What You Need to Know About Atmospheric and Space Scientist
Career Description 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.
List of Atmospheric & Space Scientist Job Duties
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
- Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
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Atmospheric & Space Scientist Needed Skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Other Atmospheric & Space Scientist Job Titles
- Tracker
- Meteorological Technician
- Weather Analyst
- Hydrometeorologist
- Hurricane Tracker
Is There Job Demand for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 10,400 jobs in the United States for Atmospheric and Space Scientist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Atmospheric and Space Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 900 positions for Atmospheric & Space Scientist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Atmospheric & Space Scientist are Colorado, Utah, and New Hampshire. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Missouri, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Atmospheric & Space Scientist Salary
The average yearly salary of an Atmospheric & Space Scientist ranges between $50,040 and $142,500.

Atmospheric and Space Scientists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.
How much do Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $104,130 |
Alaska | $85,980 |
Arizona | $93,870 |
California | $102,020 |
Colorado | $96,890 |
Connecticut | $58,980 |
District of Columbia | $138,020 |
Florida | $95,110 |
Georgia | $99,890 |
Hawaii | $103,960 |
Idaho | $97,900 |
Illinois | $71,400 |
Indiana | $97,520 |
Iowa | $89,230 |
Kansas | $85,740 |
Kentucky | $106,450 |
Louisiana | $84,150 |
Maryland | $110,150 |
Michigan | $89,840 |
Minnesota | $102,520 |
Mississippi | $73,270 |
Missouri | $95,500 |
Montana | $85,770 |
Nebraska | $89,990 |
Nevada | $93,770 |
New Hampshire | $80,880 |
New Jersey | $95,560 |
New Mexico | $111,090 |
New York | $89,840 |
North Carolina | $77,830 |
North Dakota | $74,050 |
Ohio | $91,370 |
Oklahoma | $81,970 |
Oregon | $90,390 |
Pennsylvania | $104,380 |
South Carolina | $96,170 |
South Dakota | $82,600 |
Tennessee | $95,740 |
Texas | $93,810 |
Utah | $87,130 |
Virginia | $108,330 |
Washington | $92,700 |
Wisconsin | $93,100 |
Wyoming | $87,910 |
What Tools do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Atmospheric and Space Scientists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- UNIX
- R
- Practical extraction and reporting language Perl
- Apple Final Cut Pro
How to Become an Atmospheric & Space Scientist
Individuals working as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become an Atmospheric & Space Scientist?

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Sector

Below are examples of industries where Atmospheric and Space Scientists work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Atmospheric and Space Scientist might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Liam Gumley via NASA, public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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