When we think of a successful and beloved television personality, Al Roker often comes to mind. A staple of NBC's *Today* show for decades, his name is synonymous with weather forecasting in America. This prominence leads many to wonder: what is the salary of someone like Al Roker?
While Al Roker's personal salary—reputably reported to be around $10 million per year—represents the absolute pinnacle of the profession earned over a 40+ year career, it provides a fascinating entry point into understanding the earning potential of a Broadcast Meteorologist. For those inspired by his path, this career offers a compelling blend of science, communication, and public service, with salaries that can range from modest starting figures to well into the six-figure territory for experienced professionals in major markets.
This article will break down the typical salary for a broadcast meteorologist, the key factors that determine pay, and the overall outlook for this exciting profession.
What Does a Broadcast Meteorologist Do?
More than just "TV weather forecasters," broadcast meteorologists are skilled scientists and communicators. They are responsible for interpreting complex meteorological data, creating accurate forecasts, and conveying that critical information to the public in a clear and engaging manner.
Key responsibilities include:
- Analyzing Data: Studying weather models, satellite imagery, radar data, and station readings to predict weather patterns.
- Creating Forecasts: Developing short-term and long-term forecasts for television, radio, and digital platforms.
- On-Air Presentation: Delivering live weather segments, often using green screens and advanced graphics.
- Severe Weather Coverage: Providing urgent, life-saving information during severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.
- Content Creation: Writing weather-related articles, updating social media, and creating digital video content.
Average Broadcast Meteorologist Salary
While the multi-million dollar salaries of national network stars are rare, a career as a broadcast meteorologist offers a competitive salary that grows significantly with experience and market size.
According to data from authoritative sources, the average salary for a broadcast meteorologist in the United States is approximately $98,500 per year. However, this figure sits in the middle of a very wide spectrum.
- A typical salary range, as reported by Salary.com, falls between $72,165 and $129,207.
- Entry-level positions in smaller media markets may start in the $45,000 to $60,000 range.
- Senior or chief meteorologists in large, major-market cities can earn upwards of $150,000 to $250,000+ per year, not including potential bonuses.
The journey from an entry-level salary to a top-tier income is directly influenced by a combination of crucial factors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
A meteorologist's paycheck is not a one-size-fits-all number. It's a complex calculation based on the following key variables.
### Geographic Location
In broadcasting, location is arguably the most significant factor influencing salary. The industry is organized into Designated Market Areas (DMAs), or media markets. A meteorologist in New York City (Market #1) will earn substantially more than one in Helena, Montana (Market #187).
- Top-Tier Markets (e.g., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago): Offer the highest salaries due to a larger audience and higher station revenue. Competition is fierce.
- Medium Markets (e.g., Charlotte, St. Louis, Portland): Provide solid, competitive salaries and are often a career goal for those moving up from smaller stations.
- Small Markets (e.g., Topeka, Wichita Falls, Casper): Serve as the entry point for most broadcast meteorologists. The salaries are lower, but they provide invaluable experience to build a resume and on-air "reel."
### Years of Experience
Experience is paramount. A broadcast meteorologist's value increases as they build a track record of accurate forecasting, develop a polished on-air presence, and earn the trust of their community.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Typically works weekends or morning shifts in a small market, learning the ropes.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): Has moved to a medium or large market, often as a weekend or weekday morning/noon meteorologist.
- Senior/Chief Meteorologist (10+ years): Leads the weather team at a station, appears on the main evening newscasts, and has become a trusted local personality. Their brand and experience command the highest local salaries. Al Roker is an example of a 40+ year career at the national level.
### Company Type
The employer's scale and reach directly impact pay.
- National Networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN): These are the highest-paying employers, but positions are extremely limited and reserved for the most elite, experienced professionals with national recognition.
- The Weather Channel/AccuWeather Network: These specialized, 24/7 networks also offer top-tier salaries.
- Major-Market Local Affiliates: Stations in the top 25 DMAs offer excellent, six-figure salaries for their lead meteorologists.
- Small-Market Local Stations: These are the most numerous employers but offer the lowest salary bands.
### Level of Education
A strong scientific foundation is non-negotiable.
- Bachelor's Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science is the standard requirement.
- Certifications: Earning a credential like the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the gold standard. It demonstrates a high level of scientific competency and communication skill and can lead to higher salary offers.
- Advanced Degrees: While not required for most on-air roles, a Master's degree or Ph.D. can open doors to specialized roles, consulting, or positions that blend broadcasting with academic research.
### Area of Specialization
While most broadcast meteorologists are general forecasters, developing a niche can increase value. This could include becoming the station’s go-to expert on climate change reporting, hurricane tracking, or agricultural meteorology. Furthermore, individuals like Al Roker who expand their role into hosting, interviewing, and general reporting have a brand that transcends weather, which is reflected in their compensation.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for atmospheric scientists, the broader category including meteorologists, is stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (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 television jobs remain competitive, the demand for skilled weather communicators is expanding. Growth is being driven by the need for weather information across digital platforms, private-sector forecasting for industries like energy and transportation, and an increased focus on severe weather and climate reporting.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a broadcast meteorologist is a challenging yet rewarding one. While the multi-million dollar salary of a national icon like Al Roker is an outlier achieved through decades of excellence and brand-building, it highlights the immense potential of the profession.
For aspiring meteorologists, the key takeaways are clear:
- A strong foundation in science is essential.
- Be prepared to start in a smaller market to gain critical experience.
- Your salary will grow significantly as you move to larger markets and gain experience.
- Becoming a trusted, clear, and personable communicator is just as important as your scientific knowledge.
For those with a passion for science and a gift for storytelling, a career as a broadcast meteorologist offers a stable job outlook, a competitive salary, and the unique opportunity to provide an essential service to the community every single day.