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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)

£27,000 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

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
  • geography
  • computer science
  • environmental 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 Royal Meteorological Society.

Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can 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 apply for Met Office work experience opportunities to learn more about what it's like to work in meteorology. There are schemes for young people in different age groups.

You may also be able to apply for an industrial placement with the Met Office, if you are studying at university.

Other Routes

You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme.

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 qualities the Met Office is looking for.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Meteorological Society for professional development opportunities and to make contacts in the profession.

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 models
  • give weather information and reports to customers

As a researcher you’ll:

  • study weather patterns and climate change
  • refine 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 in an office or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

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 meteorologists, weather forecasters or research scientists.

You could also work towards Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) status. These can help with your career development and are a demonstration of your skills and expertise.

There are lots of opportunities to specialise in this career, for example:

  • working on climate modelling
  • carrying out polar research
  • forecasting risks posed by storm systems and flooding

You might also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists, or work in scientific publishing.

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 HE (Science)

  • Provider: CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2026
  • Location: Cambridge

Access to HE - Science

  • Provider: Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC)
  • Start date: 09 September 2026
  • Location: Twickenham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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