How to become a meteorologist

1. 1Take calculus, physics and computer science in high school

   Time: 4 years (high school)Sources 3

   Meteorology degrees are math-heavy. Federal job rules require calculus as the base for atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, physics and differential equations, so arriving ready for college calculus keeps you on a four-year track. Physics and any programming class you can get will pay off quickly, since forecasting and research both rely on code. Weather clubs, storm spotter training and science fairs help you learn whether you enjoy the work.

2. 2Earn a bachelor's in meteorology or atmospheric science

   Time: 4 yearsCost: About $46,080 in public in-state tuitionSources 3, 2

   Pick a program whose courses match the federal Meteorology (1340) standard: at least 24 semester hours of meteorology, including atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, analysis and prediction of weather systems, physical meteorology and remote sensing or instrumentation. You also need six hours of physics with a lab, a course in ordinary differential equations and at least nine hours in supporting fields such as statistics, computer science, chemistry or hydrology. Meeting it keeps National Weather Service jobs open to you; the AMS broadcast seal has its own, longer course list, including synoptic and mesoscale meteorology and a calculus sequence.

3. 3Get internships and real forecasting practice

   Time: During collegeSources 1

   Employers look for experience you can show. Options include internships or volunteer work with weather offices, summer research placements, campus TV or radio weather shows and forecasting contests. BLS notes that internships, volunteering and military weather experience all help. Keep a portfolio of forecasts, code and any on-air clips, because hiring managers ask for them.

4. 4Apply for forecasting, broadcast or private-sector jobs

   Time: 3-12 monthsSources 3, 1

   Federal meteorologist jobs, including National Weather Service forecaster positions, are posted on USAJOBS under the 1340 series, and you must document your coursework hour by hour against the qualification standard. TV jobs usually start in small markets with weekend or morning shifts. Private firms that forecast for energy, aviation, agriculture and insurance clients often want strong programming skills in addition to weather knowledge. Be ready to move for your first job.

5. 5Consider a graduate degree for research

   Time: 2-6 yearsCost: Often funded through assistantshipsSources 1

   Research meteorologists, climate scientists and university faculty usually hold a master's or a PhD. Graduate programs in atmospheric science also accept students with bachelor's degrees in physics, math or engineering. Many graduate students are paid through research or teaching assistantships, but terms differ by school, so confirm funding before you accept an offer.

6. 6Add an AMS certification if your path calls for it

   Time: After 2-5 years of workCost: $390-$735 for the CBM application and exam (US)Sources 4, 5

   On-air meteorologists can earn the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal after at least two years of full-time (or three years of part-time) on-air work at a local TV station or national network. It requires a meteorology degree or equivalent coursework, a 100-question exam passed at 75 or higher, and a review of two of your weathercasts. Consultants and expert witnesses can pursue the Certified Consulting Meteorologist credential, which requires five years of professional experience plus written and oral exams.

Programs, tuition and graduates’ earnings

U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (most recent cohorts, released 2026-10-15). Scorecard groups programs by 4-digit field, so a row can include related programs. Tuition is the median published undergraduate tuition and fees of the colleges offering the program (shown only for undergraduate credentials); debt is the median of programs’ median federal loan debt at completion; earnings are the national median for the field and credential four years after completion.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Math and physics

Atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics are applied calculus and physics, and you need them to judge whether a model's answer makes sense.

Programming and data handling

Forecasters and researchers write scripts in languages such as Python to pull radar, satellite and model data and turn it into products.

Decision-making under uncertainty

You often have to issue or hold a warning with minutes to decide and conflicting data in front of you.

Clear communication

A forecast only helps if emergency managers, pilots or viewers understand what to expect and how sure you are.

Tolerance for shift work

Forecast offices staff 24 hours a day, so nights, weekends and holidays come with many jobs.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, science, critical thinking.

Training cost

$46.1K–$46.8K

Before financial aid

Time

4-6 years

Typical path

Median pay

$99,070

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

Under 1 year

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Low: 4 years x College Scorecard median public in-state tuition for atmospheric sciences and meteorology bachelor's programs, $11,520 = $46,080. High: the same degree plus the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist application fee at the non-member rate ($660) and the $75 exam fee at a US testing center = $46,815. AMS members pay $330 to apply. Not included: fees, housing, books, graduate school, the annual CBM renewal fee and out-of-state or private tuition. Median federal loan debt for these graduates is $24,146.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Lead forecaster or meteorologist in charge

  In the National Weather Service, experienced forecasters move up to lead forecaster and office management roles through promotions to higher GS grades.

• Research scientist or professor

  Usually requires a PhD in atmospheric science, followed by postdoctoral research for academic jobs.

• Data scientist$120,230 median

  Meteorologists with strong programming and statistics skills move into data science, sometimes after a short course or master's in data science or statistics.

• Chief broadcast meteorologist

  On-air meteorologists build experience in smaller markets, often earn the CBM seal and move to larger markets and chief roles.