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How much do climate science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Scientist, you need a strong background in environmental science, atmospheric physics, mathematics, and typically a graduate degree in a related field. Familiarity with climate modeling software, programming languages like Python or R, and experience analyzing large datasets are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and share findings with diverse audiences. These skills ensure rigorous scientific research, accurate climate predictions, and impactful contributions to environmental policy and public understanding.

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

Climate scientists often encounter logistical and environmental challenges while conducting field research. These can include accessing remote or hazardous locations, dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, and transporting sensitive equipment. Collaboration with local experts and interdisciplinary teams is essential to ensure accurate data collection and analysis. Additionally, securing funding and adhering to regulatory requirements can be ongoing hurdles, but overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and contributes to meaningful scientific advancements.

What do climate scientists do?

Climate scientists study the Earth's climate systems, analyzing data on temperature, weather patterns, and greenhouse gas levels to understand climate change. They use tools like computer models and conduct field research to assess environmental impacts and inform policy decisions.

Do climate scientists make a lot of money?

Climate scientists typically earn a median salary that is comparable to other environmental science roles, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with advanced degrees and research expertise can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by grants and institutional funding.

What is the highest paying job in environmental science?

In environmental science, senior roles such as Environmental Director or Climate Policy Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, and may involve overseeing large projects or policy development.

What is climate science?

Climate science is the study of Earth's climate system, including the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and ice. It involves understanding how these components interact, how the climate has changed in the past, and how it may change in the future due to natural and human influences. Climate scientists use data from observations, models, and experiments to analyze trends, predict climate scenarios, and inform policy decisions. Their work is crucial for addressing issues like global warming, extreme weather events, and environmental sustainability.

What can you do with a climate science degree?

A climate science degree prepares individuals for careers such as climate analyst, environmental consultant, research scientist, or policy advisor. These roles often involve data analysis, modeling, and using tools like GIS and climate models to assess environmental impacts and develop sustainable solutions.

What is the difference between Climate Science vs Environmental Science?

AspectClimate ScienceEnvironmental Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Climate Science, Environmental Science, or related fields; certifications in climate modeling or data analysisBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields; certifications in environmental management
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, climate modeling centersEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, NGOs
Industry UsageFocuses on climate change, atmospheric processes, and global warmingFocuses on ecosystems, pollution, conservation, and sustainability

Climate Science and Environmental Science share overlapping skills and work environments but differ in focus. Climate Science centers on climate change and atmospheric processes, while Environmental Science covers broader ecological and pollution issues. Both fields are vital for addressing environmental challenges and often collaborate in research and policy development.

More about Climate Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Climate Science jobs? Cities with the most Climate Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Climate Science jobs? The most popular types of Climate Science jobs are:
What states have the most Climate Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Climate Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Climate Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Climate Scientist Senior - P&C Climate Risk & Exposure Analytics

Climate Scientist Senior - P&C Climate Risk & Exposure Analytics

USAA

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


USAA rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 144 rated banks


Job description

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values - honesty, integrity, loyalty and service - define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

The Opportunity

This role is remote eligible in the continental U.S. with occasional business travel. However, individuals residing within a 60 mile radius of a USAA office will be expected to work on-site 4 days per week.

The Climate Risk and Exposure Analytics team is situated in the Actuarial group within USAA's P&C business. The team works closely with the Catastrophe Risk Management team and seeks to develop the association's long-term strategy under a changing climate.

The Climate Scientist Senior provides leadership and practical modeling solutions which link cutting-edge climate science and demographic modeling to business impacts. By applying insights from atmospheric-science and innovative causal modeling approaches, the role delivers insight-to-action recommendations on how a changing climate will affect the future of USAA's catastrophe losses and our member's resilience.

What you'll do:

  • Leverages advanced business, analytical and technical knowledge to participate or lead discussions with cross functional teams to understand and collaborate highly complex business objectives and influence solution strategies.

  • Applies advanced analytical techniques to solve business problems related to extreme events and climate change that are typically medium to large scale with significant impact to current and/or future business strategy.

  • Applies innovative and scientific/quantitative analytical approaches to draw conclusions and make 'insight to action' recommendations to answer the business objective and drive the appropriate change.

  • Translates recommendation into communication materials to effectively present to various levels of management.

  • Incorporates visualization techniques to support the relevant points of the analysis and ease the understanding for less technical audiences.

  • Identifies and gathers the relevant and quality data sources required to fully answer and address the problem for the recommended strategy.

  • Integrates/transforms disparate data sources and determines the appropriate data hygiene techniques to apply.

  • Thoroughly documents assumptions, methodology, validation and testing to facilitate peer reviews and compliance requirements.

  • Understands and adopts emerging technology that can affect the application of scientific methodologies and/or quantitative analytical approaches to problem resolutions.

  • Succinctly delivers analysis/findings in a manner that conveys understanding, influences various levels of management, garners support for recommendations, drives business decisions, and influences business strategy.

  • Provides subject matter expertise in operationalizing recommendations.

  • Remains informed on current data and analytics trends, (Ex: Cloud, Data Mining, Python, Neural Networks, Sensor data, IoT, Streaming/NRT data).

  • Identifies opportunities to continue to learn in the climate risk space, whether informal (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, etc.) or formal (e.g.Certifications or advanced coursework, for example ISCM CSCR).

  • Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

What you have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Science, Climatology, Environmental Science, Physics, Geosciences, Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, Operations Research, Data and/or Business Analysis, Data Science, or a business or quantitative field; OR 4 years of relevant education and/or experience.

  • 4 - 6 years of data & analytics experience OR a minimum of 2 years of data & analytics experience and up to 2 years of progressive functional business relevant experience within the respective industry of responsibility (i.e. P&C, Bank, Finance, Marketing etc.) for a total of 4 years combined experience OR advanced degree in quantitative analytics field such as Atmospheric Science, Climatology, Environmental Science, Physics, Geoscience, Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, Operations Research, Data and/or Business Analysis, Data Science or other quantitative discipline and 2 years of experience in data/analytics or functional business experience within the respective industry of responsibility (i.e.P&C, Bank, Finance, Marketing, etc.).

  • Demonstrates advanced skills in mathematical and statistical techniques and approaches used to drive fact-based decision-making.

  • Advanced knowledge of data analysis tools, data visualization, developing analysis queries and procedures in SQL, SAS, BI tools or other analysis software, and relevant industry data & methods and ability to connect external insights to business problems.

  • Experience with new and emerging data sets, and incorporation (data wrangling, data munging) into new insights.

What sets you apart:

  • Strong foundation in meteorology, atmospheric science, climate science, or a related field (e.g., geography, environmental science). Especially related to the use and interpretation of climate and numerical weather prediction models.

  • Proficiency in analyzing geospatial data within a programming environment (e.g., Python, R, GIS). Experience related to wildfire risk assessment is advantageous.

  • Experience with catastrophe modeling software (e.g., Verisk, KCC, Cotality) or a demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new modeling platforms.

  • Desire to work in an innovative, start-up like environment, leading the development and delivery of new processes.

  • Comfortable communicating analytical results, findings and solutions to senior leaders

  • US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner.

Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $114,080 - $205,340.

USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.).

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com.

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.


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