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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 salary (BLS)

$99,070

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$53k – $162k

Job outlook

+1% (about average)

AI exposure

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Atmospheric and Space Scientists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Entry / Junior

    $53,060

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Established

    $99,070

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Atmospheric and Space Scientists

    Senior

    $130,480

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.