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Atmospheric Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$34K - $50K/yr

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: * CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here ...

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How much do atmospheric science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for atmospheric science in the United States is $76,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $104,000.00 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.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Atmospheric Science jobs? Cities with the most Atmospheric Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Atmospheric Science jobs? The most popular types of Atmospheric Science jobs are:
What states have the most Atmospheric Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Atmospheric Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Atmospheric Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Atmospheric Science jobs are:
Atmospheric Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Atmospheric Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,130 per year, or $36.6 per hour.
Postdoctoral Fellow in Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling

Postdoctoral Fellow in Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Fellow in Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling
School
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department/Area
Environmental Science and Engineering
Position Description
The successful candidate will work on using satellite observations of atmospheric methane to better quantify methane emissions on regional to global scales through inverse analyses. They will also have the opportunity to work on other problems related to global atmospheric chemistry, air quality, and model development.
Basic Qualifications
Ph.D. in atmospheric science and substantial experience in modeling of atmospheric composition.
Additional Qualifications
Experience with the GEOS-Chem model and with inverse analyses, strong scientific programming skills. Experience with inverse modeling is a plus.
Special Instructions
Contact Information
Professor Daniel J. Jacob
Contact Email
djacob@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$67,600 - $91,826
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as rank, years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
Keywords

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