What does a Meteorologist do?
Meteorologists study the climate and weather and examine their direct impact on the earth and human activity. They measure meteorological components including the temperature and atmospheric pressure, humidity, the speed of the wind, and dew point to determine the current and forthcoming forecasts. They prepare long- and short-term weather forecasts using computer programs, mathematical models, satellite radars, and local data.
Meteorologists use computers to create graphics and charts that help them report current weather conditions and perform community outreach initiatives to better educate and inform the public about weather safety. When necessary, they issue warnings about potentially hazardous weather systems or severe weather threats, including hurricanes and tornadoes. Forensic meteorologists are called upon to study historical data to reconstruct weather conditions during a specific time or at a specific location and to investigate roles that weather might play in an event including a fire or traffic accident. Meteorologists have a four-year bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences.
- Where applicable, ensure safety and sanitation of all labs, equipment and supplies
- Responsible to maintain credentials as required by accrediting councils/agencies and regulatory bodies
- Consistently produce graphics, photos, videos and other content for social media.
- Guide a team of meteorologists and be actively involved in the editorial process, setting the tone for all weather coverage.
- Update news team on weather conditions and work with news management to coordinate coverage and planning.
- May be scheduled to work any and all shifts.
- Responsible for the meteorological support of NASA balloon projects.
- Write, edit, and report on weather and/or news from the field or inside the newsroom.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and calmly handle live, breaking news situations and changing events.
- Physical Demands Set: Sedentary work: Involves sitting most of the time. walking, lifting, bending, standing, etc.
- Correct site processes and interface system issues, wide area network (WAN) problems and satellite broadcast problems.
- The person must also be able to independently detect and troubleshoot failures, interact with forecast office personnel and third-party vendors for site support, and accurately document all actions taken and provide customer feedback.
- Responsible for providing quality instruction to students through well prepared classes, relevant assignments, fair and holistic assessment of learning, clear documentation of student progress, and support of the academic success for at-risk students.
- Provide each student with clear course expectations, evaluations and timelines through carefully written topical outlines and approved, standardized syllabus.
- Suitably challenge, engage, serve and communicate with students to encourage their participation and learning while maintaining mutual value and respect.
- Identify and refer at-risk students to specific academic support services.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's degree in atmospheric science or meteorology.
How much does a Meteorologist make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$82,539
/ yrMeteorologist Career Path
Learn how to become a Meteorologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Meteorologist Insights
PPD“Nice place to work and lear”
RedCliff Ascent“The work schedule is amazing and allows for traveling.”
“No career for me as meteorologist”
United States Navy Reserves“Above average pay if you get BAH”
Micron Technology“good starting pay for fresh”
Dairy Queen“nice people to work with”
Met Office“Unsocial allowance pay should be better”
National Environment Agency“good worklife balance”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Meteorologist
When working as a Meteorologist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are RADAR Systems, Test Equipment, Content Management Systems, Views, and Written Communication.
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Business Systems Analyst
- Systems Analyst
The most common qualifications to become a Meteorologist include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.