Occupation
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and turn observations and model output into forecasts and warnings. Operational forecasting runs around the clock and carries real consequences for aviation, shipping, emergency services, and the public. Research meteorology focuses instead on improving the models and understanding atmospheric processes.
Also known as: Weather forecaster · Atmospheric scientist · Weather scientist
Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
What the work involves
- Review observations, satellite and radar imagery, and numerical model output
- Assess where models disagree and decide which guidance to trust for a given situation
- Issue forecasts, warnings, and briefings tailored to specific users
- Brief aviation, marine, emergency, or media clients on developing conditions
- Verify past forecasts against what actually happened and record the lessons
- Maintain observing equipment or improve forecasting tools and model configurations
How people commonly enter
- A degree in meteorology, physics, mathematics, or another physical science
- Postgraduate study in meteorology for research or senior operational roles
- Observing or technician roles with a national weather service, progressing through internal training
- Employer training programmes run by national meteorological or defence organisations
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Typical work context
Shift work · Desk based · Fast paced · High responsibility · Team based
Related interests
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on) · Social (helping)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Natural sciences and research.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: meteorologist · International
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- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Meteorologist · United Kingdom
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Natural sciences and research in Canada, not a figure for Meteorologist. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Natural sciences and research family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: education pathways
Some roles in Natural sciences and research may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Natural sciences and research: licensing
Find jobs
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- Search Canada Job Bank · Canada
- Search USAJOBS · United States federal
- Search EURES · European Union / EEA
- Search Indeed · International (choose location on Indeed)