Salary

Average Salary: $92,920

Expected Lifetime Earnings: $3,879,000


The median annual wage of an established atmospheric scientist is around $80,000, although when you're starting out you'll more likely be making in the $35,00-$40,000 range (source). If the Federal Government employs you, expect an average salary of between $90,000-$95,000. Luckily, the Federal Government is the largest employer of atmospheric scientists. It may have something to do with the large percentage of government employees who play golf on Sundays. But probably not.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employs meteorologists in National Weather Service Stations. Meteorologists are also employed by The U.S. Department of Defense.

What about that guy on television wearing the suit and the loud tie? Meteorologists, or weathercasters, make around $55,000-$60,000 a year, depending on the television station and their popularity. The more popular you are with your station's audience, the more you can make (source).

Those who broadcast the news during primetime hours on national networks can make over $250,000 a year. Not the highest-paying job on television, but it'll certainly cover the expense of your new snowblower. And you definitely need one, what with that big storm passing through this coming Thursday.