How to become a meteorologist or climatologist
Official title: Meteorologists and climatologists
Also called: Climatologist, Meteorologist, Applied meteorologist, Physical meteorologist, Synoptic meteorologist, Industrial meteorologist, Air quality meteorologist, Operational meteorologist, Agricultural meteorologist, Hydrometeorologist, Paleometeorologist, Weather forecaster
Meteorologists and climatologists analyze and forecast weather, provide consultation on atmospheric phenomena and conduct research into the processes and phenomena of weather, climate and atmosphere. They are employed by all levels of government, natural resources and utility companies, the media and private consulting firms, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Analyze and interpret data obtained from meteorological stations, radar and satellite imagery and computer model output
- Produce weather forecasts and provide weather consulting services for industries such as aviation, marine, agriculture and tourism, and to the general public
- Disseminate weather forecasts and reports to the general public through a variety of media including radio, television, print and the Internet
- Conduct research and provide consultation on the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather and climate, atmospheric dispersion, and physical and chemical transformation of pollutants
- Develop and test mathematical computer models of weather and climate for experimental or operational use
- Analyze the impact of industrial projects and human activity on the climate and quality of the air and work with the social science, engineering and economic communities to develop appropriate mitigation strategies
- Participate in studies of the effect of weather on the environment
- Provide consultation and advice to outside agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information
How to become one
A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences or in a related field is required. A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist in meteorology. Formal training is provided by Environment Canada for operational meteorologists employed by the federal government. Membership in the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society is available, but voluntary, for qualified meteorologists.
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $105,183 a year
Related jobs
- Physicists and astronomers
- Chemists
- Geoscientists and oceanographers
- Other professional occupations in physical sciences
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Questions people ask
How do I become a meteorologist or climatologist?
A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences or in a related field is required. A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist in meteorology. Formal training is provided by Environment Canada for operational meteorologists employed by the federal government. Membership in the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society is available, but voluntary, for qualified meteorologists.
How much does a meteorologist or climatologist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $105,183 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)).
Do you need a degree to become a meteorologist or climatologist?
Usually. 97% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03