Meteorologist
Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.
Also known as: Weather forecaster, weather scientist
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£60,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 41 a week
What you'll do
As a forecaster you'll:
- collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations
- measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
- forecast the weather by analysing information and using computer models
- give weather information and reports to customers
As a researcher you'll:
- study weather patterns and climate change
- refine computer forecasting models
- use research to predict floods and droughts
- study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a meteorologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- training with a professional body
University
You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:
- physical sciences
- maths
- geography
- computer science
- environmental science
You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.
You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the Royal Meteorological Society.
Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can be useful in this role.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Volunteering
You can apply for Met Office work experience opportunities to learn more about what it's like to work in meteorology. There are schemes for young people in different age groups.
You may also be able to apply for an industrial placement with the Met Office, if you are studying at university.
Other routes
You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme .
You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the qualities the Met Office is looking for.
Career path and progression
With experience you could manage a team of meteorologists, weather forecasters or research scientists.
You could also work towards Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) status. These can help with your career development and are a demonstration of your skills and expertise.
There are lots of opportunities to specialise in this career, for example:
- working on climate modelling
- carrying out polar research
- forecasting risks posed by storm systems and flooding
You might also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists, or work in scientific publishing.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Meteorological Society for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the profession.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleClimate scientist
- Job roleResearch scientist
- Job rolePhysicist
- Job roleTV presenter
- Job roleBroadcast journalist
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0