how much do meteorologist make
Meteorologists in the U.S. typically make around the mid‑$50k to mid‑$60k per year on average , with common ranges from about $35k–$60k starting up to $90k+ as they gain experience or move into higher‑profile roles.
Quick Scoop: What Meteorologists Earn
- Average base salary is reported around 58k–64k USD per year in recent data.
- Entry‑level meteorologists often start near $35k–$40k per year.
- With several years of experience, pay commonly rises into the $75k–$90k+ range, especially in good markets or specialized roles.
- Top earners (chief or senior meteorologists, big markets, major networks) can reach six‑figure salaries, sometimes well over $100k , and the very top tier can exceed $200k.
Pay by Experience (Typical U.S. ballpark)
- Starting / entry‑level (0–1 year): about $35k–$40k.
- Early‑career (1–4 years): often in the $50k–$60k range.
- Mid‑career: averages in the $60k–$80k+ range depending on role and location.
- Senior / chief / specialized: commonly $80k–$120k+ , with top positions going higher.
TV vs. Other Meteorology Jobs
- Local / TV meteorologists in the U.S. have averages around the mid‑$90k per year in some datasets, but this includes higher‑paying markets and roles.
- Government, aviation, and research meteorologists can have more stable pay scales, with average ranges similar to or slightly above general meteorologist numbers, and top roles over $110k.
Simple HTML Table (Salary Snapshot, U.S.)
| Level / Role | Typical Annual Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level meteorologist | $35,000 – $40,000 | Common starting range in many markets. | [1][9][5]
| Average meteorologist | ≈ $58,000 – $64,000 | Recent national averages across sources. | [3][5]
| Experienced / mid‑career | $74,000 – $92,000 | Often after several years in the field. | [9][5]
| High‑earning / senior | $110,000+ | Senior or specialized roles, top markets. | [5][9]
| Top‑tier (major networks, very senior) | Up to ≈ $200,000+ in some cases | Rare, high‑visibility positions. | [9]
What Affects How Much They Make?
- Location & market size: Big‑city TV stations or high‑cost areas tend to pay more than small rural markets.
- Experience & seniority: Moving from junior forecaster to senior or chief meteorologist significantly boosts pay.
- Type of employer:
- Local TV, national networks, aviation, and specialized consulting often pay more.
- Some local or small‑market stations pay closer to the lower end of the range.
- Public vs. private sector: Government roles may have defined pay scales and strong benefits, while private media or consulting can offer higher ceilings but more variability.
A common real‑world story you’ll see in forums is someone passionate about weather starting in a small TV market earning in the mid‑$30k range, then climbing into much higher brackets after moving to bigger markets or switching into aviation or research roles over time.
Bottom line: If you become a meteorologist in the U.S., you should expect a modest starting salary in the mid‑$30ks to $40k range, with realistic potential to grow into the $60k–$90k+ range, and higher if you reach senior, specialized, or big‑market positions.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.