How hard is it to become a meteorologist?

It is moderately hard to become a meteorologist. The career path to becoming a meteorologist typically involves a combination of education, training, and experience. It can take anywhere between 4 to 8 years to become a meteorologist, depending on your degree program.

What companies hire meteorologists?

Companies that hire meteorologists include those from the public and private sectors as well as academia. The military and state-level government agencies and media companies employ meteorologists.

What should I study to become a meteorologist?

You should study meteorology or atmospheric sciences in order to become a meteorologist. After receiving a bachelor's degree, many aspiring meteorologists will go on to obtain either a master's degree or a doctorate degree.

How To Become A Meteorologist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a meteorologist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Gary Lackmann PhD,

Dr. Robert Trapp

These days, most people check weather forecasts before making any outdoor plans. We have meteorologists for these accurate and consistent forecasts. But meteorologists do more than study the weather. They also study atmospheric phenomena to understand how they affect life.

Meteorologists can work in various settings, including TV and Radio stations, consultancies, the military, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). There are different kinds of meteorologists, and they work in various settings.

Broadcast meteorologists are most widely known, and these professionals study and report the weather. Climatologists predict long-term climate trends by studying current conditions and past climate data. Research meteorologists are involved in a more dangerous activity. They are storm chasers who seek out wild weather phenomena like hurricanes for scientific inquiry.

To become a meteorologist, all you need is a bachelor's degree in metrology or atmospheric sciences. Non-entry level positions require advanced degrees like a masters' or Ph.D.

What general advice would you give to a meteorologist?

Gary Lackmann PhD

Professor and Interim Department Head, North Carolina A & T State University

Be adaptable and willing to move, both geographically and topically. Continue building and developing your skill sets. Network, use LinkedIn, develop mentoring relationships and maintain them, because you will always need them.

ScoreMeteorologistUS Average

Salary

5.4

Avg. Salary $68,815

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.9

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.54%

Asian 7.29%

Black or African American 3.74%

Hispanic or Latino 6.71%

Unknown 7.88%

White 73.85%

Gender

female 23.75%

male 76.25%

Age - 37

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37

Stress level

6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.9

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a meteorologist

Explore meteorologist education requirements

Most common meteorologist degrees

Bachelor's

76.3 %

Master's

10.7 %

Associate

7.7 %

Start to develop specific meteorologist skills

Skills	Percentages
Doppler	14.27%
Remote Sensing	11.23%
Satellite Imagery	9.98%
FAA	8.76%
Radar Data	5.31%

Complete relevant meteorologist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New meteorologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a meteorologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real meteorologist resumes.

Research meteorologist duties and responsibilities

Interpret highly complex satellite imagery and Doppler radar images.
Produce & deliver on-camera, weather reports.
Prepare and deliver current and extend weather forecasts, utilizing the latest WSI TruVuMax computer system.
Develop custom reports for severe weather outbreaks, tropical cyclone impacts, and river flooding potential.

Prepare your meteorologist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your meteorologist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a meteorologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable meteorologist resume templates

Build a professional meteorologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your meteorologist resume.