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Operational Meteorologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Meteorologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provides overall coordination for preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of the station meteorological systems with the Meteorologist, Senior andNIWCMeteorological Technician.

Air Force Civilian Career Training

$110K - $143K/yr

DUTY 4 As a Career Broadener, participates in the daily operations of the AFMC IDO, specifically ... Helps the Capability Development Meteorology Branch establish objectives, sets short-term ...

Pae

Meteorologist Senior

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Meteorologist Senior will perform tasking under the supervision of the Meteorological Operations Manager. Position Responsibilities(not all inclusive): * Maintains a safe workplace program and ...

Lynker Corporation

Meteorologist Developer

College Park, MD · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

Promising work will be transitioned to operations. The incumbent will provide training materials on ... The Ideal Meteorologist Developer will be local to the College Park, MD area, and will be able to ...

Lynker Corporation

Meteorologist Developer

College Park, MD · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Promising work will be transitioned to operations. The incumbent will provide training materials on ... The Ideal Meteorologist Developer will be local to the College Park, MD area, and will be able to ...

Sarkes Tarzian

Meteorologist

Reno, NV · On-site

Meteorologist KTVN-TV 2 News Nevada with Sarkes Tarzian has an opening for a Meteorologist with ... KTVN 2 News Nevada is a 24-hour News Operation. At times, working hours not scheduled on your shift ...

Tribune Media

Meteorologist

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

... operation. Nexstar's platform delivers exceptional local content and network programming to inform and entertain viewers, while providing premium, scalable local advertising opportunities for ...

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How much do operational meteorologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational 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 does an operational meteorologist do?

An Operational Meteorologist analyzes weather data, creates forecasts, and provides real-time weather warnings to help industries and the public make informed decisions. They use radar, satellite imagery, and computer models to monitor atmospheric conditions. These professionals often work in government agencies, broadcasting, aviation, or private weather services, ensuring timely and accurate weather information.

What does a typical day look like for an operational meteorologist?

A typical day for an Operational Meteorologist includes analyzing weather data from satellites, radars, and observation stations to generate short-term and long-term forecasts. You'll be tasked with updating forecasts throughout your shift, delivering briefings to stakeholders such as emergency management teams or media outlets, and issuing alerts for severe weather conditions as necessary. The role often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, to provide 24/7 coverage. Collaboration with other meteorologists, IT specialists, and sometimes public safety officials is common, making teamwork and clear communication crucial parts of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational meteorologist?

To thrive as an Operational Meteorologist, you need a solid background in atmospheric sciences, data analysis, and weather forecasting, typically supported by a degree in meteorology or a related field. Familiarity with meteorological software, radar systems, and tools like AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System) is essential, and certifications from organizations such as the American Meteorological Society can be advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills are important for conveying complex weather data to varied audiences and collaborating effectively. These competencies enable operational meteorologists to provide accurate forecasts and timely warnings, ensuring public safety and supporting critical industries.

How much does an operational meteorologist make?

An operational meteorologist typically earns between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized roles with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in government agencies or private sectors with 24/7 operational needs.

What do you need to be an operational meteorologist?

To become an operational meteorologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field. Strong skills in weather analysis, forecasting, and familiarity with meteorological tools and models are essential, along with good communication abilities. Some positions may require certification or experience with specific forecasting software and a flexible work schedule, including shift work.

What is an operational meteorologist?

An operational meteorologist is a professional who analyzes weather data and forecasts to provide real-time weather information for decision-making in sectors like aviation, emergency management, and transportation. They use tools such as weather models, radar, and satellite imagery and often work in shifts to ensure continuous coverage. Certification from organizations like the American Meteorological Society can enhance job prospects.

What type of operational meteorologist makes the most money?

In the field of operational meteorology, senior roles such as lead meteorologists or those working in specialized sectors like aviation, energy, or defense tend to have higher salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in forecasting tools and models. Generally, meteorologists in management or consultancy roles also earn higher wages compared to entry-level positions.
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Operational Meteorologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Meteorologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,278 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Field Operational Meteorologist

Roadrunner Venture Studio

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Field Operational Meteorologist

Roadrunner Venture Studios is the nation’s leading platform for founding breakthrough ventures in frontier technology. We partner with scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to turn deep tech into real companies across energy, manufacturing, semiconductors, quantum computing, aerospace, advanced materials, AI, and high-performance computing.

Roadrunner Venture Studios is recruiting a Field Operational Meteorologist for one of our portfolio companies developing rainfall enhancement technology.

What you’ll do:

As a Field Operational Meteorologist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, you’ll work directly with science and field teams to translate atmospheric conditions, forecasts, and real-time observations into operational decisions. This is a hands-on role for someone who is equally comfortable analyzing weather data and working in the field with meteorological sensing systems.

Before and during deployments, you’ll produce daily and event-based forecasts, identify favorable and unfavorable operating windows, and provide live weather monitoring for field teams. You’ll use numerical weather prediction models alongside radar, satellite, soundings, and data from field-deployed sensing systems.

You’ll help deploy, operate, and interpret data from Doppler LiDAR, weather radar, radiometers, radiosondes, disdrometers, ceilometers, surface weather stations, and other meteorological sensing systems. You’ll also help develop field observation protocols, troubleshoot instrumentation, and ensure high-quality data collection during deployments.

After deployments, you’ll analyze meteorological and sensor datasets, compare forecasts with observed atmospheric behavior, and use those findings to improve operational criteria and future deployments. You’ll work with numerical weather prediction models including WRF, CM1, MPAS, and related systems, and help develop forecasting tools, scripts, dashboards, and data workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in meteorology, atmospheric science, physics, environmental science, hydrology, or a related field.

  • Experience in operational or field meteorology, applied forecasting, atmospheric research, aviation weather, hydrology, or environmental monitoring.

  • Hands-on experience with meteorological field-sensing and remote-sensing systems such as Doppler LiDAR, weather radar, radiometers, radiosondes, disdrometers, ceilometers, and surface weather stations.

  • Experience deploying, operating, troubleshooting, or analyzing data from meteorological instrumentation in field environments.

  • Experience with numerical weather prediction models such as WRF, CM1, MPAS, or similar systems.

  • Familiarity with meteorological data formats such as NetCDF and GRIB and working knowledge of Python, GIS, or other data-analysis tools.

  • Experience with remote sensing, cloud microphysics, convective clouds, precipitation processes, or weather modification.

  • Experience with field campaigns and operations in the Southwest United States, particularly New Mexico.

  • Experience developing forecasting tools, scripts, dashboards, automated data pipelines, or other operational meteorology workflows.

  • Familiarity with command-line AI tools such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, OpenClaw, Hermes, or similar tools.

This role is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and requires regular in-person work with the operations team, field teams, and deployment hardware. Travel to field deployment locations will be required.