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
- Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
- Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
- Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
Pay and outlook
What the job pays and where it is heading
Annual earnings range
Reported earnings by percentile, United States
- 10th percentile
- $53,061
- 25th percentile
- $73,341
- 50th percentile
- $99,070
- 75th percentile
- $129,958
- 90th percentile
- $161,886
The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $99,070 and half earn less.
Employment outlook
2025 to 2035 projection
+1.8%average or slower
202513,880 jobs
2035 projected14,129 jobs
249 more positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.
Preparation
Education levels
What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.
- Bachelor's degree
- 60%
- Master's or Professional degree
- 20%
- Doctoral degree or more
- 20%
Skills
Skills employers ask for
Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.
How the work gets done
Core competencies
Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Science
- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Speaking
- Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening
- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Active Learning
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Writing
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Complex Problem Solving
- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Mathematics
- Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Systems Analysis
- Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Monitoring
- Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Learning Strategies
- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Social Perceptiveness
- Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Instructing
- Teaching others how to do something.
- Coordination
- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Time Management
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Systems Evaluation
- Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Persuasion
- Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Service Orientation
- Actively looking for ways to help people.
In the market
Job titles and employers
Recent job postings in United StatesCommon job titles
- 01Meteorologists593 postings
- 02Weather Forecasters68 postings
- 03Weatherization Specialists58 postings
- 04Chief Meteorologists53 postings
- 05Meteorological Technicians41 postings
- 06Morning Meteorologists40 postings
- 07Utility Locators33 postings
- 08Technicians21 postings
- 09Weather Interns21 postings
- 10Field Technical Support Representatives17 postings
- 11Experience Specialists16 postings
- 12Lead Field Technicians16 postings
- 13Multimedia Journalists15 postings
- 14Field Technicians13 postings
- 15Water Damage Specialists13 postings
- 16Weatherization Installers13 postings
- 17Weather Technicians12 postings
- 18Set Up Operators11 postings
- 19Interns10 postings
- 20Oceanographers10 postings
Top employers
- 01Graymedia85 postings
- 02Nexstar Media Group48 postings
- 03TEGNA47 postings
- 04Gray Television37 postings
- 05Jmc Enterprises32 postings
- 06Redtown Technical Services30 postings
- 07Sinclair Broadcast Group28 postings
- 08Spherion Staffing25 postings
- 09Amentum22 postings
- 10Hearst Television20 postings
- 11Hearst19 postings
- 12Spectrum19 postings
- 13Hearst Media Services18 postings
- 14E.W. Scripps17 postings
- 15Icrossing17 postings
- 16National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration16 postings
- 17Chickasaw Nation Industries15 postings
- 18Scripps Media15 postings
- 19Signature Aviation Plc15 postings
- 20Continental11 postings
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