Atmospheric and Space Scientists
SOC code 19-2021 · O*NET-SOC 19-2021.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$99,070
a year
Hourly
$47.63
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$106,110
$51.01 per hour
Middle 50%
$73,350 – $129,960
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$53,060 – $161,890
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
10,000
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $53,060
- $25.51/hr
- 25th percentile
- $73,350
- $35.26/hr
- Median percentile
- $99,070
- $47.63/hr
- 75th percentile
- $129,960
- $62.48/hr
- 90th percentile
- $161,890
- $77.83/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+1%
Growing about as fast as average
9,400
jobs in 2024
9,500
projected for 2034
About 100 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do atmospheric and space scientists do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 60% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree60%
- Master's Degree20%
- Doctoral Degree15%
- Post-Doctoral Training5%
Common questions
How much does an atmospheric and space scientists earn?
The national median is $99,070 a year. The full range runs from $53,060 at the 10th percentile to $161,890 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an atmospheric and space scientists without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is atmospheric and space scientists in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Science4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning4.0/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Physics4.4/5
- Geography4.4/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Communications and Media3.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
- Chemistry3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.