Meteorologist

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

Salary range: £20,000 to £60,000

How to become a meteorologist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• training with a professional body

University

You’ll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:

• physics
• maths
• environmental studies
• geography
• computer science

You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.

Entry requirements

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

More information

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

Volunteering and experience

You can get hands-on experience with the Met Office summer placement schemes. There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.

Other routes

You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course.

You’ll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.

More information

Career tips

You can do a short work placement to find out more about meteorology as a career, if you’re aged between 14 and 17.

Further information

You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

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

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a forecaster you’ll:

• 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 programmes
• give weather information and reports to customers

As a researcher you’ll:

• study weather patterns and climate change
• improve computer forecasting models
• use research to predict floods and droughts
• study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease

Working environment

You could work at a client’s business or in an office.

Career path and progression

With experience you could manage a team of weather forecasters. You could also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists.