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How much does a Meteorologist make?

The average salary for a Meteorologist is $108,879 per year in the US.

Meteorologists study weather patterns and make predictions. They work for government agencies, private companies, and TV stations. The average yearly salary for a meteorologist is around $108,879. This is a good income for the hard work they do.


Meteorologists with different amounts of experience earn different salaries. The bottom 10% earn about $38,500 a year. The top 10% earn about $202,364 a year. Most meteorologists earn between $71,273 and $153,205 each year. This wide range shows there are many opportunities for growth in this job. Those who work longer and gain more experience can earn more.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Meteorologist?

Boston, MA, offers the highest average salary for meteorologists at $172,496. This attractive compensation reflects the city's strong demand for skilled weather professionals. Phoenix, AZ, with an average salary of $144,612, also provides a competitive rate for those entering the field. Other notable cities include Chicago, IL, and Washington, DC, where salaries exceed $130,000 and $128,000, respectively. These locations offer promising opportunities for career growth and financial stability in meteorology.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Meteorologist jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $172,496 and Anchorage, AK with the lowest at $120,398.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $172,496
    In Boston, working in weather analysis can offer exciting opportunities. The city hosts The Weather Channel, providing a chance to contribute to national forecasts. With New England's diverse climate, the role involves regular updates and analysis.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $144,612
    Phoenix offers a unique challenge for weather professionals. The city’s hot, arid climate makes forecasting crucial. Working here means understanding extreme weather patterns. Local TV stations like KPNX and KPHO offer prominent roles.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  3. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $130,839
    Chicago presents a dynamic environment for those in weather forecasting. The city’s varied seasons require constant vigilance. WGN-TV and NBC 5 Chicago are key employers, offering stability and growth.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $128,369
    In Washington, DC, weather experts play a vital role. They provide updates that impact national policies. The city’s climate can be unpredictable, requiring sharp skills. Local stations like WUSA 9 and NBC4 Washington are prominent.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $126,084
    Portland’s weather forecasting involves managing its frequent rain. The city’s mild climate and seasonal changes require detailed analysis. Local stations like KATU and KOMO offer opportunities to make a difference.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $125,561
    Dallas offers a mix of hot and cold weather, presenting diverse forecasting challenges. The city’s large population makes accurate predictions crucial. Local stations such as WFAA and KDFW provide significant roles.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Dallas, TX


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $123,905
    Austin’s weather forecasting deals with extreme heat and occasional floods. The city’s growing population increases the importance of accurate reports. KVUE and KXAN are key employers in the field.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $122,999
    Sacramento’s weather experts deal with the state’s varied climate. The city’s mix of hot summers and mild winters requires constant monitoring. Local stations like KCRA 3 and KOVR offer excellent career prospects.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  9. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $120,514
    In Tampa, forecasting involves understanding tropical weather systems. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico brings hurricanes and storms. Local stations like WFTS and WTSP offer key opportunities.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Tampa, FL


  10. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $120,398
    Anchorage presents a unique challenge with its cold climate and frequent snow. The city’s weather can change rapidly, requiring constant updates. Local stations like KTUU and KYUR are significant employers.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Anchorage, AK

What are the best companies a Meteorologist can work for?

Companies like Synchrony and Fehr & Peers offer some of the highest salaries for meteorologists. Synchrony provides an average salary of $179,740, while Fehr & Peers offers around $125,000. U.S. Bank and Sinclair Broadcast Group also provide competitive salaries, though at a lower average. These employers value skilled meteorologists and often offer benefits that match their pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Meteorologist jobs, highlighting Synchrony with the highest at $179,740 and Sinclair Broadcast Group with the lowest at $50,384.
  1. Synchrony
    Average Salary: $179,740
    Synchrony values skilled meteorologists. They provide financial services. The company operates across the United States, with major hubs in Stamford, Connecticut, and other locations.


  2. Fehr & Peers
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Fehr & Peers hire meteorologists to aid in environmental consulting. The company has offices nationwide, including in Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colorado. They focus on sustainability and resource management.


  3. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $101,549
    U.S. Bank employs meteorologists to support their financial services. They operate in multiple states with their headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They provide various banking and financial services.


  4. Sinclair Broadcast Group
    Average Salary: $50,384
    Sinclair Broadcast Group has opportunities for meteorologists in broadcasting. They manage TV stations in many cities, including New York and Los Angeles. They offer a platform for meteorologists to reach a wide audience.

How to earn more as a Meteorologist?

A career in meteorology can be both rewarding and financially lucrative. Meteorologists with the right experience, skills, and certifications often find themselves earning higher salaries. Understanding how to increase earning potential can help individuals in this field advance their careers.

Here are key factors to consider:

  • Advanced Education: Obtaining a master's or Ph.D. in meteorology or a related field can lead to higher-paying positions.
  • Certifications: Achieving certifications from recognized bodies, such as the American Meteorological Society (AMS), can enhance credibility and salary.
  • Experience: Gaining experience in various meteorological environments, from local news to government agencies, provides a broader skill set and increases earning potential.
  • Specialization: Specializing in a niche area, such as weather forecasting, climate analysis, or severe weather prediction, can make a meteorologist more valuable.
  • Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations helps in this regard.

Currently 86 Meteorologist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Meteorologist in the US?

Learn what a Meteorologist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Meteorologist today.
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Meteorologist
86 Job Openings