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Atmospheric Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Department of Commerce

Meteorologist

Wakefield, VA · On-site

$40K/yr

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including: * 6 semester ...

US Department of Commerce

Meteorologist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$40K/yr

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including: * 6 semester ...

US Department of Commerce

Meteorologist

Sterling, VA · On-site

$40K/yr

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including: * 6 semester ...

Leidos

Imagery Scientist (SAR)

Springfield, VA

$92K - $166K/yr

Formal training & experience in remote sensing/earth science/etc. * IDL/Java/C++/VB/MATLAB/R/other. * Experience in using APIs. * Advanced degree. * Proficiency in Google Earth Engine, ESRI ARC ...

3M HEALTHCARE

SAR Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

Qualifications 15+ years of experience in SAR, remote sensing, image processing, or image science. Experience with imaging radar analysis techniques utilizing advanced image and signal processing ...

Leidos

Imagery Scientist (SAR)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Formal training & experience in remote sensing/earth science/etc. * IDL/Java/C++/VB/MATLAB/R/other. * Experience in using APIs. * Advanced degree. * Proficiency in Google Earth Engine, ESRI ARC ...

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All JobsAtmospheric Science JobsAtmospheric Science Jobs in Virginia

Atmospheric Science information

See Virginia salary details

$23.3K

$74K

$151.7K

How much do atmospheric science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for atmospheric science in Virginia is $74,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,901.00 and $101,143.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 may involve certifications or advanced degrees for certain roles.

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.

Does NASA hire meteorologists?

NASA employs atmospheric scientists and meteorologists to support climate research, weather prediction, and space missions. These roles often require expertise in atmospheric data analysis, remote sensing, and programming, with some positions requiring advanced degrees and security clearances.

What jobs can you get with atmospheric science?

Atmospheric science graduates can pursue careers as meteorologists, climate analysts, weather forecasters, atmospheric researchers, and environmental consultants. These roles often require skills in data analysis, computer modeling, and knowledge of weather and climate systems, with many positions involving work in research institutions, government agencies, or private companies.

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.

Do atmospheric scientists get paid well?

Atmospheric scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is above the national average, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. They often work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies, and advanced degrees or specialized skills can lead to higher compensation.

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.

More about Atmospheric Science jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia? For Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Atmospheric Science jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Atmospheric Science jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Atmospheric Science job openings:
Atmospheric Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Atmospheric Science job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 9% Internship, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,039 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Faculty Position in Climate Science

Hampton University Faculty

Hampton, VA • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hampton University (HU) Center for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) invites nominations and applications for a research faculty position in Climate Science. This is a research-only position, offering guaranteed funding for one year with the possibility of extension to two years based on performance and the availability of external support.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading historically black university (HBCU) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. HU established the Center for Atmospheric Science (CAS) in 1996, which led to the creation of the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS) in 2007. APS offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Atmospheric Science and Planetary Science. In 2023, the Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree (ICSD) was established in partnership with the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences to offer M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Climate Science with a strong interdisciplinary focus.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will continue and advance the groundbreaking work of CAS and APS, as well as pursue interdisciplinary connections within HU and the broader research community as part of the ICSD. This work includes building a portfolio of externally funded high-profile research in the field of climate science. A new, mid-sized (~7000-core) research cluster is in the process of being acquired and installed for student and faculty computational activities.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Physics, Geophysics, Computer Science, or a related discipline with demonstrated research experience in climate-related fields. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with demonstrated research productivity in one or more of the following areas:
  • Earth System & Climate Modeling - Coupled Earth system models, regional climate modeling, land-atmosphere-ocean interactions, and biogeochemical cycles.
  • Atmospheric & Ocean Sciences - Dynamics, thermodynamics, boundary layer processes, coastal meteorology, and ocean circulation.
  • Cryosphere & Polar Climate - Sea ice, snowpack, glaciers, and their role in global and regional climate systems.
  • Computational & Data-Driven Climate Science - High-performance computing, climate informatics, data assimilation, and AI/ML approaches applied to climate datasets.
  • Climate Impacts & Resilience - Urban and coastal climate impacts, sea-level rise, extreme events, climate adaptation, and energy transition.

The position is research-only, with no teaching responsibilities. Applicants should demonstrate:
  • A record of research productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, datasets, models, or software).
  • Evidence of independent and collaborative research capacity, including participation in externally funded projects.
  • Strong potential to secure external research funding from federal agencies, foundations, or industry.
  • National or international recognition in a climate-related research area.

Salary
Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and accomplishments in the field. $65,000-$80,000
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a Hampton University Application for Employment available at: https://home.hamptonu.edu/hr/employment/ , a letter outlining the candidate's professional and scholarly work; a curriculum vitae; and three letters of recommendation on company letterhead. Applications may be submitted electronically to william.moore@hamptonu.edu (with "ICSD research faculty search" in the subject line).

Apply