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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 230 | $84,280 | $40.52 | |
| Alaska | 300 | $77,500 | $37.26 | |
| Arizona | 100 | $93,710 | $45.05 | |
| Arkansas | 30 | $75,590 | $36.34 | |
| California | 620 | $120,040 | $57.71 | |
| Colorado | 1,060 | $106,810 | $51.35 | |
| Delaware | $102,920 | $49.48 | ||
| Florida | 390 | $95,320 | $45.83 | |
| Georgia | 350 | $77,460 | $37.24 | |
| Hawaii | 60 | $106,520 | $51.21 | |
| Idaho | 50 | $101,510 | $48.80 | |
| Illinois | $71,940 | $34.59 | ||
| Indiana | 90 | $102,800 | $49.42 | |
| Iowa | 40 | $92,450 | $44.45 | |
| Kansas | 140 | $76,190 | $36.63 | |
| Kentucky | 110 | $85,670 | $41.19 | |
| Louisiana | 80 | $84,560 | $40.65 | |
| Maine | 50 | $91,700 | $44.09 | |
| Maryland | 930 | $105,920 | $50.92 | |
| Massachusetts | 30 | $123,920 | $59.58 | |
| Michigan | 170 | $88,250 | $42.43 | |
| Minnesota | 110 | $70,270 | $33.78 | |
| Mississippi | 90 | $65,430 | $31.46 | |
| Missouri | 140 | $95,130 | $45.74 | |
| Montana | 100 | $90,970 | $43.74 | |
| Nebraska | 100 | $92,350 | $44.40 | |
| Nevada | 70 | $95,400 | $45.87 | |
| New Jersey | $107,740 | $51.80 | ||
| New Mexico | $89,680 | $43.12 | ||
| New York | 390 | $98,620 | $47.41 | |
| North Carolina | 120 | $97,590 | $46.92 | |
| North Dakota | 50 | $83,130 | $39.97 | |
| Ohio | 110 | $104,290 | $50.14 | |
| Oklahoma | 140 | $110,420 | $53.09 | |
| Oregon | 100 | $106,370 | $51.14 | |
| Pennsylvania | $101,700 | $48.89 | ||
| South Carolina | 70 | $88,270 | $42.44 | |
| South Dakota | 70 | $87,080 | $41.86 | |
| Tennessee | 190 | $83,420 | $40.10 | |
| Texas | 680 | $88,740 | $42.66 | |
| Utah | 80 | $96,910 | $46.59 | |
| Virginia | 160 | $124,610 | $59.91 | |
| Washington | 130 | $98,460 | $47.34 | |
| West Virginia | 40 | $76,600 | $36.83 | |
| Wisconsin | 120 | $89,970 | $43.25 | |
| Wyoming | 50 | $92,490 | $44.47 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of the atmospheric envelopes surrounding the earth, the effect of earth's atmosphere on terrestrial weather, and related problems of environment and climate. Includes instruction in atmospheric chemistry and physics, atmospheric dynamics, climatology and climate change, weather simulation, weather forecasting, climate modeling and mathematical theory; and studies of specific phenomena such as clouds, weather systems, storms, and precipitation patterns.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of atmospheric constituents, reactions, measurement techniques, and processes in predictive, current, and historical contexts. Includes instruction in climate modeling, gases and aerosols, trace gases, aqueous phase chemistry, sinks, transport mechanisms, computer measurement, climate variability, paleoclimatology, climate diagnosis, numerical modeling and data analysis, ionization, recombination, photoemission, and plasma chemistry.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the processes governing the interactions, movement, and behavior of atmospheric phenomena and related terrestrial and solar phenomena. Includes instruction in cloud and precipitation physics, solar radiation transfer, active and passive remote sensing, atmospheric electricity and acoustics, atmospheric wave phenomena, turbulence and boundary layers, solar wind, geomagnetic storms, coupling, natural plasma, and energization.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the prediction of atmospheric motion and climate change. Includes instruction in general circulation patterns, weather phenomena, atmospheric predictability, parameterization, numerical and statistical analysis, large- and mesoscale phenomena, kinematic structures, precipitation processes, and forecasting techniques.
Any instructional program in atmospheric sciences and meteorology not listed above.
-
$96,880 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as atmospheric and space scientists.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 0%
- College dropout 4%
- Associate’s degree 4%
- Bachelor’s degree 58%
- Master’s degree 23%
- Doctorate degree 10%
Similar Careers
-
Hydrologists$94,780 per year Average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
-
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$103,550 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
-
Data Scientists$108,660 per year Average salaryVery HighJob growth rate