Occupation · SOC 19-2021
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.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
61 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive LearningCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingScienceWritingComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
MathematicsPhysicsGeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Graphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareVideo creation and editing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareOperating system software
Representative tasks
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditConduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Surface and upper-air observational data — collect and organize from weather stations, satellites, and radar networks under supervisor guidance in an operational forecasting environment.Meteorological reports and basic charts — interpret with assistance, applying foundational knowledge of atmospheric physics and mathematics learned through degree coursework.Numerical weather prediction model output — review and summarize key parameters under direct supervision to support short-range forecast products.Computer programs for data collection — execute and troubleshoot existing scripts written in Python or similar languages to gather meteorological datasets in a government or research setting.Geographic information system tools — use to display and query spatial weather and climate data under direction from a senior atmospheric scientist.Scientific literature and technical reports — read and synthesize relevant findings to support team-level research into atmospheric phenomena and climate processes.Weather forecast briefings — assist in preparing routine written summaries of conditions for internal review before submission to business or government clients.Analytical or scientific software packages — operate under guidance to run basic statistical analyses on atmospheric datasets in a laboratory or office environment.Public communication materials — support the drafting of weather condition summaries intended for broadcast or web publication under editorial oversight.Mathematical models of atmospheric dynamics — apply standard equations and pre-built model frameworks to entry-level forecast exercises with faculty or supervisor review.
developing
Short- and long-range weather forecasts — develop independently by interpreting multi-source environmental data including satellite imagery, radar, and numerical model output in an operational center.Meteorological and climate datasets — formulate predictions by integrating oceanic, atmospheric, and paleoclimate information using established analytical methods with limited oversight.Custom computer programs — write and maintain scripts to automate meteorological data collection and processing workflows in a government agency or private-sector forecasting unit.Severe weather warnings — prepare and disseminate timely public alerts via television, radio, or Internet platforms, adhering to agency protocols and broadcast standards.Forecast briefings — produce and present tailored products for industry, agricultural, or emergency management stakeholders, adapting content to non-specialist audiences.Mathematical and statistical models — apply and calibrate existing weather forecasting models to local or regional conditions, refining outputs based on observed verification skill scores.Atmospheric research data — gather, quality-control, and archive observational records from surface stations and upper-air soundings to support ongoing departmental research projects.Graphics and visualization software — produce professional-grade weather maps and forecast graphics for client deliverables and media publication in a commercial weather enterprise.Climate theory and physics principles — apply to diagnose non-routine meteorological events and explain physical mechanisms to colleagues and clients with growing independence.Scientific writing — author technical sections of research reports, forecast verification summaries, and internal documentation meeting organizational and journal style standards.
proficient
Novel mathematical and computer models — design, develop, and validate for operational weather forecasting across diverse geographic domains and temporal scales without supervisory input.Complex multi-variable environmental datasets — interpret and synthesize meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, and climate data autonomously to produce high-confidence long-range forecast guidance.Original meteorological research — conduct end-to-end investigations into atmospheric processes, from hypothesis formation through data collection, analysis, and peer-reviewed publication.Advanced numerical modeling code — develop and optimize custom software in object-oriented languages to improve data ingestion, processing, and forecast model performance in operational systems.Severe and high-impact weather scenarios — evaluate with expert judgment, issuing authoritative warnings and briefings that balance uncertainty communication with actionable public safety guidance.Cross-sector forecast products — develop and deliver specialized briefings for energy, aviation, agriculture, and government sectors, independently assessing each client's risk tolerance and decision context.Atmospheric and climate system interactions — analyze using systems-level reasoning to diagnose cascading phenomena such as teleconnections, feedback loops, and multi-scale weather patterns.Geographic information and remote-sensing platforms — integrate satellite, radar, and GIS data streams into comprehensive situational awareness products for operational and research applications.Forecast verification and model evaluation — lead systematic assessments of prediction accuracy, identifying systematic biases and recommending corrective improvements to modeling workflows.Scientific and public communication — craft high-clarity written reports, journal articles, and broadcast-quality media content that accurately convey complex atmospheric science to diverse audiences.
advanced
Organizational forecasting strategy — define and direct the long-term vision for model development, data acquisition, and forecast service delivery across an agency, research institute, or enterprise.Research programs in atmospheric and climate science — establish and lead multi-year investigations, securing competitive funding, guiding interdisciplinary teams, and advancing the field's knowledge base.Next-generation predictive modeling frameworks — architect and oversee the development of cutting-edge numerical weather prediction systems that set new performance benchmarks for the profession.Junior and mid-level atmospheric scientists — mentor, evaluate, and develop technical skills and scientific judgment through structured coaching, project leadership, and formal training programs.Interagency and cross-sector partnerships — represent the organization in collaborative data-sharing, joint research, and standards-setting initiatives with federal agencies, academia, and international bodies.Policy and decision-making forums — provide authoritative expert testimony and climate-risk counsel to government officials, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership shaping environmental and emergency management policy.Organizational data infrastructure — set strategic direction for the integration of satellite, radar, surface network, and HPC computing assets into a unified, scalable science and operations platform.Public risk communication frameworks — lead the design of enterprise-wide protocols for broadcasting severe weather events, ensuring message consistency, scientific integrity, and community impact across all media channels.Workforce capability and innovation culture — champion adoption of emerging technologies, learning strategies, and interdisciplinary methods to continuously elevate organizational scientific capacity and adaptability.Quality and performance standards — establish and enforce organization-wide benchmarks for forecast accuracy, research rigor, software reliability, and professional conduct across all atmospheric science functions.
Also known as
38 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Air AnalystMeteorologistService HydrologistWeather AnalystHurricane TrackerBroadcast MeteorologistWeathermanTornado ChaserOceanographic MeteorologistAstrochemistClimatologistTrackerMarine MeteorologistClimate Change Risk AssessorOperational MeteorologistAtmospheric ChemistResearch MeteorologistPhysical MeteorologistMorning MeteorologistWeather ForecasterWarning Coordination MeteorologistWeather AnchorStorm ChaserSpace Operations OfficerHydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech)Space ScientistGeneral ForecasterComputer MeteorologistMeteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech)Weatherization SpecialistMeteorological EngineerAtmospheric ScientistRadiosonde SpecialistForecasterSynoptic MeteorologistOcean Monitoring and Data Assimilation ScientistHydrometeorologistAerologist