Atmospheric and Space Scientists: Career Profile
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.
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What Tasks Do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Take On?
The day-to-day responsibilities of atmospheric and space scientists include:
- 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.
Skills and Knowledge
Top atmospheric and space scientists combine a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Top Skills
These are the skills most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Core Knowledge
Related Job Titles
Common job titles for this role include:
- Aerologist
- Air Analyst
- Astrochemist
- Atmospheric Chemist
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Broadcast Meteorologist
- Climate Change Risk Assessor
- Climatologist
How Many Atmospheric and Space Scientists Are There?
There are roughly 55,620 atmospheric and space scientists working in the United States today. This occupation is expected to grow by +7.3% over the projection horizon.
How Much Do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Make?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $77,973 |
| Hourly median | $37.49 |
| 10th percentile | $53,283 |
| 25th percentile | $65,628 |
| 75th percentile | $90,319 |
| 90th percentile | $102,664 |
Compensation varies based on experience, location, and industry.
Pay by State
| State | Annual median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122,180 |
| California | $117,770 |
| Idaho | $117,190 |
| Missouri | $116,480 |
| Oregon | $115,890 |
| New Mexico | $114,230 |
| Virginia | $111,920 |
| Nebraska | $110,140 |
| Tennessee | $109,800 |
| Montana | $107,240 |
| Colorado | $106,310 |
| Maryland | $104,560 |
| Louisiana | $104,330 |
| New Jersey | $104,020 |
| North Carolina | $103,920 |
| Nevada | $103,540 |
| Wisconsin | $102,130 |
| Indiana | $101,650 |
| Alaska | $101,500 |
| Maine | $101,500 |
| District of Columbia | $98,390 |
| Michigan | $95,890 |
| Florida | $95,640 |
| South Carolina | $95,640 |
| North Dakota | $92,750 |
| Georgia | $90,670 |
| Washington | $88,800 |
| Texas | $88,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,700 |
| Alabama | $84,720 |
| South Dakota | $83,710 |
| Arkansas | $81,900 |
| Oklahoma | $79,200 |
| Arizona | $77,000 |
| Ohio | $76,290 |
| Kansas | $75,510 |
| Wyoming | $74,120 |
| Mississippi | $74,060 |
| Iowa | $72,530 |
| West Virginia | $70,000 |
| New York | $69,870 |
| Kentucky | $67,360 |
| New Hampshire | $64,090 |
| Puerto Rico | $63,130 |
| Utah | $59,640 |
Pay by U.S. Region
Pay for atmospheric and space scientists differ across the country. Top regions by median wage:
| Region | Median annual wage | Share of U.S. jobs | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Western US | $108,170 | 15.5% | 2.16 |
| Rocky Mountains | $104,312 | 13.5% | 5.36 |
| Southeast | $92,142 | 21.1% | 1.06 |
| Middle Atlantic | $87,397 | 18.2% | 2.60 |
| Southwest | $86,023 | 10.3% | 1.35 |
| Plains States | $81,655 | 8.0% | 1.47 |
| Other U.S. Territories | $63,130 | 0.6% | 0.90 |
| Great Lakes | $59,818 | 10.7% | 0.79 |
Top Metro Areas
| Metro area | State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | CA | $141,370 | 70 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | TX | $132,850 | 40 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | DC | $128,940 | 590 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | HI | $122,180 | 60 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | OR | $121,600 | 60 |
| Boise City, ID | ID | $120,640 | 30 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | IL | $119,270 | 60 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | MO | $115,750 | 30 |
Top Industries Employing Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Most atmospheric and space scientists are concentrated in the following sectors:
| Industry | Employment | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 2,730 | $77,690 |
| Information | 1,570 | $77,240 |
| Educational Services | 1,240 | $89,120 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 140 | $94,920 |
Below are examples of industries where atmospheric and space scientists work:
Software Atmospheric and Space Scientists Use
- Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Photoshop (hot technology)
- Object or component oriented development software: C++ (hot technology)
- Web page creation and editing software: Facebook (hot technology)
- Analytical or scientific software: IBM SPSS Statistics (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Linux (hot technology)
- Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft Access (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Operating system software: Microsoft Windows (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
The Day-to-Day Environment
The work environment for atmospheric and space scientists reflects the following characteristics:
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Sitting
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
Education and Training
Entry-level atmospheric and space scientists positions require a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. This occupation sits in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), signaling the level of preparation typically expected.
Other Careers to Consider
Similar Occupations
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians (Primary-Short)
- Statisticians (Supplemental)
- Data Scientists (Primary-Short)
- Geodetic Surveyors (Primary-Long)
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians (Supplemental)
- Soil and Plant Scientists (Supplemental)
- Conservation Scientists (Supplemental)
- Astronomers (Primary-Long)
Top Programs to Study For This Career
Students preparing for atmospheric and space scientists typically earn programs in:
Physical Sciences
5 programs across 1 majors
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
2 programs across 2 majors
About the Data
Statistics shown above are sourced from the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 19-2021.00 (Atmospheric and Space Scientists).
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