How much does a Meteorologist make?

The average salary for a Meteorologist is $88,156 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 854 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Meteorologist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Meteorologist in United States is $118,584 per year.

The lowest salary for a Meteorologist in United States is $66,117 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Meteorologist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Meteorologist.

Pay for meteorologists is similar to the pay for computer programmers, environmental scientists, geoscientists, and hydrologists. Meteorologists or atmospheric scientists working for the federal government typically earn higher salaries than meteorologists or atmospheric scientists working in television broadcasting. Most atmospheric scientists work full time, and many entry-level staff must work unusual hours because weather conditions can change twenty-four seven. During severe weather events, such as tornados, their hours may be extensive.

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Several factors can lead to a meteorologist's salary being good, including professional certifications, advanced academic qualifications, specializations, and at least two years of working in the field. Per anonymous ratings on Glassdoor, roughly 65% of meteorologists are satisfied with their remuneration.

Your salary as a meteorologist will likely change over time based on factors like your experience and professional education. The minimum meteorologist salary is around $51,127.16, with a maximum in the region of $154,469.68. Many meteorologists earn around the average of $82,688.46. There are several seniority levels along the typical meteorologist career path that each come with their own, often higher, salary ranges.

Are you wishing to make more from your career as a meteorologist? Completing further education, such as a master's or doctorate degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climatic studies, or a related field, can help you earn a higher salary as a meteorologist. Professional certifications and credentials can also improve your salary prospects, such as the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) designations from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). You should also develop sought-after technical skills, including radar, doppler, WSI, and satellite imagery. Public appearances, on-air experience, proficiency using scientific equipment, strong analytical ability, and excellent communication skills are also helpful.

If you've arranged an interview for a new meteorologist role, make sure you seize the opportunity to fully discuss your salary expectations. Highlight your educational achievements, pertinent skills, and relevant experience, such as lab work, research projects, internships, and reporting. Make potential employers aware of your flexibility toward your working hours, as positions typically involve shift work. If you're asking for a pay raise in an existing job, highlight special certifications, technical knowledge, and past coverage of breaking or emergency situations. You should also draw attention to any additional responsibilities you've undertaken while in post, such as social media management, leadership, and staff training.