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Weather forecaster vs chief meteorologist

The differences between weather forecasters and chief meteorologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a weather forecaster has an average salary of $64,204, which is higher than the $62,973 average annual salary of a chief meteorologist.

The top three skills for a weather forecaster include DOD, weather warnings and computer system. The most important skills for a chief meteorologist are community events, public appearances, and weather reports.

Weather forecaster vs chief meteorologist overview

Weather ForecasterChief Meteorologist
Yearly salary$64,204$62,973
Hourly rate$30.87$30.28
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs42712,977
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

Weather forecaster vs chief meteorologist salary

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

Weather ForecasterChief Meteorologist
Average salary$64,204$62,973
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $114,000Between $35,000 And $110,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between weather forecaster and chief meteorologist education

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

Weather ForecasterChief Meteorologist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 52%Bachelor's Degree, 80%
Most common majorMeteorologyMeteorology
Most common collegeSUNY Stony BrookMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Weather forecaster vs chief meteorologist demographics

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

Weather ForecasterChief Meteorologist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 70.9% Female, 29.1%Male, 87.0% Female, 13.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.6% Unknown, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 7.1% White, 74.3% 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 weather forecaster and chief meteorologist duties and responsibilities

Weather forecaster example 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.
  • Predict the next micro and macro trends in fashion and lifestyle before they emerge.
  • Observe and report current weather conditions at the airport for pilots and NOAA weather statistics.
  • 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.

Weather forecaster vs chief meteorologist skills

Common weather forecaster skills
  • DOD, 21%
  • Weather Warnings, 15%
  • Computer System, 10%
  • Weather Data, 5%
  • Flight Safety, 5%
  • Combat, 4%
Common chief meteorologist skills
  • Community Events, 22%
  • Public Appearances, 17%
  • Weather Reports, 10%
  • Weather Data, 8%
  • AMS, 8%
  • WSI, 7%

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