Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. PayThe median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $99,070 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $99,070 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 800 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.
Work Environment
Most atmospheric scientists work indoors in weather stations, offices, or laboratories. They may work outdoors to observe the weather. Most atmospheric scientists are full time and may work extended hours during weather emergencies.
How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $99,070 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 800 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Most atmospheric scientists work indoors in weather stations, offices, or laboratories. They may work outdoors to observe the weather. Most atmospheric scientists are full time and may work extended hours during weather emergencies.
How to Become an Atmospheric Scientist
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D.
Pay
The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists was $99,070 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 800 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.