Career Options for Weather-Related Careers
Weather is something that affects everyone. How we dress or what type of activities we do may be directly affected by the weather. Since weather is such a significant factor in people's lives, some people may be interested in pursuing a career that involves the weather, including the career options listed below.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Outlook (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Reporters | $49,300 | -11% |
| Oceanographers | $93,580 (for geoscientists) | 5% (for geoscientists) |
| Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine and Space Sciences Teachers | $94,520 | 2% |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $73,230 | 8% |
| Solar Photovoltaic Installers | $46,470 | 51% |
| Atmospheric Scientists | $99,740 | 9% |
| Wind Turbine Technicians | $56,230 | 61% |
| Environmental Engineers | $92,120 | 3% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for Weather-Related Careers
Reporters
Reporters present verbal or written information about events and subjects. Since climate change is such a significant issue, there are opportunities for reporters to focus exclusively on stories related to climate change. This can involve reporting on how weather patterns have changed and how these changes are affecting people in different regions. It's common for reporters to need a bachelor's degree in journalism or a similar subject to pursue this profession.
Oceanographers
Oceanographers are required to have a bachelor's degree to enter this career field and they may also need to be licensed. They focus on performing studies and may gather samples and conduct tests on those samples as part of their work. Oceanographers are specifically interested in ocean-related issues, including understanding the relationship between the ocean and weather.
Postsecondary Atmospheric, Earth, Marine and Space Sciences Teachers
Postsecondary atmospheric, earth, marine and space sciences teachers instruct college and university students in these subject areas. This encompasses teaching students about things like weather and climate change, since the teachers in this field include those who teach future oceanographers and meteorologists. Some postsecondary teachers also perform research related to their discipline, so those who concentrate on atmospheric sciences and ocean sciences may not only teach students about the weather and climate change, but they may also perform studies related to these topics themselves. A doctoral degree is normally required to work in this career field.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
The weather is directly related to environmental issues, and environmental scientists and specialists may specialize as climate change analysts and concentrate on researching how climate change is affecting ecosystems. These environmental scientists and specialists gather data through research and process that data. They may use their research to educate people about the impact of climate change and how to prevent or repair environmental damage. A bachelor's degree is required for entry-level positions in this field, although those who wish to advance will need to earn a master's or doctoral degree.
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
The pursuit of renewable energy sources has prompted development in the field of solar power. Solar photovoltaic installers are responsible for installing solar panels that can be used to produce electricity. These professionals must ensure the equipment they install has weather sealant applied to them, so their work involves protecting equipment from the weather and preparing equipment so that it can receive sufficient sunlight. Solar photovoltaic installers can prepare for their career by earning a high school diploma and being trained once employed, or they may opt to complete a technical school program.
Atmospheric Scientists
Atmospheric scientists typically study meteorology and earn a bachelor's degree to prepare for their career. They specialize in understanding weather systems and how to predict changes in the weather. Some may specialize as broadcast meteorologists, who are responsible for appearing on TV and other forms of media and sharing weather forecasts. Other atmospheric scientists include climate scientists, who focus on trying to determine how climate change will impact specific regions in the future.
Wind Turbine Technicians
Wind turbine technicians help produce renewable energy from wind power. They install wind turbines and then perform any repairs required to ensure that the turbines continue to work effectively. Since wind is a component of the weather, these installation professionals work in a weather-related career field. They typically complete training through a technical school program, and then receive additional on-the-job training once hired in this field.
Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers must have a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering to be considered for entry-level jobs in this field. In their work they may focus on research and development related to climate change, which involves understanding how weather patterns have changed. They may also perform research on methods to limit adverse affects from weather-related problems such as acid rain.
