Life As an Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Atmospheric & Space Scientist Definition 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.
Life As an Atmospheric & Space Scientist: What Do They Do?
- Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
- 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.
- Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
- Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
Featured schools near , edit
Things an Atmospheric & Space Scientist Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Atmospheric and Space Scientists say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Hydrometeorological Technician
- Weather Forecaster
- Meteorologist
- Hurricane Tracker
- Chief Meteorologist
Is There Going to be Demand for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 10,400 jobs in the United States for Atmospheric and Space Scientist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Atmospheric and Space Scientist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 900 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Atmospheric & Space Scientist are Colorado, Utah, and New Hampshire. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Missouri, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Atmospheric & Space Scientist Make?
The salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists ranges between about $50,040 and $142,500 a year.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $104,130 |
| Alaska | $85,980 |
| Arizona | $93,870 |
| California | $102,020 |
| Colorado | $96,890 |
| Connecticut | $58,980 |
| District of Columbia | $138,020 |
| Florida | $95,110 |
| Georgia | $99,890 |
| Hawaii | $103,960 |
| Idaho | $97,900 |
| Illinois | $71,400 |
| Indiana | $97,520 |
| Iowa | $89,230 |
| Kansas | $85,740 |
| Kentucky | $106,450 |
| Louisiana | $84,150 |
| Maryland | $110,150 |
| Michigan | $89,840 |
| Minnesota | $102,520 |
| Mississippi | $73,270 |
| Missouri | $95,500 |
| Montana | $85,770 |
| Nebraska | $89,990 |
| Nevada | $93,770 |
| New Hampshire | $80,880 |
| New Jersey | $95,560 |
| New Mexico | $111,090 |
| New York | $89,840 |
| North Carolina | $77,830 |
| North Dakota | $74,050 |
| Ohio | $91,370 |
| Oklahoma | $81,970 |
| Oregon | $90,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $104,380 |
| South Carolina | $96,170 |
| South Dakota | $82,600 |
| Tennessee | $95,740 |
| Texas | $93,810 |
| Utah | $87,130 |
| Virginia | $108,330 |
| Washington | $92,700 |
| Wisconsin | $93,100 |
| Wyoming | $87,910 |
What Tools do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Atmospheric and Space Scientists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Apple Final Cut Pro
How do I Become an Atmospheric & Space Scientist?
Individuals working as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Atmospheric and Space Scientists Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Atmospheric and Space Scientists employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Atmospheric and Space Scientist may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Liam Gumley via NASA, public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.