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Broadcast meteorologist vs on-air host

The differences between broadcast meteorologists and on-air hosts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a broadcast meteorologist and an on-air host. Additionally, a broadcast meteorologist has an average salary of $57,285, which is higher than the $45,873 average annual salary of an on-air host.

The top three skills for a broadcast meteorologist include WSI, severe weather situations and public appearances. The most important skills for an on-air host are adobe audition, phone calls, and FCC.

Broadcast meteorologist vs on-air host overview

Broadcast MeteorologistOn-Air Host
Yearly salary$57,285$45,873
Hourly rate$27.54$22.05
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs4,76710,674
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 89%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Average age5050
Years of experience44

Broadcast meteorologist vs on-air host salary

Broadcast meteorologists and on-air hosts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Broadcast MeteorologistOn-Air Host
Average salary$57,285$45,873
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $106,000Between $24,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between broadcast meteorologist and on-air host education

There are a few differences between a broadcast meteorologist and an on-air host in terms of educational background:

Broadcast MeteorologistOn-Air Host
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 89%Bachelor's Degree, 76%
Most common majorMeteorologyCommunication
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Broadcast meteorologist vs on-air host demographics

Here are the differences between broadcast meteorologists' and on-air hosts' demographics:

Broadcast MeteorologistOn-Air Host
Average age5050
Gender ratioMale, 75.7% Female, 24.3%Male, 63.5% Female, 36.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 4.5% White, 76.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 4.3% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between broadcast meteorologist and on-air host duties and responsibilities

Broadcast meteorologist example responsibilities.

  • Create estimates, negotiate music, lead casting searches, schedule sessions with NYC and Boston post production studios.
  • Operate and optimize digital and analog equipment require for television broadcasting, including routing switchers, audio boards and video switchers.
  • Create estimates, negotiate music, lead casting searches, schedule sessions with NYC and Boston post production studios.

On-air host example responsibilities.

  • Record daily news cast on state topics, prepare promos, program and automate playlists, archive local public affairs shows.
  • Conduct on-air interviews, screen and connect phone calls, and run audio board.
  • Create and run promotions prior to the show.
  • Host and producer of FYI, KLDE FM, weekly public affairs program.
  • Communicate and correspond with listeners online, via email, Snapchat and Instagram.
  • Follow FCC regulations, station and company policies, including implementing station's EAS procedures.
  • Show more

Broadcast meteorologist vs on-air host skills

Common broadcast meteorologist skills
  • WSI, 40%
  • Severe Weather Situations, 30%
  • Public Appearances, 30%
Common on-air host skills
  • Adobe Audition, 16%
  • Phone Calls, 8%
  • FCC, 7%
  • FM, 7%
  • Air Host, 6%
  • Twitter, 6%

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