How To Become A Meteorologist

Charlotte Miller

How To Become A Meteorologist?

In the field of Meteorology, do you know how to become a meteorologist? The term Meteorologist seems a little hard to understand. Calm down! In my article, I will discuss how you can build up your career in this field. All the different types of scopes available in various departments are presented here for you. This profession demands a lot of hard work and effort. Without wasting our time, let’s explore how to become a meteorologist by learning it in the best meteorology universities!

How To Become A Meteorologist?

A meteorologist is also known as a professional atmospheric scientist. They analyze weather conditions and make forecasts. The steps for how to become a meteorologist will help you to build a career in this field.

  1. Get A Bachelor’s Degree.
  2. Get An Internship.
  3. Decide On A Specialization Area.
  4. Get An Additional Training If Needed.

Continue reading to know more about how to become a meteorologist. It will help you understand how to achieve and move forward in this career.

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Step By Step Guide To Become A Meteorologist

With the help of this guide, you will get a clear idea of how to become a meteorologist in detail. You can read out each section to understand it more clearly.

  1. Get A Bachelor’s Degree

Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. Depending on which area you are specializing in, you should also take some advanced classes. This might include subjects like Math, Science, English, Chemistry, and Physics. You can also take classes in journalism, speech, or other media-related fields simultaneously. If you want to become a researcher, you need to get a master’s or Ph.D. in meteorology. The American Meteorological Society offers great certification programs for meteorologists. They allow you to work on radio and television.

  1. Get An Internship

Look for internships with local meteorologists after completing your bachelor’s degree. This will help you in gaining experience in various applications. It will also let you see the day-to-day life of a meteorologist. You will get a good idea of which area of meteorology you might want to specialize in. For example, in the National Weather Service, you have to complete a 200 hours training period for 2 years.

  1. Decide On A Specialization Area

Here you need to start thinking about what specialization you would be interested in working in. Various departments hire meteorologists. Start searching for the best opportunities in the private as well as government sectors. Below are some specialization areas I have sorted out for you.

  • Airforce Meteorologist
  • Broadcast Meteorologist
  • Forensic Meteorologist
  • Environmental Meteorologist
  • Physical Meteorologist
  • Research Meteorologist
  • Professor Of MeteorologyThere are various places like TV stations, radios, forensic meteorologists, etc.

Start working from a small news station then move forward towards the larger one.

  1. Get Additional Training If Needed

Some workstations like the National Weather Service may require you to take some additional training. Here you get to train in different areas before you are assigned to a specific duty. Sometimes you may need a Ph.D. if you want to do research.

Eligibility Criteria To Become A Meteorologist

A desiring student always wants to know what classes are important for you to become a meteorologist. Continue to read to know the eligibility criteria in detail.

  •  Minimum 12th passed in Science Stream.
  • Requires minimum 10th passed for pursuing a Diploma in Meteorology.
  • B.Sc./B.Tech in Meteorology is required for pursuing M.Sc. or M.Tech in Meteorology.
  • You may need a valid GATE score for taking admission to M.Sc or M.Tech.
  • M.Sc./M.Tech in Meteorology is needed for taking up M.Phil or Ph.D. in Meteorology.

Required Skills To Become A Meteorologist

You need to have the following skills to become a meteorologist.

  • Good at problem-solving and planning.
  • Excellent in communication.
  • Good at writing
  • Good at preparing reports.
  • Must be able to work in a team.
  • Must be confident of accepting the challenges.

Different Types Of Meteorologist

  1. Airforce Meteorologist

The air force meteorologist directs weather operations that can have a direct effect on the activities of U.S, military forces. Are you interested to know how to become a meteorologist in the air force? Don’t worry this guide will help you to become an air force meteorologist!

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • You need to complete the Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) course.
  • You also need to complete some additional training like the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC).
  1. Broadcast Meteorologist

Weather meteorologists are the ones who provide accurate information on changing weather events. They report about all the ongoing weather conditions for television and radio. Now, you must be thinking about how to become a broadcast meteorologist on tv? The below-given guide will help you in becoming a weather meteorologist.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Study about weather conditions and patterns.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can further apply for the government and private sectors.
  1. Forensic Meteorologist

A Forensic Meteorologist investigates and provides information on weather conditions that occurred in the past. They study how the weather may have played a role in a traffic accident, fire, or any other event. Let us find out how to become a forensic meteorologist.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Here you will learn how to investigate claims for insurance companies.
  • Learn how to research weather or past weather for a court of law.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can further apply for the government and private sectors.

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  1. Environmental Meteorologist

Do you know how to become an environmental meteorologist? There are tons of factories and industries that pollute our environment. An environmental meteorologist studies and solves all the problems related to industrial pollution and emissions. This guide will help you to become an environmental meteorologist.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Study how to control global warming and air pollution.
  • Research factors affecting the environment.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can further apply for the government and private sectors.
  1. Physical Meteorologist

Have you ever wondered how to become a physical meteorologist? These meteorologists study the physical nature of the atmosphere, its chemical composition, and some other properties. They help us to figure out our different environmental problems.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Here you learn the transmission of sounds, light, and radio waves through the air.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can further apply for the government and private sectors.
  1. Research Meteorologist

A research meteorologist studies the patterns of climate and weather. They analyze the data related to humidity, wind, temperature, precipitation, etc. These people also study the phenomena of the greenhouse effect. To know more about how to become a research meteorologist you can continue to read further.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can work for different government agencies, military, NASA, or the National Weather Service.
  1. Professor Of Meteorology

You can also choose the teaching profession in the Meteorology Department in the colleges. The candidate has to qualify for the UGC NET examination to become a professor. Continue reading if you wish to know how to become a professor of meteorology.

  • Start preparing for subjects like math, science, English, physics, and chemistry from your high school.
  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
  • If you want to do research you need a Ph.D.
  • Apply for the position of professor or a teacher.
  • Get an internship for gaining experience.
  • You can further apply for government and private colleges.

How Much Time It Takes To Become A Meteorologist?

To become a Meteorologist and your total doctoral degrees in meteorology can be completed within five to six years. As this is a complex subject, students may need four years for obtaining a bachelor’s degree. You can further go on to obtain a Ph.D. in meteorology.

Duties Of A Meteorologist

As a meteorologist, you need to perform the following duties in this profession.

  • Collect data from different weather stations.
  • Investigate weather patterns.
  • Taking the measurements.
  • Conduct meteorological research.
  • Analyze weather conditions.
  • Provide accurate forecasts.
  • Provide information to the public.
  • Testing instruments.
  • Answer the media during special weather events.

Pros And Cons Of Becoming A Meteorologist

You have now understood how to become a meteorologist. Let us take a look at the pros and cons of being a meteorologist.

Pros

  1. You get your salary on time.
  2. Flexible working hours.

Cons

  1. Lots of work pressure during natural calamities.
  2. You have to be very careful while predicting the weather conditions.

What Classes Are Important For You To Become A Meteorologist?

If you want to make a career in meteorology these are the subject classes you need to focus on.

  1. Math Classes
  2. Science Class
  3. English Class
  4. Physics Class
  5. Chemistry Class
  6. Meteorology Class
  7. Atmospheric Science Class

Books To Become A Meteorologist

Candidates need to prepare for entrance exams to get jobs in the meteorology department. Now, what are the best books for you to become a meteorologist? Below given books are the ones that will enhance your knowledge in this field.

  • Fundamentals of Weather and Climate by Robin Mcllveen.
  • Glossary of Meteorology by Todd S Glickman.
  • The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology by Frederick K Lutgens.
  • Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey by John M Wallace.

Best Meteorology Institutes

The most important task after knowing how to become a meteorologist is finding the right university or institute for yourself. I have hand-picked out these top institutes where you can earn your meteorology degree.

  1. Cornell University
  2. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
  3. Florida State University
  4. Iowa State University
  5. Millersville University
  6. Penn State University
  7. Ohio State University

Job Opportunities For A Meteorologist

By now you have understood how to become a well-experienced meteorologist. There are private as well as government sectors where you may get employment after completing your education.

  • In Private Sectors
  • Meteorological Research Center
  • Meteorology Department in states and centers.
  • Agriculture Planning Divisions
  • Air crafts Manufacturers
  • Missile Manufacturers
  • Weather Consulting Organisations
  • Air Force
  • In Government Sectors
  • Indian Meteorology Department (IMD)
  • Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Indian Navy
  • Indian Air Force
  • Space Application Centre
  • National Remote Sensing Agency
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
  • Department of Science and Technology
  • Department of Agriculture Organisation
  • Universities
  • Colleges

Salary Of A Meteorologist

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, a meteorologist can earn $97,160 annually. An entry-level meteorologist may earn around $49,700 per year. The best salary package offered to meteorologists is $147,160 a year. The salary of a meteorologist may differ according to your position and experience.

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FAQ

Do Meteorologists Get Paid Well?

Yes, Meteorologists do get paid well. Being a meteorologist is a difficult job. The salary differs according to your experience and education. Their salary usually ranges between $49,700 to $97,160 annually. The maximum salary paid to meteorologists is $147,160 US dollars.

Are All TV Weathermen Meteorologists?

No, all the TV weathermen are not meteorologists. Both professions are different from each other. Weathermen are the professionals who broadcast the weather forecasts. While meteorologists are the scientists who study the earth’s weather patterns.

Is It Hard To Become A Meteorologist?

No, it is not hard to become a meteorologist. It depends on how hard you work. This field is a very competitive one, where you require certain skills to become a professional meteorologist.

Is Meteorology A Good Career?

Yes, meteorology is a good career option after you complete high school. You get to investigate and analyze different weather patterns in detail.

Are Meteorologists In Demand?

Employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How Can I Be A Weatherman?

A bachelor’s degree in meteorology is the standard entry-level credential within this field. However, a graduate degree such as a master’s or Ph. D. degree may be necessary for certain positions, especially roles that involve teaching or research, according to experts.

Do You Have To Be Good At Math To Be A Meteorologist?

In some respects, meteorology has become applied mathematics, so a solid background in math is essential. Young people who plan careers in meteorology should take as many math courses as possible, starting in middle school. Computer skills are just as important.

What Is The Top Salary For A Meteorologist?

How much does a Meteorologist make in the United States? The average Meteorologist salary in the United States is $105,142 as of December 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $81,219 and $130,531.

How Do I Start A Career In Meteorology?

A bachelor’s degree in meteorology is the standard entry-level credential within this field. However, a graduate degree such as a master’s or Ph. D. degree may be necessary for certain positions, especially roles that involve teaching or research, according to experts.

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Conclusion

Most of the students don’t know how to become a meteorologist. Meteorologists majorly focus on weather processes and forecasting. You can take your first step into this field by looking at the above-mentioned list of best meteorological universities. Further, I have discussed all the possible job opportunities in these departments found in various sectors. If you wish to make a successful career in meteorology, you must know how to become a meteorologist first!

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