Well just a bit more and it will be time for me to start filling out college apps. Of course, my preferable major would be meteorology, but I have several concerns. I assume soon enough, computer models will be extremely accurate. 10-30 years down the road from now, the demand for forecasters will probably drop with the innovations in computer weather-model technology. This is a very realistic concern for me, unless someone can alleviate my fears somehow to think otherwise. Now even if empoyment of meteorologists does not drop; I heard the NWS will soon start decreasing the amount of forecast offices, which would cut down on the work force. Another one of my worries are the earnings. According to bls.gov- http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos051.htm- Median annual earnings of atmospheric scientists in May 2004 were $70,100. The middle 50 percent earned between $48,880 and $86,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,020.

The average salary for meteorologists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions employed by the Federal Government was about $80,499 in 2005. Meteorologists in the Federal Government with a bachelor’s degree and no experience received a starting salary of $27,955 or $34,544, depending on their college grades. Those with a master’s degree could start at $42,090 or $54,393, and those with a Ph.D. could begin at $70,280. Beginning salaries for all degree levels are slightly higher in areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level is higher.
This seems way higher than what I've last heard, unless something has changed.

I know there are many hobbyists here who are also planning on majoring in meteorology, or already are majoring in it. What do you folks think about these issues? Any pro mets want to chime in, thanks.

NJSnowYeti, on Feb 5 2006, 12:35 AM, said:

Your salary estimates seem about right...I can speak for both private weather Mets and Gov't Mets as I have been both. Private Mets make less starting out...but can make much more than Gov't mets if they become highly sought after or skilled...especially in the energy markets. Gov't mets(NWS) are not cutting their number of offices...that proposal was shot down quickly just recently. You move up quick in salary as a gov't met to around 60 to 65K after just 3 to 5 years depending on your degree BS, MS, PHD. Then you can move up as you develop to hier pay scales. Computers are great...but modelling hasn't advanced yet to the point where people especially in the short aren't needed...also people will always be needed to communicate what the models are saying to those not versed in the science. So I think the market may not be red hot for mets...but is still very good.

I agree with Whosur...

I also have to say...the starting salary for a met. is going to be pitiful, but if you are patient, sacrifice a little early...it will pay off significantly in the long run and you will do fine. And it is a YOUNG science. There is TONS of research to be done, even if you don't go into forecasting specifically. And no the models will not improve THAT much, and if they do...then people are going to demand longer range forecasts...that's just how it is. Don't let the prospect of jobs scare you away. They are there and they will stay there. The salary leaves something to be desired, but you will eventually get where you want, and you'll be doing something you actually love.

NJSnowYeti, on Feb 5 2006, 12:35 AM, said:

I seriously thought about going for meteorology as a career when I was ending high school. I got accepted into Oklahoma, FSU, and Miami, in fact. But I worried about the future in the field and went to in state UGA where I ended up with an environmental science degree. Turns out that UGA started an atmoshperic sci degree by the time I graduated...I almost did that as minor of some sort. If you really have the gut feeling to go onto MET as a career then by all means do so. If you ever want another career in the sciences then go to Rutgers where they have a good environmental science program. I have been out of college 4 years and am making quick strides in this field that is growing and hurting for good, young talent. We do anything from basic environmental assessments, to active groundwater remediation, to asbestos and mold surveys, to full scale compliance audits. The remediation aspect can get interesting to say the least and the field is really hurting for people at this point. Bottom line is a lot of work with too few qualified people. But if MET is in your heart then stick with it, but there are other scientific alternatives.

By the way, salary wise..people in my field start at 35-40k and can quickly jump to over 50k in les than 4 years if you work you butt off, are devoted, and want to be a manager someday

Thanks for the great replies. It's encouraging for us looking to go into the field.

That's one aspect of meteorology that most careers can't claim - it is almost impossible to get into the field "by accident" ( I would think, right?). Almost everyone that is a meteorologist WANTS to be a met and has wanted to be one for at least a long while.

Well I've always looked at it that way anyway.

I also wouldnt worry about the computer modeling getting significantly better in the next 10 years....it will probably slowly improve, but just slowly.

Really until there is a better infusion of upper air data, the models will not significantly improve. The need for meteorologists shouldnt change too much in the near future.

If you worry about money...there's money to be had, its just tougher in meteorology than in say...finance or some other fields. You might want to ask yourself some questions...like, 1) do I want to be on TV? If not...can I work swing shift in the NWS? Or if I don't want to do that, can I survive making 23K/yr to start at a private weather company?

If you want to make money, you want to be in energy trading. BUT...you have a much better shot at a premier school (PSU,OU,FSU), then work your tail off to impress people, then hope that you can get picked up by an energy trading company...but then stil have to deal with millions of bucks traded based on your forecast. Its a lot of pressure.

I've made a lot of money in meteorology. But you have to be the top 1%. Vs. a field such as business or finance, where you can be the top 20%...and make a boat load of cash. You have to pick your priorities... Good Luck.

I'm constantly amazed how broad the field of Meteorology is.

I'm in observation, but have worked in radio and consulting.

But in addition to forecasting, modeling, research and broadcasting, there are mets who work for:

Airlines, Power companies, fortune 500's, Armed Services, Private Companies, the Government, and themselves. I don't know two many fields that cover that gamut.

Tonight, I was even hanging out with some meteorologists from Mars, the candy company that is. They forecast for comodities.

It'll take you as far as you want!

~w7x

Utica WX, on Feb 5 2006, 01:10 AM, said:

I think this is what initially excited me about a career in weather.....

There are going to be amazing advances in the science over the next 50 years.... It's going to be very exciting to be a part of....

There will always be oppurtunities for good forecasters.... and good business people with a weather background can make a killing selling a good weather technology idea......

I'll just do my little bit of recruiting for the day...if you join the AF or Navy with a BS, you'll make WAY more than you would in other gov't met jobs or even most in the private sector. Just search FY06 military pay charts for examples, and another perk is that neary half your take-home pay is tax-free. When I get my 3-yr point raise in May, I'll be making $45,000 in salary per year, plus another $15,000 or so in tax-free allowances.

The bottom line is that career opportunities in meteorology will never be as dire as the worst prognistications you hear or as good as the world is your oyster sayers. There will be improvement in computer modeling, but that will lead down the road to more precise and detailed forecasts that we can not do now. I would just double major in computer sciences just in case you may not get into the sector you would like. There are good and bad aspects in every sector of meteorology and sometimes the important things in life: wife and children (and nucci wanting snow) have to take precedent over your own desires.