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Contract Meteorologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Data Architect

Norman, OK

$59.25 - $79.25/hr

... support an upcoming contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA ... Bachelors in CS, IS, Data Science, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related, or equivalent.

Senior Data Architect

Norman, OK · On-site

$59.25 - $79.25/hr

... support an upcoming contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA ... Bachelors in CS, IS, Data Science, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related, or equivalent.

Bachelors in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, or related, or equivalent. * Must be a US Citizen to meet contract requirements. * Must ...

... potential contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National ... Bachelor's in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Business, Management, Engineering, or related, or ...

... potential contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National ... Bachelor's in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Business, Management, Engineering, or related, or ...

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Contract Meteorologist information

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$37K

$96.3K

$122K

How much do contract meteorologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract meteorologist in the United States is $96,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Meteorologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Meteorologist, you need a solid background in atmospheric sciences, statistical analysis, and weather modeling, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with meteorological software, remote sensing tools, and platforms such as the National Weather Service databases is highly beneficial, and certifications like the Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) can add credibility. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to translate technical data into actionable insights are valuable soft skills that set candidates apart. These capabilities ensure you can deliver accurate forecasts, quickly adapt to changing weather patterns, and effectively serve clients' needs in dynamic contract-based roles.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Meteorologists, and how can they overcome them?

Contract Meteorologists often face the challenge of working with diverse clients across industries, each with unique weather data needs and tight deadlines. Adapting to rapidly changing weather scenarios, integrating new forecasting technologies, and managing multiple projects simultaneously are all part of the role. Success comes from staying current with the latest meteorological tools, honing strong project management skills, and maintaining clear communication with clients and colleagues. Building a network of professional relationships and continuously updating your expertise will help you tackle these challenges effectively and enhance your reputation in the field.

What is a Contract Meteorologist job?

A Contract Meteorologist is a weather professional hired on a temporary or project basis to provide meteorological services. They may work for government agencies, private companies, media outlets, or research institutions to analyze weather data, forecast conditions, and provide specialized reports. Their responsibilities can include issuing weather briefings, supporting emergency preparedness, or assisting industries like agriculture, aviation, and energy. Unlike full-time meteorologists, contract meteorologists work for a set period or on specific projects, often offering specialized expertise.

Is there a high demand for meteorologists?

The demand for meteorologists, including contract meteorologists, is generally steady due to the need for weather forecasting in various sectors such as aviation, media, and government. Employment growth is expected to be around 8% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than average, with opportunities often requiring strong analytical skills and proficiency with forecasting tools. Contract roles may fluctuate based on seasonal needs and project-based work.

Where do meteorologists get paid the most?

Meteorologists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong demand for weather services, such as major metropolitan areas or energy hubs. Federal agencies, private weather companies, and research institutions often offer higher pay compared to local government or educational roles, especially for those with specialized skills or advanced certifications.

What is the highest paid meteorologist?

The highest paid meteorologists are often those in senior roles such as chief meteorologists or those working for major broadcast networks, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, location, employer, and specialized skills like forecasting for aviation or emergency management.

How to become a freelance meteorologist?

To become a freelance meteorologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Gaining experience through internships or work in weather forecasting helps build credibility, and obtaining certifications like the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) can enhance your prospects. Building a professional network and establishing an online presence are also important for attracting clients.
What cities are hiring for Contract Meteorologist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Meteorologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Meteorologist jobs? The most popular types of Meteorologist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Meteorologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Meteorologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Meteorologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Meteorologist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Meteorologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,278 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

$59.25 - $79.25/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ASRC Federal Advanced Research, LLC (AFAR) is seeking a Senior Data Architect to support an upcoming contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS) in Norman, Oklahoma. 

AFAR’s potential partnership with NWS will provide specialized technical and engineering support to the NWS Radar Next Program Office across several key areas to ensure the successful definition, design, development, and deployment of the modernized radar system and its associated data processing and distribution infrastructure.

Work location: Onsite - Norman, OK 

Background: Government issued background investigation

Responsibilities

  • Designs and implements enterprise-scale data architecture for NWS/RadarNext.
  • Leads system architecture, data integration, and interoperability with legacy and emerging sensor networks.
  • Develops data models, ETL/ELT pipelines, and database strategies aligned with NOAA cloud migration goals.                
  • Engineering background plus cloud computing experience.
  • Supports both Radar Next and alignment with the Weather Service Enterprise Architecture.
  • Assists with MRMS (MultiRadar MultiSensor) evolution and integration.                                                  
  • May lead small teams and mentor junior architects.

 

Requirements

  • Minimum of 10+ years of relevant work experience.
  • Bachelors in CS, IS, Data Science, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related, or equivalent. Masters preferred.
  • Engineering background, cloud computing background to address both RadarNext (RN) and current NWS enterprise architecture.
  • Must be comfortable with ambiguity, evolving requirements, and rapid pivots.
  • Need to be proactive, technically strong, and fastmoving.
  • Must be a US Citizen to meet contract requirements.
  • Must successfully complete a government issued background investigation.