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How much does a Meteorologist make?

The average salary for a Meteorologist is $108,357 per year in the US.

Meteorologists study weather patterns and predict the weather. They often work for the government, but some work for media companies. They use data from instruments and computer models to make their predictions. Their work is important for safety and planning in many areas.


The salary for a meteorologist can vary based on experience and location. On average, a meteorologist makes about $108,357 per year. Starting out, salaries can be lower, but they grow with more experience. Some of the highest-paid meteorologists work for private companies or in major cities. A few key factors affect salary:

  • Experience: More years working can lead to higher pay.
  • Education: Advanced degrees can increase salary.
  • Location: Big cities often pay more.
  • Industry: Government jobs have different pay scales than private sector jobs.
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What are the highest paying cities for a Meteorologist?

Meteorologists looking to maximize their earnings can find some of the best opportunities in Boston, MA. With the highest average salary at $176,246, this city offers significant pay. San Francisco, CA, and Dallas, TX, also provide competitive wages for professionals in this field. Other cities like Chicago, IL, and Portland, OR, offer attractive salaries for meteorologists. Washington, DC, and Austin, TX, present good options for those seeking high compensation. These cities attract top talent in the meteorology industry, making them prime locations for career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Meteorologist jobs, highlighting Boston, MA with the highest at $176,246 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $113,598.
  1. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $176,246
    In Boston, weather experts bring critical forecasts to the public, especially with the city's frequent winter storms. Major networks like NBC10 Boston often hire local meteorologists to cover regional weather patterns.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Boston, MA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $139,769
    San Francisco offers a unique climate, with professionals predicting fog and cool temperatures. ABC7 San Francisco seeks skilled meteorologists to report on Bay Area weather, using state-of-the-art technology.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $130,486
    Dallas meteorologists deal with a variety of weather, from tornadoes to heatwaves. Companies like WFAA value weather experts who can keep the community informed year-round.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Dallas, TX


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $129,286
    Chicago experiences harsh winters and hot summers, making local weather experts crucial. WGN-TV hires meteorologists to provide timely forecasts that help people plan their days.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $127,682
    Portland's mild, wet winters and warm summers require a knowledgeable weather team. KOMO News often recruits meteorologists to report on the region's diverse weather patterns.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Portland, OR


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $125,903
    In Washington, DC, professionals track the weather for both local residents and national news. Networks like WRC-TV look for meteorologists who can handle both local and national weather stories.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $125,244
    Austin's unique weather, with hot summers and mild winters, offers an exciting challenge for weather experts. KVUE employs meteorologists to cover the area's unpredictable weather.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Austin, TX


  8. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $123,012
    Tampa meteorologists focus on hurricane forecasts and tropical weather. WFLA often seeks weather professionals who can provide early warnings and ongoing coverage of storms.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Tampa, FL


  9. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $117,659
    Anchorage's extreme weather conditions demand skilled professionals. KTUU hires meteorologists to report on everything from blizzards to sunny days, keeping residents prepared.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $113,598
    Charlotte's varied weather, including heavy rain and occasional snow, calls for skilled meteorologists. WCCB regularly looks for weather experts to inform the community with accurate forecasts.
    Find Meteorologist jobs in Charlotte, NC

What are the best companies a Meteorologist can work for?

Top employers in the meteorology field often offer competitive salaries. Synchrony leads the way, paying an average of $179,740 per year. Fehr & Peers, U.S. Bank, and Sinclair Broadcast Group also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies value skilled meteorologists and reward them with generous 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 $53,056.
  1. Synchrony
    Average Salary: $179,740
    Synchrony offers exciting opportunities for Meteorologists. They are a leading financial services company. They operate across the United States. Their Meteorologists use weather data to influence business decisions.


  2. Fehr & Peers
    Average Salary: $125,000
    Fehr & Peers provides a dynamic work environment for Meteorologists. This company focuses on civil, environmental, and energy consulting. They have offices in multiple states. Their Meteorologists work on weather-related projects to support clients.


  3. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $101,549
    U.S. Bank values Meteorologists for their weather analysis. They are a major financial services company with branches nationwide. Their Meteorologists help in risk management by using weather forecasts.


  4. Sinclair Broadcast Group
    Average Salary: $53,056
    Sinclair Broadcast Group offers entry-level roles for Meteorologists. They own and operate television stations across the country. Their Meteorologists provide local weather reports to viewers, helping them stay informed.

How to earn more as a Meteorologist?

A career in meteorology can lead to a rewarding and lucrative job. Meteorologists can earn more by focusing on specific areas and gaining experience. Several factors can increase earning potential in this field. One key factor is obtaining advanced degrees. A master's or Ph.D. in meteorology can open up higher-paying roles.

Another factor is gaining specialized certifications. Certifications from recognized bodies like the American Meteorological Society can boost credibility and salary. Working for larger media organizations also tends to pay more. Larger networks often have bigger budgets for weather teams.

  • Advanced Degrees: Holding a master's or Ph.D. can lead to higher salary roles.
  • Specialized Certifications: Certifications from respected bodies can increase earning potential.
  • Experience: More years in the field often lead to higher salaries.
  • Location: Working in larger cities or media hubs can offer higher pay.
  • Networking: Building connections in the industry can lead to better job opportunities.

Currently 126 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
126 Job Openings