Position
Salary

How much does a Meteorologist make?

The average salary for a Meteorologist is $111,066 per year in the US.

Meteorologists study weather patterns and forecast the weather. They work in various places, such as TV stations, government agencies, and private companies. The salary for meteorologists can vary based on experience and location. On average, they make about $111,066 a year.

Meteorologists can earn different amounts depending on their job. Here are some common salaries:

  • $40,000 for entry-level positions
  • $55,327 for those with a few years of experience
  • $70,655 for mid-career meteorologists
  • $85,982 for experienced professionals
  • $101,309 for senior roles
  • $116,636 for top earners
  • $131,964 for those with specialized skills
  • $147,291 for leading experts
  • $162,618 for highly experienced forecasters
  • $177,945 for top-level meteorologists
  • $193,273 for those in top management
  • $208,600 for the very best in the field
View Meteorologist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Meteorologist?

Boston, MA, offers the highest average salary for meteorologists at $180,266 annually. Washington, DC, follows closely with an average salary of $137,189. For those seeking a career with good pay, these cities provide attractive opportunities in the field of meteorology. In addition to Boston and Washington, cities like Chicago, IL, and Portland, OR, also present competitive salaries for meteorologists. Dallas, TX, Charlotte, NC, and Tampa, FL, provide attractive compensation packages. Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Houston, TX, round out the list of cities with good pay for meteorologists.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Meteorologist jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $180,266 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $105,484.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $180,266
    In Boston, you can find work with top weather stations and local news outlets. The city's diverse climate offers a dynamic range of weather patterns to analyze.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $137,189
    Working in Washington, DC, gives you access to prominent weather organizations. The city's political climate can add an extra layer of interest to weather reports.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $135,328
    Chicago offers a challenging but rewarding environment with its extreme weather. Major media companies provide excellent career opportunities in weather reporting.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $129,307
    Portland's unique weather patterns make it an exciting place to work. The city’s tech-savvy atmosphere pairs well with modern weather forecasting tools.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Portland, OR


  5. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $125,259
    In Dallas, you can expect a mix of sunny and stormy weather. The city's growing media sector offers various job opportunities in weather forecasting.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Dallas, TX


  6. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $116,167
    Charlotte provides a balanced climate with both warm and cooler seasons. The city’s expanding business sector values accurate weather insights.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  7. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $114,829
    Tampa’s warm, humid climate offers plenty of weather to study. The city’s media companies frequently need skilled professionals in weather reporting.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Tampa, FL


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $113,275
    Seattle’s often cloudy weather creates a steady demand for weather analysis. The city’s tech industry offers innovative tools for weather forecasting.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $106,916
    Denver’s altitude brings unique weather challenges. The city’s growing population relies on accurate weather information, creating job opportunities.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Denver, CO


  10. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $105,484
    Houston’s frequent storms and hurricanes require skilled weather professionals. The city’s diverse media outlets offer various career paths in weather reporting.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Houston, TX

What are the best companies a Meteorologist can work for?

Meteorologists can earn good salaries at Fehr & Peers, with an average of $125,000. CBS News and Stations offer a solid average salary of $119,095. TEGNA, another top employer, provides an average salary of $98,722. These companies value skilled meteorologists and offer competitive pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Meteorologist jobs, highlighting Fehr & Peers with the highest at $125,000 and TEGNA with the lowest at $98,722.
  1. Fehr & Peers
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Fehr & Peers is a leading environmental and infrastructure consulting firm. They offer exciting opportunities for meteorologists to work on various projects. They have offices in many locations across the U.S., including Chicago and Los Angeles.


  2. CBS News and Stations
    Average Salary: $119,095
    CBS News and Stations provide a dynamic environment for meteorologists. They have stations in many big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These roles involve broadcasting weather forecasts and conducting in-depth weather analyses.


  3. TEGNA
    Average Salary: $98,722
    TEGNA operates many local TV stations in cities such as Seattle, Dallas, and Indianapolis. Meteorologists here work to deliver accurate and timely weather reports. They collaborate with local news teams to keep viewers informed about weather conditions.

How to earn more as a Meteorologist?

Becoming a Meteorologist offers many opportunities to grow your career and increase your earnings. Meteorologists can find higher-paying positions through various pathways. Specializing in a niche such as agricultural meteorology or broadcast meteorology can open new doors. Gaining experience and expertise in these areas makes one more valuable to employers.

Another way to earn more is to pursue advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. in Meteorology or a related field can lead to higher-paying research or teaching positions. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest technologies and forecasting methods also helps. Building a strong professional network within the industry can lead to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Gaining certifications from recognized meteorological organizations can enhance credibility and potentially lead to better-paying jobs.

Here are five key factors to consider for increasing your earnings as a Meteorologist:

  1. Specialization: Focus on areas with high demand, such as severe weather forecasting or climate modeling.
  2. Advanced Degrees: Pursue higher education to qualify for more advanced roles.
  3. Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest technology and methods in meteorology.
  4. Professional Network: Build and maintain relationships with industry professionals for job opportunities.
  5. Certifications: Obtain certifications from respected meteorological organizations to boost your credentials.

Currently 74 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.
Position
Overview
Meteorologist
74 Job Openings