Meteorologists study the atmosphere which surrounds the earth. They are engaged in both basic research to expand knowledge of the earth's atmosphere and in its practical application to agriculture, the environment, transportation, communication, health, and national defense.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

The largest group of Meteorologists is weather forecasters or synoptic Meteorologists. They analyze and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and upper-air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare weather reports and forecasts for the public, media, and other users.

Meteorologists may:

Analyze and interpret maps, charts, photographs and such data as barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind velocity

Forecast immediate and long-range weather changes based on collected data and issue storm warnings when necessary

Draw isobars (lines on surface maps) indicating pressure patterns

Advise pilots and other flight personnel about atmospheric conditions, such as ceilings, visibility, icing conditions, turbulence, winds aloft, and cloud formations

Prepare forecasts and briefings regarding sea transportation

Conduct research into long-range forecasting, severe weather occurrences, and other problems

Establish and staff weather observation stations

Direct forecast services at a weather station

Meteorologists may specialize in studying the chemical and electrical properties of the atmosphere, the laws of air movements, cloud seeding, air pollution control, or instrument design.

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

025.062-010 METEOROLOGISTS study the atmosphere which surrounds the earth. They are engaged in both basic research to expand knowledge of the earth's atmosphere and its application to agriculture, the environment, transportation, communication, health, and national defense. Meteorologists may specialize in studying the chemical and electrical properties of the atmosphere, the laws of air movements, cloud seeding, air pollution control, or instrument design. The largest group of Meteorologists is weather forecasters or synoptic meteorologists. They analyze and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and upper-air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare weather reports and forecasts for the public, media, and other users.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Meteorologists work in large field offices that are located at airports or near large cities. A few are located in isolated and remote areas. Some Research Meteorologists work in laboratories or in the field.

Meteorologists in large field offices work with Technicians and other Meteorologists. Those working at small weather stations may work alone. Depending on the particular position, some may supervise assistants or technicians.

Meteorologists usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Those working in weather stations that are in operation 24 hours a day often work nights and weekends on rotating shifts. Meteorologists might have to travel occasionally to work on certain projects.

Meteorologists may join professional associations such as the American Meteorological Society. Those who belong to professional organizations usually must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving work that is scientific and technical in nature

• Activities involving communication of information to people

You Should Be Able To:

• Direct, plan, and control the activities and work of others

• Reason logically

• Know meanings/relationships of words/communicate ideas effectively

• Understand and use charts, graphs, and mathematical concepts

• Perceive detail/differences in paths/positions of still/moving objects

• Base decisions on personal judgment and measurable data

• Picture 3-dimensional objects from drawings or pictures

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If the lapse rate is 6 degrees fahrenheit/1,000 feet, air temperature at an elevation of 2,000 feet is ___________?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Thunderstorm clouds can extend to elevations of 50,000 feet or higher. The tops of such enormous anvil-topped clouds can flare out in response to prevailing winds and assume the characteristics of cirrus clouds.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written forecast for a cruise line which will be out to sea for two weeks.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You will need to be able to think ahead, considering many factors at once, for long range forecasting.

A four-year college degree is necessary to enter this occupation. Postgraduate degrees are usually required for research and teaching.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School); a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

108 METEOROLOGY

Programs in Meteorology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand the physics of weather. Areas of concern include the interaction of the lower atmosphere with the ground and ocean, atmospheric circulation, and weather forecasting. Meteorologists find employment in official weather services, space sciences, industry, government, teaching, research, and in private practice.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the military website at http://www.myfuture.com

METEOROLOGISTS

Meteorology is the study of the weather and weather forecasting. Military operations such as troop movements, airplane flights, missile launches, and ship movements rely on accurate weather information. Meteorologists study weather conditions and prepare current and long-range weather forecasts.

What They Do

Meteorologists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct personnel who collect weather data

• Observe weather conditions from airplanes

• Interpret weather data received from satellites and weather balloons

• Prepare short-range and long-range weather forecasts

• Relay forecast updates and violent weather warnings to military and civilian authorities

• Train staff in data collection and interpretation

Physical Demands

Meteorology specialties involving air observation require applicants to pass a demanding flight physical exam.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific work

• Interest in collecting and analyzing data

• Interest in working with mathematical formulas

• Interest in planning and directing the work of others

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree, with course work in meteorology, is usually required to enter this occupation.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 6 to 15 weeks of classroom instruction. Course content typically includes:

• Identification of common weather patterns

• Methods of analyzing weather conditions

• Use of radar and satellite systems for weather data collection

• Use of computers for compiling, analyzing, and plotting weather data

• Techniques and procedures of forecasting

Work Environment

Meteorologists usually work in weather stations or operations centers where weather information can be collected, analyzed, and plotted using computers. Sometimes they work outdoors while making weather observations.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian meteorologists work for government agencies, radio and television stations, and airlines. They perform duties similar to those performed by military meteorologists.

Opportunities

The services have about 800 meteorologists. On average, they need 40 new meteorologists each year. After job training, meteorologists are assigned to land based or shipboard weather stations. With experience, they may advance to senior management and command positions.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience and exploration include service in the military, summer jobs, advanced training, enrollment in a cooperative education program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Postsecondary programs in meteorology may offer co-op or work experience portions for experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Meteorologist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Meteorologist employer

community service work with an agency

Meteorologists may enter this occupation by applying directly to employers or by taking civil service examination. Assistance in locating a job is usually available through college and university placement offices. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

American Meteorological Society Employment Announcements

             (http://www.ametsoc.org/ams/emplymnt/emplinfo.html)

Federal Job Openings (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/)

Michigan Talent Bank    

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

JobsOnline

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Meteorologists depend on their experience, ability, education, job duties, and their employer. Self-employed consulting Meteorologists usually have higher incomes than other Meteorologists do.

Nationally, the estimated earnings of beginning Meteorologists, weather forecasters, weather observers, and technicians ranged between $25,081 and $75,243 per year in mid 1998. Research Meteorologists, university professors and consultants earned between $25,081 and $100,327 annually. Program managers and executive meteorologists earned between $34,429 and $100,000+ per year. Meteorologists earned median salaries of $49,502 in 1998.

Weathercasters (some of whom were certified meteorologists) employed by television stations earned average annual salaries of $57,882 in 1998. These include a variety of large and small television viewing markets.

Depending on their college records, beginning Meteorologists working for the federal government had annual starting salaries of (1999):

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

Meteorologists employed by the State of Michigan earned annual salaries ranging from $28,668 to $60,134 in 1999.

Depending on the employer, Meteorologists may receive paid vacations and holidays; paid sick leave; health, life, disability, and accident insurance; retirement plans; reimbursement for additional education; and savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Meteorologists usually start as trainees in weather forecasting centers or at airport weather stations. They may advance to positions as assistant forecasters and forecasters. Those in private industry may start as research analysts, meteorological technicians, or forecasters. With experience, they may advance to research positions in specialized areas of meteorology, supervise research or engineering projects, become administrators, or start their own consulting firms.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, an estimated 7,300 Meteorologists were employed in 1996. Employment is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2006. The industry distribution for Meteorologists looked like this:

Employment of Meteorologists in industry and in weather consulting firms is expected to grow as private industry realizes the importance of meteorology to understanding and preventing air pollution. Because the number of applicants is likely to exceed the number of openings, individuals with an advanced degree should have the best job prospects.

Approximately 100 Meteorologists worked in Michigan. Most Meteorologists worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Most worked for federal, state, and local governmental agencies. Others worked for private weather consulting firms, airlines, and radio and TV stations..

Employment of Meteorologists in Michigan is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. A few openings will occur to replace those meteorologists who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

The National Weather Service (NWS), recently completed an extensive modernization of its weather forecasting equipment and all hiring of Meteorologists needed to staff the upgraded stations. The NWS has no plans to increase the number of weather stations or the number of Meteorologists in existing stations for many years. Increases in employment of Meteorologists in other parts of the federal government are not expected. However, new jobs will be created in private industry with the increased use of private weather forecasting and meteorological services by farmers, commodity investors, transportation and construction firms, and radio and television stations.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development