Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate.
Is atmospheric and space scientists a good career?
It scores 18/100 and ranks #365 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($99,070 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+0.7%)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What atmospheric and space scientists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. atmospheric and space scientists earn between $73,350 and $129,960 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live atmospheric and space scientists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow slower than average through 2034.
Education
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related physical science. In addition to meteorology and atmospheric science, course requirements may include physics, mathematics, and computer programming.
Atmospheric scientists who work in research typically need at least a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in atmospheric science or a related field. Graduate programs may not require program applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science; a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering is usually acceptable.
Training
Atmospheric scientists and meteorologists may need training after they are hired, depending on where they work. For example, new employees of the National Weather Service (NWS) need training on the use of equipment for issuing warnings about severe weather.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although not required, professional certification may benefit atmospheric scientists in some fields.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Atmospheric scientists need to evaluate large amounts of data produced by computer models.
Communication skills. Atmospheric scientists must be able to write and speak clearly so that their weather information is useful to the public or business clients.
Critical-thinking skills. Atmospheric scientists need to interpret data and information to create forecasts or reports.
Math skills. Atmospheric scientists must understand the mathematics used to develop models for weather forecasts and to calculate relationships between atmospheric properties, such as how changes in air pressure may affect air temperature.
Related occupations
How much do atmospheric and space scientists make?
The national median wage is $99,070 a year, with the middle half earning between $73,350 and $129,960 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is atmospheric and space scientists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 18 of 100 and ranks #365 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +0.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a atmospheric and space scientist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do atmospheric and space scientists earn the most?
Among states, Maryland pays the highest median ($128,800). Local pay for every state and metro is below.