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Meteorologist vs operational meteorologist

The differences between meteorologists and operational 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 $54,170 average annual salary of an operational meteorologist.

The top three skills for a meteorologist include doppler, remote sensing and satellite imagery. The most important skills for an operational meteorologist are emergency operations, , and .

Meteorologist vs operational meteorologist overview

MeteorologistOperational Meteorologist
Yearly salary$68,815$54,170
Hourly rate$33.08$26.04
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs6,214861
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Meteorologist vs operational meteorologist salary

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

MeteorologistOperational Meteorologist
Average salary$68,815$54,170
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $114,000Between $27,000 And $107,000
Highest paying CityChicago, IL-
Highest paying stateIllinois-
Best paying companyUnivision Communications-
Best paying industry--

Differences between meteorologist and operational meteorologist education

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

MeteorologistOperational Meteorologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorMeteorologyMeteorology
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Meteorologist vs operational meteorologist demographics

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

MeteorologistOperational Meteorologist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 76.3% Female, 23.7%Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
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, 2.5% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 5.4% Asian, 5.4% White, 78.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between meteorologist and operational 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

Operational meteorologist example responsibilities.

  • Analyze atmospheric information using satellite and radar imagery, computer generate graphics, and weather communication equipment and instruments.
  • Produce weather advisory and closely monitor inclement weather conditions for various locations involving forward deploy scientific teams throughout Antarctica.

Meteorologist vs operational meteorologist skills

Common meteorologist skills
  • Doppler, 14%
  • Remote Sensing, 11%
  • Satellite Imagery, 10%
  • FAA, 9%
  • Radar Data, 5%
  • Atmospheric Administration, 5%
Common operational meteorologist skills
  • Emergency Operations, 100%

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