Science
Atmospheric and space scientists
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Median pay
$99,070
Growth to 2035
+3%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
800
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Atmospheric and space scientists
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Atmospheric and space scientists: 40% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
Also called: Broadcast Meteorologist · Forecaster · General Forecaster · Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech) · Meteorologist · Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist · Research Meteorologist · Service Hydrologist
Outlook and AI
Atmospheric and space scientists held 10,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 10,900 by 2035 (+3%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Physical scientists, all other
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Data scientist
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Computer occupations, all other
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Geological technicians, except hydrologic technicians
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Surveyor
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Geographer
- Atmospheric and space scientists vs. Astronomer