Meteorologist
SOC 19-2021.00 · ESCO 2112 · OSCA 244932
Role snapshot
Overview
Analyses atmospheric data from satellites, radar, and weather stations to produce forecasts and severe weather warnings. Runs computer models, interprets complex weather patterns, and communicates predictions to the public, aviation, agriculture, or specialist clients. Utilises advanced scientific knowledge to understand and predict atmospheric phenomena, contributing to public safety and various industry operations.
Contributes significantly to public safety by providing timely severe weather warnings, assists industries like aviation and agriculture with critical weather data, and educates the public on atmospheric science and climate change.
On the job
- Collect and analyse meteorological data from various sources, including satellites, radar, and ground stations
- Operate and interpret numerical weather prediction models to generate forecasts
- Prepare and disseminate weather forecasts, advisories, and warnings for specific regions or industries
- Communicate complex weather information clearly to diverse audiences, including the public, media, or specialists
- Conduct research on atmospheric phenomena to improve forecasting methods and understanding of climate patterns
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related scientific field is typically required. For advanced research or academic positions, a Ph.D. may be necessary.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
high
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
A significant portion of atmospheric data analysis and initial forecast generation could be performed or heavily assisted by AI models.
End-to-end automation
moderate
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While initial forecasts can be automated, the critical interpretation of complex weather patterns and the issuance of severe weather warnings still require human oversight and judgment, preventing full end-to-end automation.
Adoption pressure
high
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The high value of accurate and timely weather information for public safety and various industries means there is strong incentive to adopt AI for efficiency and predictive power.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success in this role heavily relies on human judgment for interpreting complex model outputs, assessing uncertainty, and communicating critical information effectively, especially during severe weather events.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
strong
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
Meteorologists are accustomed to integrating new data sources and modeling techniques, ensuring high adaptability to evolving AI tools.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Process vast atmospheric datasets from satellites and radar
- Generate initial, localized weather forecasts
- Identify standard weather patterns and anomalies
- Run and optimize numerical weather prediction models
- Draft routine weather advisories based on model outputs
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Interpret complex, ambiguous weather patterns and model disagreements
- Issue severe weather warnings requiring critical judgment and accountability
- Communicate nuanced forecasts and risks to diverse audiences
- Develop novel forecasting methodologies and atmospheric research
- Assess the impact of weather on specific industries or populations
- Collaborate with emergency services during critical weather events
How the role may evolve
From raw data processing to critical human judgment.
The role will shift from manually processing and generating initial forecasts to overseeing AI systems, focusing more on interpreting high-stakes scenarios and delivering actionable insights.
Strengthen your future fit
- Develop expertise in AI model interpretation and validation
- Enhance critical thinking for complex pattern recognition
- Master effective communication of uncertainty and risk
- Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration with affected sectors
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Meteorologist
Research & Academia
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
investigative · IRC
Individuals who enjoy scientific investigation, systematic analysis of complex data, and applying logical reasoning to predict natural phenomena often thrive as meteorologists.
Personality characteristics
Curious Scientist
Driven by a deep interest in understanding atmospheric processes and continually learning about weather phenomena.
Detail-Oriented
Systematically analyses vast amounts of data and models, ensuring accuracy in predictions and warnings.
Resilient
Maintains composure and focus during high-pressure situations, such as severe weather events, and handles unpredictable outcomes.
Collaborative
Works effectively with fellow meteorologists, emergency services, and other stakeholders to coordinate responses and share information.
Clear Communicator
Clearly articulates complex scientific information to diverse audiences, from the public to specialized industries.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about atmospheric science and its real-world applications.
- Those who thrive on analysing complex data, running models, and communicating critical information.
- People who are comfortable with the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of weather.
Watch out for
- Can involve irregular hours, including shifts, weekends, and holidays, especially during severe weather events.
- High-pressure situations demand quick and accurate decision-making with significant public impact.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Meteorologist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Meteorologist roles
What does a Meteorologist do?
A Meteorologist analyses atmospheric data from satellites, radar, and weather stations to produce forecasts and severe weather warnings. Runs computer models, interprets complex weather patterns, and communicates predictions to the public, aviation, agriculture, or specialist clients. Utilises advanced scientific knowledge to understand and predict atmospheric phenomena, contributing to public safety and various industry operations. Contributes significantly to public safety by providing timely severe weather warnings, assists industries like aviation and agriculture with critical weather data, and educates the public on atmospheric science and climate change.
How much does a Meteorologist earn?
A Meteorologist earns a median of $95,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $60,000 to $140,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Meteorologist?
To become a Meteorologist, a bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related scientific field is typically required. For advanced research or academic positions, a Ph.D. may be necessary.
What personality suits a Meteorologist?
Meteorologist roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 80/100) and open and curious — drawn to variety, ideas and new approaches (Openness 78/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Curious Scientist, Detail-Oriented, Resilient and Collaborative. Driven by a deep interest in understanding atmospheric processes and continually learning about weather phenomena. On interests, Meteorologist maps to an IRC Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy scientific investigation, systematic analysis of complex data, and applying logical reasoning to predict natural phenomena often thrive as meteorologists.
Who does a Meteorologist role suit?
A Meteorologist role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. Strong Investigative (I) and Realistic (R) alignment: the role demands scientific inquiry, data analysis, and practical application of knowledge. Utilises advanced scientific and computational tools to model and predict complex natural systems. Offers the opportunity to contribute directly to public safety and well-being through accurate forecasting.
What are the downsides of being a Meteorologist?
Meteorologist roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. Can involve irregular hours, including shifts, weekends, and holidays, especially during severe weather events. High-pressure situations demand quick and accurate decision-making with significant public impact.
What is the work environment like for a Meteorologist?
Work as a Meteorologist is mostly office-based with onsite arrangements common, semi-structured — a mix of set processes and self-directed work, a moderate pace and high exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 64% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Meteorologist?
Core skills for a Meteorologist include Atmospheric data analysis, Weather forecasting, Scientific modelling, Communicating complex information and Data interpretation.
How do you become a Meteorologist?
Common entry routes into Meteorologist roles include Meteorology Intern, Weather Observer and Atmospheric Science Analyst.
What career progression is there for a Meteorologist?
From a Meteorologist role, common next steps include Senior Meteorologist and Climate Scientist; lateral moves include Broadcast Meteorologist.
What is the job outlook for Meteorologist roles?
The outlook for Meteorologist roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Meteorologist roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Meteorologist roles at 62 out of 100, which is strong. AI is enhancing data processing and initial forecast generation, while human meteorologists maintain critical oversight for severe weather warnings and nuanced communication. AI is most likely to take on process vast atmospheric datasets from satellites and radar, generate initial, localized weather forecasts and identify standard weather patterns and anomalies. Interpret complex, ambiguous weather patterns and model disagreements, issue severe weather warnings requiring critical judgment and accountability and communicate nuanced forecasts and risks to diverse audiences stay with people. From raw data processing to critical human judgment. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.