Meteorologist vs weather observer

The differences between meteorologists and weather observers 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 $51,408 average annual salary of a weather observer.

The top three skills for a meteorologist include doppler, remote sensing and satellite imagery. The most important skills for a weather observer are DOD, federal aviation administration, and radar.

Meteorologist vs weather observer overview

	Meteorologist	Weather Observer
Yearly salary	$68,815	$51,408
Hourly rate	$33.08	$24.72
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	6,214	619
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 76%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

Meteorologist vs weather observer salary

Meteorologists and weather observers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Meteorologist	Weather Observer
Average salary	$68,815	$51,408
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $114,000	Between $26,000 And $98,000
Highest paying City	Chicago, IL	-
Highest paying state	Illinois	-
Best paying company	Univision Communications	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between meteorologist and weather observer education

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

	Meteorologist	Weather Observer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 76%	Bachelor's Degree, 56%
Most common major	Meteorology	Meteorology
Most common college	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	SUNY Stony Brook

Meteorologist vs weather observer demographics

Here are the differences between meteorologists' and weather observers' demographics:

	Meteorologist	Weather Observer
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 76.3% Female, 23.7%	Male, 70.4% Female, 29.6%
Race ratio	Black 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, 3.9% Unknown, 7.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 75.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	12%

Differences between meteorologist and weather observer 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.

Weather observer example responsibilities.

Assist in taking patient medical history and managing clinical patients and participate in medical team discussions regarding patient treatment plans.
Collect and plot coordinates using GPS units.
Answer requests for technical information regarding regional products from field meteorologists, DOD customers, and other users.
Prepare and release radiosondes, collect and disseminate upper air data using GPS navigational equipment and RRS software.
Produce up-to-date training seminars in PowerPoint.
Collect and disseminate marine weather observations from vessels in Alaskan waters.

Meteorologist vs weather observer skills

Common meteorologist skills

Doppler, 14%
Remote Sensing, 11%
Satellite Imagery, 10%
FAA, 9%
Radar Data, 5%
Atmospheric Administration, 5%

Common weather observer skills

DOD, 18%
Federal Aviation Administration, 15%
Radar, 10%
Air Traffic Control, 6%
Data Quality Control, 6%
Weather Station, 6%

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Meteorologist
Meteorologist vs Weather Observer

Updated January 8, 2025

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