Atmospheric and Space Scientists in West Virginia
Thinking about a career as an Atmospheric and Space Scientists in West Virginia? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Make in West Virginia?
For atmospheric and space scientists working in West Virginia, wages run about $70,000 per year (or about $33.65/hour).Pay can range from $37,210 at the 10th percentile to $110,300 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,210 | $17.89 |
| 25th percentile | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| Median (50th) | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| 75th percentile | $72,940 | $35.07 |
| 90th percentile | $110,300 | $53.03 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in West Virginia relative to the national average — is 1.56, meaning that atmospheric and space scientists are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, atmospheric and space scientists earn a median of $77,973 per year ($37.49/hour), below the West Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 55,620 atmospheric and space scientists nationwide. In West Virginia alone, around 60 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 120 atmospheric and space scientists.
Top States for Atmospheric and Space Scientists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most atmospheric and space scientists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Colorado | 950 |
| Maryland | 710 |
| California | 580 |
| New York | 500 |
| Florida | 440 |
| Texas | 440 |
| Illinois | 320 |
| Washington | 280 |
| Oklahoma | 280 |
| Alabama | 230 |
| Ohio | 190 |
| Alaska | 180 |
| Wisconsin | 180 |
| Georgia | 170 |
| Mississippi | 160 |
| Virginia | 150 |
| Michigan | 140 |
| North Carolina | 140 |
| Kansas | 140 |
| Missouri | 140 |
Highest-Paying States for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
The highest-paying states for atmospheric and space scientists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $122,180 |
| California | $117,770 |
| Idaho | $117,190 |
| Missouri | $116,480 |
| Oregon | $115,890 |
| New Mexico | $114,230 |
| Virginia | $111,920 |
| Nebraska | $110,140 |
| Tennessee | $109,800 |
| Montana | $107,240 |
Skills
The most important atmospheric and space scientists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for atmospheric and space scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- 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.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Thinking Creatively
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Photoshop, C++, Facebook In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Climate Science
- Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to atmospheric and space scientists include:
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Statisticians
- Data Scientists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Soil and Plant Scientists
Also Known As
Aerologist, Air Analyst, Astrochemist, Atmospheric Chemist, Atmospheric Scientist, Broadcast Meteorologist, Climate Change Risk Assessor, Climatologist, Computer Meteorologist, Forecaster, General Forecaster, Hurricane Tracker, Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech), Hydrometeorologist, Marine Meteorologist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-2021.00
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