10 Famous Meteorologists

Luke Howard

Beyond the weatherman—4 fascinating weather jobs

• Hurricane Hunters.
• Forensic meteorologists.
• Military meteorological specialists.
• Industrial meteorologists.

• John Dalton. Charles Turner after James Lonsdale/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.
• William Morris Davis. Unknown/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.
• Gabriel Fahrenheit. Donarreiskoffer/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0.
• Alfred Wegener.
• Christoph Hendrik Diederik Buys Ballot.
• William Ferrel.
• Wladimir Peter Köppen.
• Anders Celsius.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is strong for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. Predicted to grow 12 percent from 2016 through 2026 — faster than the average for all occupations — meteorology jobs also come with high median salaries of more than $92,000 a year.

Other federal agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture also employ meteorologists.

Meteorologists averaged ​$97,160​ per year, or ​$46.71​ per hour, as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This meteorologist salary per month would be around ​$8,097​. However, some earned less than ​$49,700​, or $23.89. The best paid meteorologists averaged ​$147,160​ a year or ​$70.75​ an hour.

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.

NOAA and any research positions will require the math and physics, and while it is possible to get a job as a broadcast “meteorologist” without a Meteorology/atmospheric science degree, that has become very difficult, and every major market will require one.

To be eligible, you will have to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science from an accredited college or university or have taken specific coursework in that field of study. Broadcast meteorologists often begin their careers at television or radio stations in small markets.

Growth Trends for Related Jobs Meteorologists often work eight to 12-hour rotating shifts so that they can cover any meteorological event. The quintessential 9 to 5 work schedule is not common for meteorologists unless they are working in an administrative position, or at a facility with limited hours.

Meteorologists study and predict weather and climate. They analyze the relationship between the weather and other environmental processes and observe the impact of weather and climate on people, animals, and plants.

But the job of the meteorologist is still both an art and a science. Created with sketchtool. Millions of people’s lives are affected by their predictions, so it’s no surprise being a weather forecaster is a stressful job. Sue Shellenbarger and Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean discuss on Lunch Break.

Meteorologists earn a median salary of $70,100 per year. Those working for the federal government in managerial, supervisory, and nonsupervisory positions earned an average of $80,499 per year in 2005, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, insurance, and pensions.

A disadvantage for meteorologists is the need for flexible hours and the possibility of working long hours during an emergency (Clary 1). Meteorologists also do not have time off during the holidays, nights, or weekends (“Careers as a TV Meteorologist” 4).

Meteorologist Requirements:

• MSc degree in Science, Mathematics or similar.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Interest in weather systems.
• Able to work well within a team.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in mathematics.
• Computer literacy.

About Meteorologist Meteorology is a sub-discipline of Atmospheric Science that majorly focuses on weather processes and forecasting. The major responsibility of the meteorologist is to monitor and analyse its changes to make predictions and interpretations about weather conditions for the benefit of the man.

A meteorologist is an individual with specialized education who uses scientific principles to explain, understand, observe or forecast the earth’s atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects the earth and life on the planet. Such an individual also can be referred to as a meteorologist.

Climatology is important since it helps determine future climate expectations. Through the use of latitude, one can determine the likelihood of snow and hail reaching the surface. Climatology is different than meteorology and can be divided into different areas of study.

Climatology (from Greek κλίμα, klima, “place, zone”; and -λογία, -logia) or climate science is the scientific study of climate, scientifically defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time.

Climate is the average weather conditions in a place over a long period of time—30 years or more. And as you probably already know, there are lots of different types of climates on Earth. For example, hot regions are normally closest to the equator.