Meteorologists

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Meteorologists, or atmospheric scientists, study weather conditions and forecast weather changes. By analyzing weather maps covering large geographic areas and related charts, like upper-air maps and soundings, they can predict the movement of fronts, precipitation, and pressure areas. They forecast such data as temperature, winds, precipitation, cloud cover, and flying conditions. To predict future weather patterns and to develop increased accuracy in weather study and forecasting, meteorologists conduct research on such subjects as atmospheric electricity, clouds, precipitation, hurricanes, and data collected from weather satellites. Other areas of research used to forecast weather may include ocean currents and temperature. There are about 10,000 atmospheric scientists, including meterologists, employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Recommended

Outlook

Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Curious

Scientific

Technical

Career Ladder

Broadcast Meteorologist

College Professor or Weather Consultant

Experienced Meteorologist

Meteorologist