Meteorologist Salary in 2026
Study atmospheric phenomena and provide weather forecasts for the public and industries.
Median Salary
$99,070
$8,256/mo
Entry Level
$69,900
starting pay
Senior Level
$134,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Atmospheric and Space Scientists (SOC 19-2021) at a national median of $99,070 per year (mean $106,110), or $47.63 per hour, with 10,000 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Meteorologist Overview
Study atmospheric phenomena and provide weather forecasts for the public and industries.
Education
Bachelor's/Master's
Experience
0-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
10K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$47.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,256
Meteorologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Meteorologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Meteorologist Salary
$112,000
$9,333/month · $4,308/biweekly · $53.85/hr
Meteorologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Meteorologist field.
Entry-level Meteorologists earn around $69,900, while the top 10% earn $150,750 or more.
Top Paying States for Meteorologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $117,000 | +$17,930 |
| Colorado | $104,000 | +$4,930 |
| Texas | $97,000 | $-2,070 |
| Florida | $97,000 | $-2,070 |
| Oklahoma | $90,000 | $-9,070 |
Top Paying Cities for Meteorologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $111,000 | +$11,930 |
| Denver | $105,000 | +$5,930 |
| Miami | $101,000 | +$1,930 |
| Houston | $98,000 | $-1,070 |
| Oklahoma City | $90,000 | $-9,070 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Meteorologist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Meteorologist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Meteorologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Meteorologist from entry level to expert.
$69,900
0-2 years
$102,000
3-7 years
$134,000
8-14 years
$167,500
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Meteorologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Meteorologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Meteorologist in the United States is $99,070 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists (SOC 19-2021); the mean is $106,110. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $69,900, senior professionals around $134,000, and top earners at $167,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Meteorologist?
A Meteorologist typically requires a Bachelor's/Master's with 0-3 years of experience. Key skills include Weather Forecasting, Data Analysis, Radar. Relevant certifications such as AMS Seal of Approval can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Meteorologists?
The job market for Meteorologists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 10K Meteorologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Meteorologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Meteorologists include Oklahoma, Texas, Florida. In Oklahoma, the median salary is approximately $90,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Meteorologist salary?
To increase your Meteorologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Weather Forecasting and Data Analysis. Pursue certifications such as AMS Seal of Approval. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Oklahoma City. With 0-3 years of experience, you can progress from $69,900 to $134,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Meteorologist Salary
How we calculate Meteorologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Atmospheric and Space Scientists (SOC 19-2021), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $99,070, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Atmospheric and Space Scientists; BLS mean $106,110; BLS hourly median $47.63.
- Entry-level ($69,900) and senior-level ($134,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 10,000 Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's/Master's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $99,070; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Meteorologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meteorologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Meteorologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Weather Forecasting, Data Analysis, Radar), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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