What Does a Meteorologist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a meteorologist do?

Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, study weather, climate and other aspects of the atmosphere. The median pay is $99,070 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year degree, and employment is projected to grow +2.6% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$99,070
$47.63/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+2.6%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
4-year degree
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
10,700
Employment, 2025

What meteorologists do

Meteorologists predict the weather. They analyze satellite, radar and model data, issue forecasts and warnings, study climate and work for the National Weather Service, TV stations, airlines, utilities and private firms.

A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is required. BLS projects about average growth.

Typical duties

Analyze weather data
Run forecast models
Issue forecasts
Issue warnings
Study climate
Brief clients
Present on air

Work environment and schedule

Meteorologists work in forecast offices, TV studios and labs.

Schedule: Shifts cover 24/7 forecasting.

A day in the life

5:00 AMReview overnight data.
6:00 AMWrite the morning forecast.
8:00 AMBrief an airline.
10:00 AMWatch radar for storms.

See a full day in the life of a meteorologist →

Meteorologist salary

Half of meteorologists earned more than $99,070 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $53,060 for the lowest 10% to $161,890 for the top 10%.

$53,06010th$99,070Median$161,89090th

Full meteorologist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a meteorologist

Earn a meteorology degree
Do internships
Get hired
Earn certifications
Advance

A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a meteorologist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Atmospheric science
Forecasting
Radar interpretation
Numerical models
Programming

People skills

Calm under pressure
Communication
Decision-making
Curiosity

All meteorologist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Protect lives with warnings
Fascinating science
Varied employers
Good pay

Cons

Shift work
Forecast pressure
Small field
Severe weather stress

Certifications and licenses

CBM: Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (AMS).
CCM: Certified Consulting Meteorologist.
Federal meteorologist standards: NWS requirements.
Master’s: For research.

Career path

Meteorologist Intern: Entry.
Forecaster: Forecast.
Lead Forecaster: Lead.
Meteorologist in Charge: Run office.

Learn the job before day one

Our Meteorologist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as issue a severe weather warning and use ensemble forecasts, safety and how to land your first job.

View Meteorologist training Is this career right for me?

Geoscientist

Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.

$101,920
4-year degree plus field camp

Physicist

Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works.

$172,250
5–7 years after a bachelor’s

Broadcast Announcer

Host radio shows, call games and present news and music on air.

$47,340
Degree plus station experience

Data Scientist

Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.

$120,230
4–6 years

Compare: Meteorologist vs. Geoscientist · Meteorologist vs. Physicist · Meteorologist vs. Broadcast Announcer · Meteorologist vs. Data Scientist

Meteorologist FAQ

Do meteorologists need a degree?

Yes, in meteorology or atmospheric science.

Do TV weather people need degrees?

Many do; the CBM seal requires one.

Is the field growing?

BLS projects about average growth.

How much does a meteorologist make?

The median annual wage for meteorologists was $99,070 ($47.63 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $53,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $161,890.

How long does it take to become a meteorologist?

Most people need about 4-year degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is required.

Do you need a degree to be a meteorologist?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2021 (Atmospheric and space scientists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Atmospheric and space scientists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Meteorologist