Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Median Salary
92,860
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

53%

Federal Government

35%

State and local government

5%

Private not for profit

5%

Self-employed

4%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 900 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$57,650

10%

$92,860

Median

$116,020

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    60%

  • Master's degree

    20%

  • Doctoral degree

    15%

  • Post-doctoral training

    5%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General
  • Meteorology
  • Climate Science
  • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other
  • Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology
  • Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mathematics
  • Geography
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Physics
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.

Related Military Occupations