How to become an Atmospheric and Space Scientist

Official title: Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Also called: Broadcast Meteorologist, Forecaster, General Forecaster, Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech), Meteorologist, Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist, Research Meteorologist, Service Hydrologist, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Weather Forecaster

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.

Main 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.

How to become one

Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master's degree or a Ph.D.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Meteorologist.
• College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $99,070 a year The middle half earn $73,350 to $129,960.
• About 10,700 people work in this job now, and about 10,900 are projected by 2035. (+2.6%)
• People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Related jobs

• Astronomers
• Physicists
• Chemists
• Materials Scientists
• Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
• Climate Change Policy Analysts

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?

Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. Those who work in research typically need a master's degree or a Ph.D.

How much does an Atmospheric and Space Scientist earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $99,070 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $73,350 to $129,960.

Is an Atmospheric and Space Scientist a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 10,700 to about 10,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?

Usually. 93% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.