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Meteorologist

Alternative titles for this job include Weather forecaster, weather scientist

Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a meteorologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • training with a professional body

University

You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:

  • physical sciences
  • maths
  • environmental science
  • geography
  • computer science

You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.

You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the the Royal Meteorological Society.

Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course may also be useful in this role.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

You can get hands-on experience with the Met Office summer placement schemes. There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.

Other Routes

You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course.

You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.

More Information

Career tips

You can do a short work placement to find out more about meteorology as a career, if you're aged between 14 and 17.

Further information

You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a forecaster you’ll:

  • collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations
  • measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
  • forecast the weather by analysing information and using computer programmes
  • give weather information and reports to customers

As a researcher you’ll:

  • study weather patterns and climate change
  • improve computer forecasting models
  • use research to predict floods and droughts
  • study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could manage a team of weather forecasters. You could also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a meteorologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to Science

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Cambridge

Access to Science

  • Provider: EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 25 September 2023
  • Location: London
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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