When you see a familiar face like Mark Johnson on your local news, expertly guiding you through an approaching storm or a sunny weekend, you might wonder about the career behind the forecast. What does it take to become a broadcast meteorologist, and what is the earning potential?
While the salary of any specific individual is private, we can analyze the profession to provide a clear and data-driven picture of what a weatherman, or more formally, a broadcast meteorologist, can expect to earn. The career offers a unique blend of science, communication, and public service, with a salary range that can be just as dynamic as the weather itself. Nationally, salaries can range from approximately $55,000 for entry-level positions to well over $175,000 for seasoned experts in major markets.
Let's break down the data to see what truly shapes a weatherman's salary.
What Does a Weatherman or Broadcast Meteorologist Do?
The role of a weatherman or broadcast meteorologist extends far beyond pointing at a weather map on television. These professionals are skilled scientists who perform a critical daily function.
Their core responsibilities include:
- Analyzing Data: They interpret complex data from satellite imagery, radar systems, weather stations, and computer-based forecasting models.
- Creating Forecasts: Using this data, they develop short-term and long-term weather predictions for their viewing area.
- Communicating with the Public: They translate technical meteorological information into clear, easy-to-understand broadcasts for television, radio, and digital platforms.
- Creating Graphics: They often design the weather graphics and maps used during their segments to visually explain weather patterns.
- Public Safety: During severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards, they are a vital source of information, providing life-saving warnings and updates.
Average Weatherman Salary
To understand salary potential, it's essential to look at data from authoritative sources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups broadcast meteorologists under the broader category of "Atmospheric and Space Scientists."
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for atmospheric and space scientists was $104,260 as of May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $57,210, while the top 10 percent earned more than $176,210.
Data from salary aggregators, which often focus more specifically on broadcast roles, provides a similar picture:
- Salary.com reports that the median salary for a Broadcast Meteorologist in the United States is around $96,101. The typical range falls between $74,510 and $122,192.
- Glassdoor estimates a total pay range between $64,000 and $131,000 per year for meteorologists, based on user-submitted data.
These figures show a solid earning potential, but the wide range indicates that several key factors significantly influence the final salary.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
The national average provides a baseline, but a meteorologist's actual take-home pay is determined by a combination of critical factors.
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Geographic Location (Media Market)
This is arguably the most significant factor for a *broadcast* meteorologist. The television industry operates on a system of "Designated Market Areas" (DMAs), or media markets, ranked by population size. A meteorologist's salary is directly tied to the size of the market they work in.
- Small Markets (e.g., Alpena, MI; Glendive, MT): Entry-level positions are often in smaller markets. Salaries here are on the lower end of the scale, typically from $55,000 to $70,000.
- Medium Markets (e.g., Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO): With a few years of experience, meteorologists can move to mid-sized markets and see a significant pay increase, often earning between $75,000 and $110,000.
- Major Markets (e.g., New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL): Chief meteorologists and on-air talent in the top 10 media markets command the highest salaries, often earning $150,000 to $250,000 or more.
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Years of Experience
Experience is a universal factor in determining salary, and meteorology is no exception. A career path often involves moving up through progressively larger markets.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Professionals starting out in their first on-air job will be at the lower end of the salary spectrum as they build their skills and on-air presence.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): Meteorologists with proven experience, a strong on-air portfolio, and potentially a "Chief Meteorologist" title at a smaller or mid-sized station see substantial salary growth.
- Senior/Lead (10+ years): A lead or chief meteorologist in a major market is a trusted local celebrity and a station's top scientific authority. Their decades of experience, credibility, and name recognition warrant a premium salary.
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Company Type
The type of employer heavily influences earnings. A broadcast meteorologist on TV is just one career path.
- Local TV Affiliates: This is the most common employer for on-air talent. Pay is dictated by the station's market size and budget.
- National Networks (e.g., The Weather Channel, Fox Weather, NBC, ABC): Working for a national broadcast outlet typically comes with a higher salary and greater visibility than local news.
- Private Sector: Many meteorologists work for private forecasting companies that provide specialized data to industries like aviation, agriculture, shipping, and energy. These roles can be very lucrative.
- Government: The federal government is a major employer of meteorologists, with roles in the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These positions follow the government's General Schedule (GS) pay scale and offer excellent job security and benefits.
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Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science is the standard requirement for the profession. However, advanced education and certifications can provide a competitive edge and a salary boost.
- Bachelor's Degree: This is the foundational requirement to be considered a qualified meteorologist.
- Master's Degree/Ph.D.: While not required for most broadcast jobs, an advanced degree can lead to higher-level positions, especially in research, climate science, or specialized consulting roles.
- Certifications: The Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the gold standard in the industry. Earning this seal demonstrates a high level of scientific competency and communication skill, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
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Area of Specialization
Within broadcasting, roles can differ. A Chief Meteorologist is the leader of the station's weather team and is typically the highest-paid. Weekend and morning meteorologists may earn less. Furthermore, specializing in topics like hurricane tracking or climate change reporting can increase a professional's value to a news organization, particularly in relevant geographic regions.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for atmospheric scientists is stable. According to the BLS, employment for atmospheric and space scientists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
While traditional on-air television jobs will remain highly competitive, opportunities are expanding. Growth is expected in the private sector as businesses increasingly rely on weather data to optimize operations and mitigate risk. Furthermore, the growing focus on climate change is creating new roles for meteorologists in research, public policy, and environmental consulting.
Conclusion
A career as a weatherman or broadcast meteorologist is a demanding but rewarding path for those with a passion for science and a talent for communication. While the average salary provides a good starting point, the ultimate earning potential is in your hands.
For those aspiring to this career, the key takeaways are:
- Aim for Major Markets: Your geographic location and the size of your media market will be the single biggest driver of your salary.
- Build Experience: Start in a smaller market to hone your skills and build a compelling on-air portfolio.
- Get Certified: Earning credentials like the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal will set you apart and increase your value.
- Consider All Avenues: Remember that rewarding, high-paying meteorology jobs exist beyond television in government and the private sector.
The forecast is clear: with the right education, dedication, and strategic career moves, a role as a meteorologist offers a bright and financially stable future.