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Meteorologist

Also called Weather forecaster, weather scientist.

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

Potential salary
£27,000 starter to £60,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
39 to 41 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
Career area
Science and laboratory work
Where they might work
You could work in an office or at a client's business. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
A typical task
collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations
Subjects that may help
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route
You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:
Interest area used here
Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

  • 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
  • study weather patterns and climate change
  • refine computer forecasting models
More tasks (2)
  • use research to predict floods and droughts
  • study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of geography
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
More skills
  • 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

Routes into this career

University route

  • 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.
  • 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
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Atmospheric Science

    Common route. A specialist atmospheric or meteorology degree is a recognised route. Forecasting jobs still have their own training.

  • Environmental science

    Related, but not enough on its own. Useful context, but meteorology usually expects mathematics and physics.

  • Geography

    Alternative route. Only a physical and mathematical route is close. Many meteorology posts expect physics or mathematics.

  • Mathematics

    Alternative route. A recognised quantitative background.

  • Oceanography

    Alternative route. Shared physical-science skills. It is not a meteorology degree.

  • Physics

    Alternative route. Physics is a recognised background. Meteorology or mathematics can also lead in.

Explore university routes

Career 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.

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • 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

What you could do next