Many Philadelphians who tune in for their daily weather forecast are familiar with Cecily Tynan, the esteemed Chief Meteorologist for WPVI-TV/6abc. Her long-standing presence and expertise naturally lead many to wonder: what is the salary potential for such a prominent role?
While Ms. Tynan's specific salary is a private matter between her and her employer, we can analyze the profession of a chief broadcast meteorologist in a major media market to provide a comprehensive and data-driven answer. This career path offers significant earning potential, with top professionals in major cities often earning well into the six figures, with salaries potentially ranging from $85,000 to over $250,000 annually.
This article will break down the salary, responsibilities, and influencing factors for a career as a chief meteorologist, using Cecily Tynan's role as a prime example of success in the field.
What Does a Chief Meteorologist Like Cecily Tynan Do?
A chief meteorologist is much more than just a face on TV reading a forecast. They are highly skilled scientists and communicators who lead a station's weather team. Their responsibilities are extensive and critical to the station's success and the public's safety.
Key duties include:
- Advanced Forecasting: Analyzing complex meteorological data from satellites, radar, and weather models to produce accurate short-term and long-range forecasts.
- On-Air Presentation: Communicating weather information to the public in a clear, engaging, and authoritative manner, especially during severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards.
- Team Management: Leading a team of other meteorologists, coordinating schedules, and ensuring a consistent and high-quality weather product across all broadcasts and digital platforms.
- Content Creation: Developing compelling weather graphics and digital content for the station's website, social media, and mobile apps.
- Community Engagement: Acting as a public figure, representing the station at community events, and serving as a trusted local weather authority.
Average Chief Meteorologist Salary
The salary for a broadcast meteorologist varies widely. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups meteorologists under the broader category of "Atmospheric and Space Scientists," which had a median annual wage of $104,660 as of May 2023.
However, this figure includes government and research scientists. For broadcast meteorology, and specifically the role of a *Chief* Meteorologist, the earnings are often higher and depend heavily on market size and experience.
- Entry-Level Broadcast Meteorologist (Small Market): $45,000 - $65,000
- Mid-Career Broadcast Meteorologist (Medium Market): $70,000 - $110,000
- Chief Meteorologist (Large to Major Market): According to data from aggregators like Salary.com, the average salary for a Chief Meteorologist in the U.S. is around $155,000, with the typical range falling between $120,000 and $188,000.
For a top-tier professional like Cecily Tynan—who has decades of experience as a chief in Philadelphia, a top-5 media market—it is reasonable to assume her salary is at the highest end of this range, and likely exceeds it.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several key factors determine the earning potential of a chief meteorologist. This is where a professional's salary can climb from average to exceptional.
### Geographic Location (Media Market Size)
This is arguably the most significant factor in broadcast salaries. The television industry ranks cities by Designated Market Area (DMA). A meteorologist in a small market like Casper, WY (DMA #198) will earn a fraction of what a chief meteorologist in Philadelphia, PA (DMA #4) earns. Major markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia) have larger audiences, more station revenue, and therefore, much higher budgets for on-air talent.
### Years of Experience and Reputation
Experience is paramount. A meteorologist who has just earned their degree will likely start in a small market, often on a weekend or morning shift. With time, they build their skills, on-air presence, and forecasting accuracy. A chief meteorologist with 20+ years of experience, like Cecily Tynan, has built immense trust with her audience. This reputation and tenure make her an invaluable asset to the station, directly commanding a premium salary.
### Level of Education and Certifications
A Bachelor of Science in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science is the standard requirement. However, advanced credentials can significantly boost credibility and earning potential. The most respected credential is the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). Earning the CBM seal requires a rigorous exam and signifies a high level of scientific competence, which is highly valued by top news stations.
### Company Type (Station Ownership)
The station's ownership group also plays a role. A station owned by a major corporation like The Walt Disney Company (which owns ABC and, by extension, WPVI), Comcast (NBC), or Paramount (CBS) often has more financial resources than a station owned by a smaller, independent broadcast group. Working for a flagship, network-owned station in a major market is the pinnacle of local broadcasting and comes with the highest salary potential.
### Area of Specialization (Role on the Team)
Within a newsroom, there is a clear hierarchy. The Chief Meteorologist is the leader of the weather department and typically anchors the station’s primetime evening newscasts (e.g., 5 PM, 6 PM, and 11 PM). This is the highest-paid meteorological position. Other roles, such as the morning meteorologist or weekend meteorologist, have different responsibilities and correspondingly lower salaries, though they can still be very well-compensated in major markets.
Job Outlook
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 broadcast positions are highly competitive, the field is expanding. There is growing demand for meteorologists in the private sector to help businesses in agriculture, energy, transportation, and finance mitigate risks related to weather and climate change. Furthermore, the growth of digital media and streaming services is creating new opportunities for meteorologists to produce specialized weather content for online platforms.
Conclusion
A career as a chief meteorologist is both scientifically demanding and publicly rewarding. While we can't pinpoint Cecily Tynan's exact salary, her role represents the peak of the profession.
For those aspiring to this career, the key takeaways are clear:
- High Earning Potential: Top-tier chief meteorologists in major markets command salaries well into the six figures, often exceeding $200,000.
- Path to Success: The journey requires a strong science education, starting in smaller markets, and building a reputation for accuracy and trust over many years.
- Key Drivers of Salary: Your earnings will be most heavily influenced by your media market, your experience level, and your specific role within the station (i.e., achieving the "Chief" title).
For students and professionals passionate about weather and communication, the path of a broadcast meteorologist offers a dynamic, impactful, and financially rewarding career opportunity.