The median pay for Atmospheric and Space Scientists is $99,070 a year ($47.63/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 2.6% through 2035, with about 800 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
- SOC 19-2021
- Life, Physical, and Social Science
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Atmospheric and Space Scientist in four numbers
- Median pay
- $99,070a year, or $47.63/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $53KTop 10% $162K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.6%About as fast as averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.6%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.6% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 80010,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202510.7K
- Projected 203510.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 10.7K Projected 2035 10.9K - Typical education
- Bachelor'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Bachelor's60%
- Master's20%
- Doctorate15%
- Post-doctoral training5%
Highest education held by atmospheric and space scientists Segment Value Bachelor's 60% Master's 20% Doctorate 15% Post-doctoral training 5%
Also advertised as: Broadcast Meteorologist, Forecaster, General Forecaster, Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech), Meteorologist, Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist.
Pay
How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make?
Every atmospheric and space scientist in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$99,070
Middle half earn $73,350 to $129,960
- 10th
- $53,060
- 25th
- $73,350
- 75th
- $129,960
- 90th
- $161,890
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $53,060 |
| 25th | $73,350 |
| Median | $99,070 |
| 75th | $129,960 |
| 90th | $161,890 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $99,070
- Median hourly wage
- $47.63/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $106,110
- People employed
- 10,000
Versus all US occupations
At $99,070, Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn 94% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $48,090 a year.
Versus life, physical, and social science occupations
Inside the Life, Physical, and Social Science group, where the middle occupation pays $82,220, this is 20% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $161,890 or more while the bottom 10% earn $53,060, a gap of 3.1×. That is an unusually wide spread, which usually tracks specialisation, employer type and years of experience.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 72% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Maryland posts the highest raw median ($128,800), but once local prices are taken into account Missouri leads at $125,780 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Atmospheric and Space Scientists the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Maryland | $128,800 | $122,715 | 750 |
| 2California | $124,920 | $112,825 | 510 |
| 3Hawaii | $121,010 | $110,058 | 70 |
| 4New Jersey | $120,180 | $110,454 | 60 |
| 5Idaho | $119,430 | $125,065 | 50 |
| 6New York | $117,540 | $108,913 | 370 |
| 7Florida | $115,960 | $112,132 | 270 |
| 8Arizona | $115,020 | $114,247 | 80 |
| 9Missouri | $114,230 | $125,780 | 160 |
| 10Illinois | $112,280 | $112,327 | 110 |
Job outlook
Is Atmospheric and Space Scientist a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
About as fast as average. +2.6% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | +2.6% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
About as fast as average
BLS projects employment of Atmospheric and Space Scientists to change 2.6% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 800 openings are projected each year, 7.5% of the 10,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
New types of computer models have vastly improved the accuracy of forecasts, allowing atmospheric scientists to tailor forecasts to specific purposes. This should support demand for atmospheric scientists as businesses require more specialized weather information.
Businesses increasingly rely on just-in-time delivery to avoid the expenses incurred by traditional inventory management methods. Severe weather can interrupt ground or air transportation and delay inventory delivery. Businesses have begun to maintain forecasting teams around the clock to advise delivery personnel, and this availability helps them stay on schedule. In addition, severe weather patterns have become widely recognizable, and industries have become increasingly concerned about their impact, which will create demand for work in atmospheric science.
Many atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, are employed by the federal government or organizations that depend on public funding, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Thus, employment growth will largely depend on the amount of funding available.
Getting in
How to become an Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field to enter the occupation. For research positions, these scientists typically need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. In addition, experience gained through an internship or by volunteering while in college may be helpful.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Bachelor's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Medium preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as atmospheric and space scientists.
- Bachelor's Degree60%
- Master's Degree20%
- Doctoral Degree15%
- Post-Doctoral Training5%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 60% |
| Master's Degree | 20% |
| Doctoral Degree | 15% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 5% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Atmospheric and Space Scientist do?
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.
Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate. They may compile data, prepare reports and forecasts, and assist in developing new data collection instruments.
Day-to-day tasks
- Interpret 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.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most atmospheric scientists work full time. Weather may change quickly, so weather forecasters need to continually monitor conditions. Schedules vary by position and employer. For example, some meteorologists work shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage. While some atmospheric scientists may have a standard workweek, broadcast meteorologists may work evenings and weekends. In addition, they may work extended hours during severe weather, such as hurricanes.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where atmospheric and space scientists work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Federal government, excluding postal service26%
- Other professional, scientific, and technical services18%
- Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers14%
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state14%
- Scientific research and development services10%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 26% |
| Other professional, scientific, and technical services | 18% |
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | 14% |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state | 14% |
| Scientific research and development services | 10% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension4.1
- Active Listening4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Science4.0
- Critical Thinking4.0
- Active Learning4.0
- Writing3.9
- Mathematics3.4
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.1 |
| Active Listening | 4.0 |
| Speaking | 4.0 |
| Science | 4.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 |
| Active Learning | 4.0 |
| Writing | 3.9 |
| Mathematics | 3.4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Systems Analysis3.1
- Coordination3.0
- Instructing3.0
- Time Management3.0
- Persuasion2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.0 |
| Instructing | 3.0 |
| Time Management | 3.0 |
| Persuasion | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Graphics or photo imaging software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Web page creation and editing software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Desktop publishing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Atmospheric and Space Scientist |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 5 |
| Investigative | 6 |
| Artistic | 3 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 3 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data, combined with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
- Investigative6.3
- Realistic4.8
- Conventional4.5
- Artistic2.7
- Enterprising2.7
- Social2.5
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
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More life, physical, and social science careers
Median annual pay, with atmospheric and space scientists highlighted
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist$193,950
- Physicist$172,250
- Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Atmospheric and Space Scientist$99,070
- Chemist$91,240
- Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health$82,220
- Conservation Scientist$73,010
- Chemical Technician$60,390
- Biological Technician$57,510
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $193,950 |
| Physicist | $172,250 |
| Medical Scientist, Except Epidemiologists | $103,410 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientist | $99,070 |
| Chemist | $91,240 |
| Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health | $82,220 |
| Conservation Scientist | $73,010 |
| Chemical Technician | $60,390 |
| Biological Technician | $57,510 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within atmospheric and space scientist
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Atmospheric and Space Scientist appears on
Questions
Atmospheric and Space Scientist: frequently asked questions
How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make?
Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn a median of $99,070 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 94% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $47.63/hr. The middle half earn between $73,350 and $129,960. The top 10% earn $161,890 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?
Yes. BLS reports a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for Atmospheric and Space Scientists, and O*NET rates the preparation needed as medium preparation. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 60.0% hold bachelor's degree.
Is Atmospheric and Space Scientist a growing career?
It is stable rather than fast-growing: employment is projected to change 2.6% over 2025–2035, about the same as the 3.5% projected across all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 800 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Atmospheric and Space Scientist do?
Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate. A core O*NET task: interpret 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. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software.
Which states pay Atmospheric and Space Scientists the most?
The highest state medians for Atmospheric and Space Scientists are Maryland ($128,800), California ($124,920), Hawaii ($121,010) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Missouri moves to the top at $125,780.
What personality type suits an Atmospheric and Space Scientist?
O*NET scores Atmospheric and Space Scientists highest on the Investigative, Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data with hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are INTJ, ISTJ, ISTP. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.