Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Stress Tolerance
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.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
Abilities
- Oral Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Science
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Consulting MeteorologistCertifying Organization
American Meteorological Society
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Broadcast MeteorologistCertifying Organization
American Meteorological Society
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $65,045 |
| Median (50%) | $82,594 |
| High (90%) | $114,812 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $79,010 |
| Mid Level | $91,972 |
| Senior Level | $104,198 |
| Expert Level | $138,714 |
Employability
There are currently 9,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 10,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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