Career: Meteorologists
We see them in action every evening as they forecast the future -- or at least tell us how likely it is to rain. They’re meteorologists.
But not all people in this profession work in front of a camera. The biggest employer of meteorologists is, in fact, a government agency, the National Weather Service. And there are also plenty of businesses that hire meteorologists to help them make decisions based on the weather. Those who don’t forecast the weather conduct research, studying the atmosphere, climatic changes, or environmental problems.
Meteorologists are scientists who study the atmosphere to see how it affects the environment and to predict the weather and climate trends.
“Broadcasting is for the person who is not afraid to communicate and talk to other people. You have to be an extrovert.”
Haddie, college senior and radio weather announcer
Are You Ready To...?
- Use computer models to make forecasts
- Work nights, weekends, and holidays if you’re working at a weather station
- Work alone if you’re in a small weather office
- Do fieldwork or travel if you’re working for a consulting firm or private company
It Helps to Be...
Into computers and math. You’ll use computers as well as math to interpret weather information, such as the temperature, wind speed, and humidity.
Make High School Count
- Take advanced math courses like calculus and science like chemistry, earth science, and physics to prepare yourself for college-level work.
- Take computer courses and get familiar with technology. Much of meteorology involves computers.
- Focus on your writing skills in English class. Though this is a science, you’ll still need to write research papers and lab reports that make sense and communicate your ideas clearly.
Did You Know?
- You’ll increase your career opportunities if you earn a master's degree or a Ph.D. -- especially if you want to conduct research.
Outlook
Government economists expect average job growth through 2016 in meteorology when compared with other careers. Meteorologists may find jobs with new consulting companies that provide forecasts for agriculture and other industries that depend on the weather. Broadcasting jobs are very hard to come by.
Government job growth will be especially slow. The National Weather Service has recently finished modernizing its weather stations and has no plans to further increase its staff. But meteorologists will be needed to meet the challenges of cleaning up and protecting the environment.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of meteorologists was $78,960 a year in 2007. Federal meteorologists earned more. Their average salary was $87,720.
Starting salaries for federal meteorologists depend on their level of education. Meteorologists in the federal government with a bachelor’s degree and no experience received starting salaries of $27,955 or $34,544 in 2005; the amount depended on their college grades. Those with master’s degrees started at $42,090 or $54,393. Those with Ph.D.'s received $70,280.
