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Meteorologist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$99,070median pay per year, or $47.63 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $53,060lowest 10% earn less
  2. $73,35025th percentile
  3. $99,070median
  4. $129,96075th percentile
  5. $161,890top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Atmospheric and space scientists, the official category that includes meteorologists, had a median pay of $99,070 a year in May 2025[1]. A bachelor's degree is the typical way in[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+2.6%[5]
Openings per year
800[6]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[2]

How much do meteorologists make?

The median pay for atmospheric and space scientists was $99,070 a year, or $47.63 an hour[1]. Half of workers were paid above that figure and half below it. For comparison, the median for all occupations was $50,980[4]. The average was $106,110 a year, or $51.01 an hour[7].

The range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $53,060 a year, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $73,350[3]. The highest-paid 25% earned more than $129,960, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $161,890[3]. BLS explains that a percentile wage is a boundary and that it publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

By the hour, the 10th percentile was $25.51 and the 90th percentile was $77.83[9].

These figures cover about 10,000 wage and salary jobs[10]. They leave out self-employed workers and do not include benefits or nonproduction bonuses[11].

Pay by state and city

Maryland had the highest state median at $128,800, followed by California at $124,920 and Hawaii at $121,010[12]. These medians are for states with published data[12]. Some states have few jobs, so a single state figure rests on a small group of workers.

Colorado had the most jobs at 1,150[13]. Maryland followed with 750, then Texas with 720, California with 510 and Oklahoma with 420[13].

In metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD had the highest median at $128,800[14]. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ followed at $128,790, then Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL at $122,700[14].

The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area had the most jobs at 700[15]. Boulder, CO had 620[15].

Show median pay in 46 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Maryland[12]$128,800750
California$124,920510
Hawaii$121,01070
New Jersey$120,18060
Idaho$119,43050
New York$117,540370
Florida$115,960270
Arizona$115,02080
Missouri$114,230160
Illinois$112,280110
Oregon$112,260100
New Mexico$110,07060
Kansas$109,30080
Nevada$109,300120
Montana$108,89070
Massachusetts$108,050n/a
Minnesota$106,27050
Colorado$104,6701,150
District of Columbia$103,86070
Maine$103,71050
Indiana$103,68080
Kentucky$103,240100
Michigan$103,210150
Wyoming$99,94040
Louisiana$97,47070
Georgia$96,820170
Utah$96,520170
Tennessee$96,190230
Washington$94,400190
Alaska$94,380n/a
North Carolina$91,560170
North Dakota$91,56040
Wisconsin$85,870280
Connecticut$85,11050
Texas$84,990720
Virginia$83,880350
South Carolina$82,240150
Alabama$81,080340
West Virginia$80,69040
South Dakota$78,900130
Ohio$78,580160
Iowa$76,850100
Oklahoma$76,480420
Pennsylvania$75,890160
Arkansas$71,940n/a
Nebraska$60,540160
New Hampshire$42,820130

How to become a meteorologist

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education for entry. It lists no work experience in a related job and no on-the-job training as typical[2].

1) Earn a bachelor's degree: BLS says the degree is typically in meteorology or a related physical science[16]. Courses may include physics, mathematics and computer programming[16]. 2) Add experience while in college: Internships, volunteering or military service may help[17]. 3) Consider graduate study for research work: Scientists in research typically need at least a master's degree or a doctorate[18]. Graduate programs may accept a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics or engineering[18]. 4) Expect some training after hiring: it depends on the employer, and new National Weather Service employees, for example, learn to use equipment for severe weather warnings[19].

Professional certification is not required, though it may help in some fields[20].

In an O*NET survey of 20 workers, 60% said a bachelor's degree was the level required[21]. Another 20% said a master's degree, 15% said a doctoral degree and 5% said post-doctoral training[21]. This is a small survey, so read it as a rough picture only.

BLS names several skills that matter: analyzing large amounts of data from computer models[22], writing and speaking clearly[23], interpreting data to create forecasts[24] and understanding the math behind forecast models[25].

What meteorologists do

O*NET describes the work as investigating atmospheric phenomena and studying the atmosphere and weather, using readings from ground and air stations, satellites and radar, to write reports and forecasts[26]. Typical tasks include:

Where they work

The federal government was the largest employer at 26% in 2025[28]. In government, most scientists forecast for the National Weather Service in stations at airports, near cities and in remote areas. In small stations they often work alone, and in larger ones they work in teams[29].

Others work in offices and laboratories in research or technical services. Some travel to collect data or watch storms up close, and some observe weather from aircraft[30]. Broadcast meteorologists report from television and radio studios, and sometimes from outdoor locations[31]. In private industry, scientists may travel to meet clients or gather information in the field[32].

Most work full time. Schedules vary by job. Some meteorologists work shifts to cover 24 hours[33]. Broadcast meteorologists may work evenings and weekends, and hours can run long during severe weather[33]. About 1.2% were self-employed in 2025[34].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, from about 10,700 to 10,900 jobs[5]. That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[35]. These counts include self-employed workers[5].

BLS projects about 800 openings a year, on average[6]. Openings count jobs freed up by retirements and by workers changing occupations, as well as new jobs[6]. Each year, 1.7% of workers leave the labor force and 5.3% move to a different occupation[36].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a field with pay well above the all-occupations median and a bachelor's degree as the usual entry level[1][4][2]. It is small, with about 10,000 wage and salary jobs, and projected growth is a little below the average for all occupations[10][5][35]. Research roles typically ask for more schooling[18]. Work settings range from forecast stations to studios, labs and the field, and some jobs involve shifts or long hours in severe weather[29][30][31][33].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[37].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meteorologist make a year?
The median pay for atmospheric and space scientists was $99,070 a year in May 2025, and the average was $106,110[1][7].
How much does a meteorologist make an hour?
The median was $47.63 an hour and the average was $51.01 an hour[1][7].
What degree do you need to be a meteorologist?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[2]. It says the degree is typically in meteorology or a related physical science[16]. Research jobs typically need a master's degree or Ph.D.[18].
Is meteorology a growing field?
BLS projects 2.6% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[5][35]. About 800 openings a year are expected[6].
What is the highest paying state for meteorologists?
Maryland had the highest state median at $128,800 in May 2025, followed by California at $124,920[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the US was $99,070 per year and $47.63 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Atmospheric and Space Scientists: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Atmospheric and Space Scientists: 10th percentile $53,060, 25th percentile $73,350, 75th percentile $129,960, 90th percentile $161,890. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Atmospheric and Space Scientists is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, from about 10,700 to 10,900 jobs (a change of +300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 800 openings for Atmospheric and Space Scientists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists was $106,110 per year and $51.01 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Atmospheric and Space Scientists: 10th percentile $25.51, 25th percentile $35.26, 75th percentile $62.48, 90th percentile $77.83. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 10,000 people were employed as Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs: Colorado 1,150; Maryland 750; Texas 720; California 510; Oklahoma 420. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists (areas with at least 100 jobs): Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $128,800; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $128,790; Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $122,700; Boulder, CO $121,870; Kansas City, MO-KS $117,810; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $117,600; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $111,790; Fort Collins-Loveland, CO $110,960. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 700 (median $117,600); Boulder, CO 620 (median $121,870); Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD 270 (median $128,800); Oklahoma City, OK 270 (median $76,480); Anchorage, AK 260 (median $101,640); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 260 (median $128,790). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Other Experience. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses and Certifications. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. O*NET 19-2021.00 survey of workers (20 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 60%, Master's Degree 20%, Doctoral Degree 15%, Post-Doctoral Training 5% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET description of Atmospheric and Space Scientists. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET task list for Atmospheric and Space Scientists. O*NET OnLine
  28. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists in 2025: Federal government, excluding postal service 26%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: 1.2% of Atmospheric and Space Scientists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Atmospheric and Space Scientists: 1.7% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  37. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

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. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.