Atmospheric and space scientists
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
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. Include weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of a meteorologist.
Atmospheric scientists held about 7,400 jobs in 2004. The Federal Government was the largest single employer of civilian meteorologists, accounting for about 2,900. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employed most Federal meteorologists in National Weather Service stations throughout the Nation; the remainder of NOAA's meteorologists worked mainly in research and development or management. The U.S. Department of Defense employed several hundred civilian meteorologists. Others worked for professional, scientific, and technical services firms, including private weather consulting services; radio and television broadcasting; air carriers; and State government.
Although several hundred people teach atmospheric science and related courses in college and university departments of meteorology or atmospheric science, physics, earth science, or geophysics, these individuals are classified as college or university faculty, rather than atmospheric scientists. (See the statement on postsecondary teachers elsewhere in the Handbook.)
In addition to civilian meteorologists, hundreds of Armed Forces members are involved in forecasting and other meteorological work. (See the statement on job opportunities in the Armed Forces elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Median annual earnings of atmospheric scientists in May 2004 were $70,100. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,880 and $86,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,020.
The average salary for meteorologists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions employed by the Federal Government was about $80,499 in 2005. Meteorologists in the Federal Government with a bachelor's degree and no experience received a starting salary of $27,955 or $34,544, depending on their college grades. Those with a master's degree could start at $42,090 or $54,393, and those with a Ph.D. could begin at $70,280. Beginning salaries for all degree levels are slightly higher in areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level is higher.
(from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Atmospheric Scientists)
See more recent statistics for employed workers below.
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
National Occupational Employment and Earnings by Industry (NAICS sector and 3-digit industry group)
| Atmospheric and space scientists | |||||
| Percentile earnings distribution | |||||
| 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | |
| Manufacturing employment: 120 mean earnings: $98,780 (EC) (def) (IG) | $61,800 | $77,220 | $97,720 | $126,120 | $142,550 |
| Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing employment: 110 mean earnings: $97,500 | $61,350 | $76,510 | $95,710 | $123,670 | $141,930 |
| Transportation and Warehousing employment: 90 mean earnings: $65,120 (EC) (def) (IG) | $49,000 | $59,550 | $66,430 | $73,050 | $82,310 |
| Air Transportation employment: 70 mean earnings: $66,330 | $52,150 | $61,100 | $67,290 | $73,480 | $83,100 |
| Information employment: 600 mean earnings: $72,460 (EC) (def) (IG) | $30,760 | $46,250 | $67,550 | $87,650 | $116,620 |
| Broadcasting (except Internet) employment: 540 mean earnings: $72,930 | $30,800 | $47,530 | $67,800 | $87,560 | $117,660 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employment: 2,780 mean earnings: $67,750 (EC) (def) (IG) | $33,250 | $43,480 | $63,290 | $87,100 | $110,040 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employment: 2,780 mean earnings: $67,750 | $33,250 | $43,480 | $63,290 | $87,100 | $110,040 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services employment: 70 mean earnings: $29,410 (EC) (def) (IG) | $19,480 | $21,450 | $24,780 | $28,130 | $44,270 |
| Educational Services employment: 480 mean earnings: $64,750 (EC) (def) (IG) | $39,520 | $46,390 | $59,030 | $78,110 | $98,510 |
| Educational Services employment: 480 mean earnings: $64,750 | $39,520 | $46,390 | $59,030 | $78,110 | $98,510 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation) employment: 2,870 mean earnings: $79,760 (def) (IG) | $52,700 | $68,380 | $80,790 | $91,880 | $108,830 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation) employment: 2,870 mean earnings: $79,760 | $52,700 | $68,380 | $80,790 | $91,880 | $108,830 |
source: Occupational Employment Statistics Program; about these estimates
The (EC) links lead to data from the Economic Census from the Census Bureau.
The (def) links lead to 2002 NAICS industry definitions from the Census Bureau.
The (IG) links lead to Industry at a Glance industry profiles from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.