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Meteorologist vs chief meteorologist

The differences between meteorologists and chief meteorologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a meteorologist has an average salary of $68,815, which is higher than the $62,973 average annual salary of a chief meteorologist.

The top three skills for a meteorologist include doppler, remote sensing and satellite imagery. The most important skills for a chief meteorologist are community events, public appearances, and weather reports.

Meteorologist vs chief meteorologist overview

MeteorologistChief Meteorologist
Yearly salary$68,815$62,973
Hourly rate$33.08$30.28
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs6,21412,977
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Meteorologist vs chief meteorologist salary

Meteorologists and chief meteorologists have different pay scales, as shown below.

MeteorologistChief Meteorologist
Average salary$68,815$62,973
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $114,000Between $35,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CityChicago, IL-
Highest paying stateIllinois-
Best paying companyUnivision Communications-
Best paying industry--

Differences between meteorologist and chief meteorologist education

There are a few differences between a meteorologist and a chief meteorologist in terms of educational background:

MeteorologistChief Meteorologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorMeteorologyMeteorology
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Meteorologist vs chief meteorologist demographics

Here are the differences between meteorologists' and chief meteorologists' demographics:

MeteorologistChief Meteorologist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 76.3% Female, 23.7%Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.7% Unknown, 7.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 73.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 74.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between meteorologist and chief meteorologist duties and responsibilities

Meteorologist example 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.
  • Determine weather predictions using Doppler radar and satellite systems.
  • Provide weather information to producers, newsdesk, and television staff.
  • Show more

Chief meteorologist example responsibilities.

  • Create & write for daily blog and Facebook page.
  • Build brand graphics for export from WSI to Internet web page.
  • Train staff members on use of new GIS and web development software.
  • Engage in meteorological research and participate in NOAA weather briefings and forecasting activities.
  • Produce weather advisory and closely monitor inclement weather conditions for various locations involving forward deploy scientific teams throughout Antarctica.

Meteorologist vs chief meteorologist skills

Common meteorologist skills
  • Doppler, 14%
  • Remote Sensing, 11%
  • Satellite Imagery, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Radar Data, 5%
  • Atmospheric Administration, 5%
Common chief meteorologist skills
  • Community Events, 22%
  • Public Appearances, 17%
  • Weather Reports, 10%
  • Weather Data, 8%
  • AMS, 8%
  • WSI, 7%

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