How to Become a Meteorologist

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Updated: June 6, 2019

Explore this Article Getting the Proper Education Developing a Career in Meteorology Article Summary Questions & Answers Related Articles

Atmospheric science studies factors that affect the environment, such as the changes in the Earth's physical characteristics. As a meteorologist, also called an atmospheric scientist, you are responsible for forecasting the weather and identifying changes in climate and weather patterns. This means that people depend on you for weather knowledge like tomorrow's temperatures or emergency weather situations, such as when hurricanes or tornadoes occur. However, before you can begin forecasting weather, you should know how to become a meteorologist.

Part 1
Getting the Proper Education

  1. 1
    Take the right courses in high school. If you want to become a meteorologist, start preparing in high school. Take advanced math and science courses. Many schools offer AP courses that can transfer into college credit.
    • Take calculus, physics, chemistry, and earth science.
    • Hone your writing skills in English classes. Being a scientist means writing research papers and lab reports. If you become a meteorologist on a television station, you will have to communicate clearly.[1]
  2. 2
    Become familiar with technology. Meteorologists use computers to help with their research and weather predictions. They work with computer programs and computer models when doing research.[2] You need a deep understanding of computers and technology to pursue a career in this field.
  3. 3
    Obtain a bachelor's degree in science. Meteorologists receive a bachelor's of science degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences.
    • In college, you will take math and science classes, such as calculus, physics, dynamics, synoptics, and some computer programming courses.[3]
    • Some meteorologists receive degrees which combine meteorology with other scientific fields, such as chemistry, geology, oceanography, physics, or statistics.[4] It may be beneficial to take computer science classes during your degrees, too.[5]
    • If you want to be a TV meteorologist, take classes in journalism, speech, or other media-related fields.
    • If you want to start working for the government right after your bachelor's degree, you will have to have completed courses which fall under strict guidelines.[6] You must have at least 24 credit hours of atmospheric science or meteorology.
  4. 4
    Get a graduate degree. Depending on the job you want, you may need to get a master's or Ph.D. Most meteorologists get degrees in related, interdisciplinary subjects. Some even get two master's in different sciences. Some graduate degree programs encourage bachelor's in a field like math or computer science instead of meteorology.[7]
    • Many higher level positions require at least a master's. If you want to do research, you will need a Ph.D.[8]
    • There are about 100 undergraduate and graduate programs for meteorology.[9]
  5. 5
    Get an internship. A good way to get experience at any point during your schooling - whether it's in high school, your bachelor's, or your graduate work - is to become an intern. Look for internships with local meteorologists. This will give you valuable hands on experience that can be put on applications and CVs.[10]
    • If you can't get an internship, see if you can shadow them.

Part 2
Developing a Career in Meteorology

  1. 1
    Determine the type of meteorology you're interested in pursuing. In addition to forecasting the weather, meteorologists study the characteristics and processes of the atmosphere and how they affect the environment and evolve. They also study climate and climate changes. There are many different kinds of meteorologists.
    • An operational meteorologist is responsible for forecasting the weather.
    • A climatologist gathers and examines the seasonal changes that occur over time such as months or years.
    • A physical meteorologist conducts research on the atmosphere and different physical properties.
    • A synoptic meteorologist uses mathematical models and creates different tools such as software for forecasting weather.
    • An environmental meteorologist studies problems like air pollution that affects the Earth's atmosphere.[11]
  2. 2
    Decide where you want to work. There are multiple places you can find jobs in meteorology. Each kind of work requires slightly different backgrounds, but graduate degrees can help you have a better chance getting jobs and receiving promotions.[12]
    • You can work for government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA, or the National Weather Service.[13]
    • You can work for a television station, such as a local news network, a national network like CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC, or for The Weather Channel.
    • You can also find work in the private sector. Many companies pay meteorologists to help figure out how climate and weather patterns will affect their business. Meteorologists can also get jobs dealing with agriculture or air pollution.[14] Airlines use weather forecasters to help them plan flights. Shipping and insurance companies may also hire meteorological consultants.[15]
    • You may also be interested in being a forensic meteorologist. This job provides meteorological information, data, and consulting for legal cases.[16]
  3. 3
    Get certified. The American Meteorological Society offers certification programs for certain specializations and areas of interest for meteorologists. Some of these programs include broadcasting and consulting.[17]
    • The American Meteorological Society offers Certified Broadcast Meteorologist credentials for meteorologists working in radio and television. The certification requires you to have a bachelor's degree in meteorology and you need to submit examples of your work to qualify. You must then pass an examination.
  4. 4
    Get any needed training. Some organizations require you to get training upon employment. For example, the National Weather Service requires employees to complete 200 hours of on-the-job training per year for 2 years.[18]
    • Be prepared to receive more training and experience if you plan to obtain an entry-level position working for the federal government. The federal government typically places you in intern positions where you work in different offices learning about forecasting and weather systems. You're assigned to a duty station once the training is complete.
  5. 5
    Go to conferences. One way to network, meet people, and learn about new research is to go to conferences. Meteorological societies, such as the American Meteorological Society, sponsor conferences where meteorologists can present papers and research.
    • This also can lead to publication in professional journals.[19]
  6. 6
    Apply for jobs. Start searching online for job opportunities. Investigate job opportunities in the private sector for consulting jobs and apply. Try looking for jobs at news stations. You can start working at a small news station before advancing to a larger one.
    • Look for a job with the federal government. The National Weather Service has stations located throughout the country. The U.S. Department of Defense also hires meteorologists.
    • Seek job matching opportunities. Some universities and meteorological societies offer students and members help in matching them with jobs in the private sector.[20]
  7. 7
    Be prepared to work hard. Being a meteorologist is a difficult job. You have to have excellent communication skills, especially if you want to work in broadcasting. You must have strong math, science, and computer skills since you will use those on a daily basis. You will have to learn how to work in a team.
    • Be prepared to work in a variety of environments. Many meteorologists follow the weather, and sometimes these weather conditions are dangerous. Meteorologists will report from hurricanes, blizzards, and even tornadoes.
    • You need to have a flexible schedule and willing to work long hours.[21]

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    How many types of jobs exist in the meteorology field?
    Community Answer
    Well, there are weather forecasters, climatologists, researchers in atmospheric sciences, consulting meteorologists, lecturers, and weather broadcasters.
  • Question
    I'm a teenager. What can I do at this age to prepare for a future in meteorology?
    Community Answer
    Take as many math and science courses as possible, and as challenging as they come. Physics, geology, chemistry, earth sciences, calculus, and pre-calc will prepare you the most.
  • Question
    What college courses should I take?
    Community Answer
    You should take as much science and math as you can. Generally, you need Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Geology, Pre-Calculus and Calculus. You may also want to take some computer courses.
  • Question
    How hard is it to chase tornadoes?
    Community Answer
    It is very dangerous, but it is an absolutely thrilling thing that few people get to see and be apart of.
  • Question
    How hard is it to get a job as a meteorologist in the USA?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how hard you work. Every radio and local TV station needs weathermen/women, but it is a competitive field.
  • Question
    What kind of degrees do I need to become a meteorologist?
    Community Answer
    You need a Bachelor of Science degree to become a meteorologist.
  • Question
    How old do I need to be?
    Community Answer
    There is not so much an age requirement as there is an education requirement. Most meteorologists have at least a 4 year college degree so the youngest age would be around the early 20's.
  • Question
    Where are institutes where I can learn meteorology?
    Community Answer
    Colleges include Penn State, SUNY Oneonta, Valparaiso University, Cornell University, University of Maryland, University of Delaware and SUNY Albany.
  • Question
    How much geography do I need to know to be a meteorologist?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on which type of meteorology you decide to go into.
  • Question
    What education do I need to become a meteorologist?
    Community Answer
    At least a BS for routine work like weather guidance for aircraft/marine vessels; a BS + internships are almost necessary if you wish to work at the National Weather Service or in broadcasting. MS is the bare minimum for work in some kind of research, including NASA, and your role will be limited. PhD is the minimum to work as a tenure-track professor/researcher at a university or institution.
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    • Pursue a doctoral degree if you're planning on a researching career at a university.
    • Meteorologists can pursue a second bachelor's degree in a technical field instead of a master's degree.


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    Article SummaryX

    To become a meteorologist, begin by taking advanced science and math classes in high school to prepare for college. At the same time, familiarize yourself with computer technology to gain a deeper understanding of the programs meteorologists use. Next, go to college to earn a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences, and take courses that support the area of meteorology that you want to pursue. If you’re willing to work hard and put in long hours, you’ll be prepared for a successful career as a meteorologist. If you want to learn about the different fields of meteorology you could pursue, keep reading the article!

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    Categories: Meteorology | Science Careers

    In other languages:

    Español: ser un meteorólogo, Русский: стать метеорологом, Português: Se Tornar um Meteorologista, Français: devenir météorologiste, Bahasa Indonesia: Menjadi Pakar Meteorologi, Italiano: Diventare un Meteorologo, Deutsch: Ein Meteorologe werden

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