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 conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.Develop and deliver training on weather topics.Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
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
137 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S1N)Space Operations, RPA (Air Force 13S1M)Oceanographic MeteorologistSpace Operations, Airlift (Air Force 13S1T)CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy 780)Operations Officer, Aviation Shore Activity (Navy 8668)ClimatologistSpace Projects Technologist (Navy 2098)Space Operations (Air Force 13SX)Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S4R)Space Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force 13S3E)Weather ForecasterSpace Systems Operations (Air Force 1C6X1)Space Operations (Air Force 13S1)Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S4N)Computer MeteorologistMeteorological EngineerAstronaut (Air Force 13A3)Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force 13S3S)Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force 13S1V)Space Operations, General (Air Force 13S3W)Air AnalystMeteorologistService HydrologistBattle Management Operations (Air Force 1C5X1)Weather Manager (Air Force 1W000)Special Operations Weather Helper (Air Force 1W012)Broadcast MeteorologistWeather and Environmental Sciences (Air Force 15W4)Weather Apprentice (Air Force 1W031)AstrochemistSpace Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force 13S1E)Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force 13S3P)Space Operations, RPA (Air Force 13S4M)Space Systems Operations Journeyman (Air Force 1C651)Battle Management Operations Journeyman, Weapons Director (Air Force 1C551D)Atmospheric ChemistResearch MeteorologistSpace Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S1R)Storm Chaser