Meteorologist salary

Meteorologist earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level meteorologist earnings begin at:

$52.35 per hour

$108,896 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level meteorologist earnings begin at:

$30.58 per hour

$63,598 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level meteorologist earnings begin at:

$20.67 per hour

$42,988 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level meteorologist earnings begin at:

$16.43 per hour

$34,168 per year

10th percentile

Starting level meteorologist earnings begin at:

$14.79 per hour

$30,766 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

How much does a Meteorologist earn?

There are a lot of variables involved in what a meteorologist gets paid. Markets are a major factor, as the larger the size of the area the television station covers the more viewers a station potentially has. More viewers will allow a station to charge more for advertising, and can then offer higher meteorologist salaries. Experience also plays a part. A meteorologist just getting out of university will not make the same salary as a meteorologist that has ten years of experience, even if the job is the same.

Once a meteorologist gets a few years of experience under their belt, they'll get opportunities to either move up in position or market size. That is when a meteorologist's salary starts to increase. However, the number of higher paying spots is much less than the number of lower paying spots, since everyone wants them.

How do meteorologist salaries compare to similar careers?

Meteorologists earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than occupational health specialists but more than soil and water conservationists.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)