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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Military Meteorological Specialists

Median Salary
80,483
Workforce Count
4,515

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Meteorological specialists predict the weather and study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea, and upper atmosphere. They use the latest forecast technology to predict severe weather-- tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, strong winds, and excessive heat and cold.

What is the work environment like?

Meteorological specialists usually work in offices either on land or aboard ships. They work outdoors when making visual weather observations and launching weather balloons.

How many people have this role in the Military?

4,515

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$105,596

2 Years

$81,906

6 Years

$105,596

10+ Years
Median Salary
80,483

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Meteorological specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:

  • Basic meteorology (study of weather) and oceanography (study of the ocean)
  • Methods for plotting weather data
  • Analysis of radar and satellite weather information
  • Preparation of weather reports

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

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

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 is essential to 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

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