🌦️ How much does a weather forecaster make?
Most U.S. full-time forecasters earn about $73,350–$129,960; the median is $99,070, and the top 10% earn over $161,890 a year.
Pay varies by employer and experience; popular freelance TV forecasters may earn far more, but their income is not guaranteed.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-paid workers (10th–25th percentile) | $53,060–$73,350 | BLS OEWS May 2025, 10th–25th percentiles |
| Middle half of full-time workers | $73,350–$129,960 | BLS OEWS May 2025, 25th–75th percentiles |
| Top 10% (90th-percentile cutoff) | $161,890 | BLS OOH May 2025, 90th-percentile cutoff |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-paid workers (10th–25th percentile) | $4,422–$6,113 | $145–$201 |
| Middle half of full-time workers | $6,113–$10,830 | $201–$356 |
| Top 10% (90th-percentile cutoff) | $13,491 | $444 |
Where does the money come from?
How pay changes with experience
| Stage | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NWS entry grades (GS-5 to GS-7) | $34,799–$56,039 Estimate | 2026 OPM nationwide GS base rates, Steps 1–10 for these grades; locality pay is excluded. (Source) |
| NWS developing meteorologists (GS-9 to GS-11) | $52,727–$82,938 Estimate | 2026 OPM nationwide GS base rates, Steps 1–10 for these grades; locality pay is excluded. (Source) |
| NWS full-performance grade (GS-12) | $76,463–$99,404 Estimate | 2026 OPM nationwide GS-12 base rates, Steps 1–10; locality pay is excluded. (Source) |
How do you become a weather forecaster?
In the United States, study math and science in high school, then earn a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related science. Federal meteorologist jobs require specific meteorology, physics, and math courses. An internship can help, and new National Weather Service hires receive job training.
- Study math and science in high school.
- Study meteorology or a related science in college.
- Complete the required courses and earn a bachelor's degree.
- Try an internship while in college.
- Apply for jobs and complete any training after hiring.
Qualifications and exams
No general U.S. license is required. Federal meteorologist jobs require qualifying meteorology or science coursework, including physics and math; check each job notice.
A day as a weather forecaster
At the start of a shift, a U.S. weather forecaster checks radar, satellite images, ground reports, and computer forecasts. They update forecasts and warnings and may brief emergency teams. National Weather Service forecasters can work rotating night and weekend shifts.
Common questions
Do federal meteorologists and TV weather forecasters earn different pay?
In May 2025, the typical pay for atmospheric scientists in the federal government was $122,700, compared with $80,060 in publishing, broadcasting, and content providers. These are typical figures for each industry, not guaranteed individual salaries. Source
Do U.S. federal forecasters get extra pay for night shifts?
U.S. General Schedule employees who perform night work are entitled to extra night pay equal to 10% of basic pay. Source
Is there extra overtime pay during a storm?
Work hours may extend during severe weather, such as hurricanes. The BLS does not give one standard overtime amount; schedules and pay rules can depend on the job and employer. Source
Can forecasters work for businesses as well as the public?
Yes. Weather forecasters may prepare forecasts for business clients such as airports, utility companies, and grocery stores so they can plan for weather that may affect their work or demand. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Some inexperienced starters | $14,400–$16,667 | U-CAN: starting pay annualized; some cases under ¥2.5M |
| MHLW broad-category average (proxy) | $38,887 | MHLW Job Tag, 2025 wage-survey proxy |
| Popular freelance forecasters (reported case) | $133,333 | U-CAN estimate for popular freelancers |
Related questions
Jobs in the same group
Data table and sources
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-includin
- jobs.best/occupations/atmospheric-and-space-scientists
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/Occupation/Detail/94
- www.u-can.co.jp/course/data/in_html/127/column/column03.html
- www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule
- www.weather.gov/about/forecast-process
- www.usajobs.gov/job/873919600
- www.weather.gov/media/directives/020_pdfs/pd02001003curr.pdf
- www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/26Table
- www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-administration/fact-sheets/night