A meteorologist specializes in studying and predicting weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. These experts utilize various tools, technologies, and data sources to analyze the complex interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surface.

To become a meteorologist, you need to complete a combination of education, training, and certification. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pursue a career as a meteorologist: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences from an accredited university.

Most people with Meteorology degrees go on to become meteorologists. Check out CareerExplorer’s breakdown on other common career paths for Meteorology graduates. Start your free career test

The average salary for meteorologists in the United States is around $42,988 per year. Salaries typically start from $30,765 and go up to $108,895.

We surveyed 424 meteorologists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical meteorologist. Here are the results.

The top personality traits of meteorologists are extraversion and social responsibility. Meteorologists score highly on extraversion, meaning that they rely on external stimuli to be happy, such as people or exciting surroundings.

Meteorologists: Meteorologists study weather patterns and phenomena in the atmosphere. They analyze atmospheric data to understand and predict short-term weather conditions, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind patterns.

Meteorologist: Studies the atmosphere and weather patterns to make predictions about future weather conditions. Meteorologists often work for government agencies, research institutions, or media outlets.

There are currently an estimated 10,500 atmospheric scientists in the United States. The atmospheric scientist job market is expected to grow by 4.8% between 2022 and 2032.

A paleontologist specializes in the study of prehistoric life, particularly through the examination of fossils. This field of study combines aspects of biology, geology, and archaeology to uncover and understand the history of life on Earth. Paleontologists investigate a wide range of organisms that lived in the past, from tiny microorganisms to the largest dinosaurs and ancient mammals.