As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Meteorologist in the United States is $85,664 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Research Meteorologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flight In... Level Research Meteorologist | $77,362 |
| Research ... Level Research Meteorologist | $87,113 |
| Flight In... Level Research Meteorologist | $102,399 |
| Flight In... Level Research Meteorologist | $138,698 |
| Flight In... Level Research Meteorologist | $171,255 |
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 Research Meteorologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.79% |
| Aviation | 4.13% |
| Hydraulics | 1.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
System Maintenance
|
$100,227 |
17%
|
|
Project Management
|
$95,944 |
12%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$93,374 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$93,374 |
9%
|
|
Aviation
|
$92,517 |
8%
|
|
Record Keeping
|
$91,660 |
7%
|
For Research Meteorologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Research Meteorologist positions in Transportation or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Meteorologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $107,080 | $51.0 | 25% |
| MFG Durable | $94,230 | $45.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research Meteorologists enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Research Meteorologist with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $85,393 and $89,751).
Research Meteorologist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 25.0% |
| High School | 25.0% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 25.0% |
| Masters | 25.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Research 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, 2026Salaries for a Research Meteorologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,218 in 2023 to around $58,291 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Meteorologist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $59,218 |
| 2024 | $59,102 |
| 2025 | $58,291 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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