Occupations/19-2021.00
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.
AI automation risk
70%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
40%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
46%
Mixed exposure
A day in this job
- Task
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Task
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Task
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
These are core tasks from O*NET. The wording didn’t clearly split routine from human, so they are listed without that label.
Core tasks
- 01Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- 02Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- 03Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- 04Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- 05Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- 06Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks2.63
- Degree of automation2.60
- Time sitting4.40
- Originality (ability)3.00
- Conflict situations2.40
- Hands-on objects/tools2.10
- Outdoors / weather2.20
- Disease exposure1.05
- Decision freedom3.95
Top abilities
- Oral Expression4.25
- Written Comprehension4.12
- Oral Comprehension4.12
- Inductive Reasoning4.12
- Deductive Reasoning4.00
- Written Expression3.88
- Speech Clarity3.88
- Problem Sensitivity3.88
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension4.12
- Active Listening4.00
- Writing3.88
- Speaking4.00
- Mathematics3.38
- Science4.00
- Critical Thinking4.00
- Active Learning4.00
- Learning Strategies3.12
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 26 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $13,200 | 63% | 83% | 1 yr $40,485 2 yr $37,208 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $12,800 | 53% | 83% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $27,494 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $17,500 | 45% | 85% | 1 yr — 2 yr $38,289 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $15,200 | 24% | 87% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $30,126 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $19,600 | 55% | 86% | 1 yr $37,712 2 yr $34,704 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $9,200 | 47% | 84% | 1 yr $36,560 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $12,600 | 48% | 84% | 1 yr $35,060 2 yr $37,748 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
University of Iowa Iowa City, IA · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $10,700 | 86% | 79% | 1 yr $32,925 2 yr $36,848 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
Florida State University Tallahassee, FL · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $6,500 | 25% | 84% | 1 yr $32,569 2 yr $39,009 Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
St Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $9,600 | 95% | 56% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $11,200 | 49% | 89% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 40.04 |
Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public | Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General 40.0401 | $10,400 | 90% | 77% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |