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What is a weather forecaster and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted experts
Gary Lackmann PhD,
Dr. Robert Trapp
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a weather forecaster. For example, did you know that they make an average of $30.87 an hour? That's $64,204 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 300 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a weather forecaster?

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.
ScoreWeather ForecasterUS Average
Salary
5.0

Avg. Salary $64,204

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.9

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 7.11%

Black or African American 3.62%

Hispanic or Latino 6.59%

Unknown 7.84%

White 74.31%

Gender

female 29.09%

male 70.91%

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

Weather forecaster career paths

Key steps to become a weather forecaster

  1. Explore weather forecaster education requirements

    Most common weather forecaster degrees

    Bachelor's

    52.4 %

    Associate

    28.4 %

    High School Diploma

    11.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific weather forecaster skills

    SkillsPercentages
    DOD21.10%
    Weather Warnings14.96%
    Computer System9.55%
    Weather Data5.48%
    Flight Safety5.23%
  3. Complete relevant weather forecaster training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New weather forecasters 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 weather forecaster based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real weather forecaster resumes.
  4. Research weather forecaster duties and responsibilities

    • Obtain certification from NWS; disseminate hourly METAR's and SPECI's as needed.
    • Work regularly with the ASOS and various weather relate web sites such as JAAWIN, NOAA and NRL.
    • Disseminate METARs and SPECIs locally and longline to NOAA.
    • Analyze GFS models for changes in temperature, precipitation, and visibility.
  5. Prepare your weather forecaster resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your weather forecaster 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 weather forecaster resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable weather forecaster resume templates

    Build a professional weather forecaster 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 weather forecaster resume.
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
    Weather Forecaster Resume
  6. Apply for weather forecaster jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a weather forecaster job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first weather forecaster job

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Average weather forecaster salary

The average weather forecaster salary in the United States is $64,204 per year or $31 per hour. Weather forecaster salaries range between $36,000 and $114,000 per year.

Average weather forecaster salary
$64,204 Yearly
$30.87 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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