Career comparison
Geoscientist vs. Meteorologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Geoscientists earn more at the median ($101,920 vs. $99,070), while geoscientists usually get to work faster (4-year degree plus field camp of training). Geoscientists study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards. Meteorologists forecast weather and study the atmosphere.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Geoscientist | Meteorologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $101,920 ($49.00/hr) | $99,070 ($47.63/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $59,330 – $200,230 | $53,060 – $161,890 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.1% (faster than average) | +2.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 1,800 | 800 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4-year degree plus field camp | 4-year degree |
| Key credential | PG license | CBM |
| Work setting | Geoscientists split time between the field and the office.. | Meteorologists work in forecast offices, TV studios and labs.. |
What each job does
Geoscientist
- Map geology
- Collect samples
- Analyze data
- Model groundwater
- Assess hazards
Meteorologist
- Analyze weather data
- Run forecast models
- Issue forecasts
- Issue warnings
- Study climate
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with information, problem-solving, and high-pay. Both are part of the science, engineering & lab field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose geoscientist if…
- I love rocks and landscapes
- I like fieldwork
- I like data
Choose meteorologist if…
- I love weather
- I like math and physics
- I can make quick decisions
Still torn? Take the Geoscientist fit quiz and the Meteorologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, geoscientist or meteorologist?
Geoscientists earn more at the median: $101,920 versus $99,070 for meteorologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Geoscientists typically train faster (4-year degree plus field camp) than meteorologists (4-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects geoscientists to grow +5.1% from 2025–35, compared with +2.6% for meteorologists.