Atmospheric and Space Scientists
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.
Also called: Aerologist, Air Analyst, Astrochemist, Atmospheric Chemist, Atmospheric Scientist, Broadcast Meteorologist
Median pay
$99,070
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$53,060 – $161,890
People employed
10,000
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (46 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What atmospheric and space scientists do
- 01Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- 02Interpret 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.
- 03Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- 04Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- 05Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- 06Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Tolerance for Ambiguity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from atmospheric and space scientists
- Geographers86% · +3%
- Data Scientists84% · +21%
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians81% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists77% · group pay
- Statisticians75% · +7%
Change into atmospheric and space scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Geographers86% · $102,040
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists79% · $81,390
- Conservation Scientists77% · $73,010
- Water Resource Specialists77% · $167,220
- Geodetic Surveyors76% · $75,440
Majors that lead here
- Climate Science
- Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology
- Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics
- Meteorology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.