As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Meteorologist in the United States is $136,113 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.
However, a Meteorologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Meteorologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Meteorologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Botanist | 0-0 years | $77,999 |
| Hydrologist | 4-7 years | $112,967 |
| Meteorologist | 7+ years | $136,113 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Meteorologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.43% |
| Assembler | 2.14% |
| Programming | 1.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$148,363 |
9%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$145,641 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$145,641 |
7%
|
|
Technical Skills
|
$144,280 |
6%
|
|
Coordination
|
$142,919 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$141,558 |
4%
|
Meteorologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $149,970. While startup companies pay approximate $126,922.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $126,922 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $134,216 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $144,857 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $149,970 |
For Meteorologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Meteorologist positions in Transportation or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Meteorologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $163,336 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $149,724 | $72.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $142,919 | $69.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Meteorologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Meteorologist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist IV | $120,854 | -11% |
| Geologist IV | $109,195 | -20% |
| Geophysicist IV | $156,271 | 15% |
| Microbiologist IV | $93,507 | -31% |
Salaries for a Meteorologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,117 in 2023 to around $100,557 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Meteorologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $104,117 |
| 2024 | $102,026 |
| 2025 | $100,557 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Meteorologist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Meteorologist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Meteorologist is $171,679.
The highest pay for Meteorologist is $160,053.
The lowest pay for Meteorologist is $107,888.
Investigates, integrates and analyzes meteorological data from a variety of sources, including surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Analyzes weather model guidance and issues specialized hazardous weather forecasts when warranted. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Meteorologist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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