How much does a weather scientist make?
a year · about $48 an hour
A typical weather scientist in the United States makes $99,070 a year, about $48 an hour, about 1.9× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check radar, satellite, and weather-station readings alongside computer models, then update forecasts and maps. When storms threaten, they may issue warnings and explain the danger to the public.
Did you know? The U.S. National Weather Service launches instrument-carrying weather balloons twice daily from nearly 100 sites across the country.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $53,060 and $161,890How do you become one?
U.S. atmospheric scientists start with a bachelor's in meteorology or related science, often in their early 20s; math, physics, coding, and internships help. Research jobs need a master's or Ph.D.; certification is optional.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, advanced degrees or optional certification, and whether someone works for the federal government, a research lab, a university, a broadcaster, or a private firm. Location, specialized work, and schedules—including overnight shifts, weekends, and extra hours during severe weather—can also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($128,800), lowest in New Hampshire ($42,820).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $53,060 | $99,070 | $161,890 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $128,800 | about 750 |
| California | $124,920 | about 510 |
| Hawaii | $121,010 | about 70 |
| New Jersey | $120,180 | about 60 |
| Idaho | $119,430 | about 50 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/print/atmospheric-scientists-in
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.weather.gov/about/observation-equipment
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY