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Forecasting & broadcast

Meteorologist

Very few jobs, and most of them are not on television.

Typical pay

$50k-$110k

How you get in

Meteorology degree with the required math and physics

Outlook

Flat; private sector forecasting is the growth area

Meteorologists analyze atmospheric data to forecast weather. Broadcast is the visible version and the most competitive; government, aviation, energy and private forecasting employ far more people with far less glamour.

A day in the life

  1. 3:30aReview overnight model runs and observations
  2. 5:00aBuild the forecast and write the discussion
  3. 7:00aBrief clients or go on air
  4. 10:00aUpdate as new model data arrives
  5. 12:00pLunch
  6. 1:00pMonitor developing conditions and issue any warnings

How to get in

Meteorology degree into government

Duration

4 years

Cost

$40,000-$150,000

Credential

BS in meteorology or atmospheric science

  1. Complete a degree meeting the federal coursework requirements — calculus and physics heavy
  2. Intern with the National Weather Service or a research program
  3. Apply through USAJOBS for NWS positions
  4. Expect rotating shifts and relocation to where the offices are

Broadcast meteorology

Duration

4-6 years

Cost

$40,000-$160,000

Credential

Degree plus AMS or NWA seal

  1. Complete a meteorology degree with communications coursework
  2. Build an on-camera reel at a student or small station
  3. Start in a small market and work up — relocation is required
  4. Earn the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal

Private sector forecasting

Duration

4-6 years

Cost

$40,000-$150,000

Credential

BS or MS in atmospheric science

  1. Target energy trading, aviation, agriculture or insurance
  2. Add data science and programming skills — increasingly essential
  3. Private forecasting pays better than broadcast or entry government
  4. The fastest-growing segment of the field

What people love

  • · Genuinely fascinating science
  • · Federal positions offer stability and pension
  • · Private sector energy and aviation forecasting pays well
  • · Direct public safety impact during severe weather

What wears people down

  • · Very small field with limited positions
  • · Overnight and rotating shifts
  • · Broadcast requires relocating to small markets first
  • · Blamed publicly when the forecast is wrong

From people doing it

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