Career comparison
Earth Sciences Professor vs. Meteorologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Earth sciences professors earn more at the median ($103,170 vs. $99,070), while meteorologists usually get to work faster (4-year degree of training). Earth sciences professors teach geology, oceans, weather and space science at the college level. Meteorologists forecast weather and study the atmosphere.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Earth Sciences Professor | Meteorologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $103,170 | $99,070 ($47.63/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $59,700 – $203,190 | $53,060 – $161,890 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +2.4% (slower than average) | +2.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 800 | 800 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | 4-year degree |
| Key credential | Ph.D. in earth science | CBM |
| Work setting | Faculty work in classrooms, labs, field sites and sometimes on ships.. | Meteorologists work in forecast offices, TV studios and labs.. |
What each job does
Earth Sciences Professor
- Teach earth science courses
- Lead field trips
- Conduct research
- Analyze field and lab data
- Mentor students
Meteorologist
- Analyze weather data
- Run forecast models
- Issue forecasts
- Issue warnings
- Study climate
How they’re similar
Both careers involve problem-solving, working with information, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, education & childcare and science, engineering & lab, but share transferable skills such as curiosity and calm under pressure.
Which should you choose?
Choose earth sciences professor if…
- I love rocks, oceans or weather
- I enjoy field trips
- I like data
Choose meteorologist if…
- I love weather
- I like math and physics
- I can make quick decisions
Still torn? Take the Earth Sciences Professor fit quiz and the Meteorologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, earth sciences professor or meteorologist?
Earth Sciences Professors earn more at the median: $103,170 versus $99,070 for meteorologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Meteorologists typically train faster (4-year degree) than earth sciences professors (5–7 years after a bachelor’s).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects meteorologists to grow +2.6% from 2025–35, compared with +2.4% for earth sciences professors.