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Atmospheric Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PhD in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field with a strong focus on GNSS radio occultation data processing * 5+ years of related work experience * Skills and experiences with data ...

PhD in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field with a strong focus on GNSS radio occultation data processing * 5+ years of related work experience * Skills and experiences with data ...

PhD in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field with a strong focus on GNSS radio occultation data processing * 5+ years of related work experience * Skills and experiences with data ...

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Atmospheric Science information

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$24K

$76.1K

$156K

How much do atmospheric science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 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.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Atmospheric Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 92% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,130 per year, or $36.6 per hour.
Physical Scientist/Meteorologist/Hydrologist

Physical Scientist/Meteorologist/Hydrologist

US Department of Commerce

Tallahassee, FL • On-site

$106K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 668 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), Sector Operations Center, Florida Department of Emergency Management, with 1 vacancy in Tallahassee, FL.
Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position may be filled with series 1301 (General Physical Science) / 1315 (Hydrology) / 1340 (Meteorology). Each series requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 1301 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: Physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: Education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
To qualify for the 1315 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.


To qualify for the 1340 series:
EDUCATION:

A. Degree: Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or other natural science major that included:
1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of:

  • Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
  • Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
  • Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
  • Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.

2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.*
3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.*
4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.
*There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


To qualify at the GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Conducting weather, water or environmental data analysis and operations in support of emergency response activities; and
  • Coordinating with partners during high impact weather, water, climate or environmental events.
Education:Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.
College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.Employment Type: OTHER