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Atmospheric Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Data Scientist

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

D. or Master's in Physics, Applied Math, Atmospheric or Ocean Science, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a related physical science, or equivalent applied experience. * 2+ years of related research or ...

Data Scientist

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

D. or Master's in Physics, Applied Math, Atmospheric or Ocean Science, Astrophysics, Engineering, or a related physical science, or equivalent applied experience. * 2+ years of related research or ...

Open Science Data Steward

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Experience with data across many different fields of science, including, but not limited to, life sciences, materials science, neuroscience, robotics, and atmospheric science, and the ability to ...

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Showing results 41-60

Atmospheric Science information

See California salary details

$23.5K

$74.5K

$152.8K

How much do atmospheric science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for atmospheric science in California is $74,549.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,169.00 and $101,839.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is atmospheric science?

Atmospheric science is the study of the Earth's atmosphere, its processes, and how it interacts with the planet's surface and oceans. This field includes the investigation of weather patterns, climate change, air quality, and the transfer of energy within the atmosphere. Atmospheric scientists use observations, experiments, and computer models to predict weather, understand climate trends, and analyze environmental impacts. Careers in atmospheric science can include meteorology, climatology, and research on atmospheric chemistry and physics.

What are the qualifications to get a job in atmospheric science?

The qualifications to get a job in atmospheric science depend on the level and complexity of your responsibilities and the specific field in which you work. For many entry-level jobs, such as field workers, site researchers, and assistants, you need an associate or bachelor’s degree in climate science, meteorology, or atmospheric science. More advanced research or analytical work may require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Many atmospheric science jobs now include a significant data analysis component, so knowledge of R and other statistical software is essential. Strong analytical thinking and study skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an atmospheric scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Atmospheric Scientist, you need a solid background in meteorology, mathematics, physics, and often an advanced degree in atmospheric or environmental science. Proficiency with data analysis tools, weather modeling software, remote sensing technologies, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and share findings with diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately predicting weather patterns, understanding climate phenomena, and informing public safety and policy decisions.

What are some common challenges atmospheric scientists face when conducting field research?

Atmospheric scientists often encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and logistical hurdles when conducting field research. These challenges can impact the deployment of instruments, data collection, and project timelines. Effective planning, adaptability, and teamwork are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring safety while gathering high-quality data. Collaborating closely with other scientists, engineers, and local stakeholders also helps in addressing unexpected issues and achieving research objectives.

What is the difference between Atmospheric Science vs Meteorology?

AspectAtmospheric ScienceMeteorology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in atmospheric science, meteorology, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesWeather forecasting centers, TV stations, government agencies
Industry UsageResearch, academia, environmental consultingWeather prediction, broadcasting, operational forecasting

Atmospheric Science and Meteorology share overlapping credentials and work environments, but Atmospheric Science has a broader focus on research and environmental studies, while Meteorology is more oriented toward weather forecasting and operational services.

Is atmospheric science a good degree?

Atmospheric science is a valuable degree for careers in weather forecasting, climate research, and environmental consulting. It typically requires strong skills in mathematics, physics, and computer modeling, and graduates often work in government agencies, research institutions, or private companies. The degree provides a solid foundation for roles that involve analyzing atmospheric data and understanding climate systems.

What can I do with an atmospheric science degree?

An atmospheric science degree prepares individuals for careers such as meteorologist, climate analyst, weather forecaster, or atmospheric researcher. These roles often involve data analysis, computer modeling, and use of tools like weather satellites and forecasting software, with some positions requiring certifications or advanced degrees.

What do atmospheric scientists do?

Atmospheric scientists study weather, climate, and atmospheric phenomena using data collection, computer models, and analysis tools. They analyze atmospheric conditions to improve weather forecasts, understand climate change, and inform environmental policies. Their work often involves field research, data interpretation, and collaboration with other scientists and agencies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Atmospheric Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Atmospheric Science jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Atmospheric Science jobs in California?

For Atmospheric Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Atmospheric Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Atmospheric Science jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Atmospheric Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Atmospheric Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Atmospheric Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,549 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

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Job description

the company | DevOps Engineer | San Francisco, CA (onsite) | Full-Time

the company is seeking an exceptional DevOps Engineer to take ownership of the cloud infrastructure and deployment systems that power our mission in applied atmospheric science.

In this role, you'll be the technical foundation our scientists, ML engineers, and software engineers build on. Responsibilities include designing and operating cloud environments, deployment pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code that keep our systems reliable, scalable, and fast. Our ideal candidate has extensive experience in HPC environments.

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