Meteorologist
Career outlook for meteorologist
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£20,000
£20,000
Experienced
£60,000
£60,000
Currently employed in Scotland
3,700
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would collect and analyse data to predict the weather. Your reports would be vital for people who work outdoors, like farmers. They would also be crucial for aircraft pilots and the crews of ships at sea.
You would study the earth's atmosphere, climate and weather.
You could specialise in one of two main areas – forecasting or research.
In forecasting, you could:
- Collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world
- Measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
- Apply computer models and scientific principles to make short-range and long-range weather forecasts
- Supply weather data, bulletins and reports to customers.
Your weather forecasts could be for the general public or could be specialist reports for agriculture, aviation or the armed forces
In research, you could:
- Investigate weather patterns and climate change
- Develop and improve computer forecasting models
- Apply research to practical problems, such as predicting floods or how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease
At the start of your career in either area, you might observe and record the weather, produce charts and help senior staff.
With experience, you would take on more complex work and present your findings at meetings and conferences.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
Travel
UK employment status
Full-time
95%
Part-time
5%
Self employed
0%
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- Cooperating
- Verbal communication
- Working with technology
- Written communication
- Problem solving
- Working with numbers
- Observation
- Researching
- Developing a plan
- Understanding
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Qualifications
You would need an honours degree in meteorology (SCQF level 10) accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society or a degree in a relevant subject such as physics, geophysics, climate or environmental sciences, and a postgraduate qualification in meteorology (SCQF level 11).
To enter a meteorology degree requires National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers, typically AAAA, to study in Scotland (University of Edinburgh). Most courses are in England and often require Highers and up to three Advanced Highers.
Entry to a postgraduate qualification usually requires an honours degree in a relevant subject.
Useful subjects
- Maths (required by most courses)
- Physics (required by most courses)
- Science subjects
- Geography
- ICT
- English
You will also need
Once in work you will need to complete Forecaster training with the Met Office.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that show a strong interest in science and the climate such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Energy (SCQF level 5).