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Atmospheric and Space Scientists
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.
Other titles employers use
Broadcast Meteorologist · Forecaster · General Forecaster · Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech) · Meteorologist · Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist · Research Meteorologist · Service Hydrologist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to analytical, practical and organizing work.
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Subjects to know
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.6 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 1.9 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.6 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 2.1 | Little of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a bachelor's degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A four-year degree 60%
- A master's degree 20%
- A doctorate or professional degree 20%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Object or component oriented development software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Operating system software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,360
- Job openings each year
- 120
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 22.5%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1,360 | 120 | 22.5% |
| Florida | 1,030 | 90 | 19.8% |
| Maryland | 930 | 80 | 12.0% |
| Texas | 820 | 70 | 12.3% |
| New York | 500 | 0 | — |
| Pennsylvania | 450 | 40 | 4.7% |
| Alabama | 410 | 30 | 5.1% |
| Ohio | 270 | 20 | — |
| Washington | 260 | 30 | 23.8% |
| Kansas | 250 | 20 | 4.2% |
| Arkansas | 170 | 10 | 6.3% |
| Georgia | 160 | 10 | — |
| Oklahoma | 160 | 10 | — |
| Virginia | 160 | 10 | 6.7% |
| Michigan | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Missouri | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Nevada | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| North Carolina | 110 | 10 | — |
| South Carolina | 110 | 10 | 22.2% |
| Utah | 110 | 10 | 22.2% |
| Minnesota | 100 | 10 | — |
| Nebraska | 100 | 10 | — |
| Tennessee | 100 | 10 | — |
| West Virginia | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Alaska | 90 | 10 | — |
| Arizona | 90 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 90 | 10 | — |
| Kentucky | 90 | 10 | — |
| Mississippi | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| New Hampshire | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| South Dakota | 90 | 10 | — |
| Oregon | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Louisiana | 70 | 10 | — |
| Montana | 70 | 10 | — |
| District of Columbia | 60 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 50 | 10 | — |
| Iowa | 50 | 10 | — |
| New Jersey | 50 | 0 | — |
| New Mexico | 50 | 0 | — |
| North Dakota | 50 | 0 | — |
| Delaware | 40 | 0 | — |
| Maine | 40 | 0 | — |
| Wyoming | 40 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 59
- Admit rate
- 54%
- Annual cost after aid
- $26,000
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- Degrees each year
- 44
- Admit rate
- 77%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Degrees each year
- 42
- Admit rate
- 77%
- Annual cost after aid
- $14,000
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Degrees each year
- 40
- Admit rate
- 57%
- Annual cost after aid
- $18,000
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 39
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
Florida State University
- Degrees each year
- 28
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Valparaiso University
- Degrees each year
- 22
- Admit rate
- 92%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
University of California-San Diego
- Degrees each year
- 19
- Admit rate
- 25%
- Annual cost after aid
- $10,000
Compare every college offering atmospheric sciences and meteorology