What can you do with a Meteorology degree?

First, some facts. Of the Meteorology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 100 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Meteorology graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 70%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 39% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Meteorology graduate.

See the details:

View a random Meteorology graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Meteorology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Marine Synoptic Meteorologist
Weather Routing Inc. (WRI)
Aug 2022 - Jan 2024
As a Marine Synoptic Meteorologist, this job directly applies the meteorological knowledge and skills acquired during the Bachelor's degree, requiring expertise in weather systems and forecasting.

Senior Meteorologist
Weather Routing Inc. (WRI)
Jan 2024 - Present
The position of Senior Meteorologist also demands a strong foundation in meteorology and applies advanced techniques and knowledge gained from the Bachelor's degree daily in the role.

ABOUT

Penn State Meteorology Alumni, now full-time Senior Marine Forecaster

What jobs can you get with a Meteorology degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career paths of individuals who studied meteorology, it's clear that many graduates find themselves working in roles that are directly related to their field of study. A significant number of them have become meteorologists in various settings, especially in television and news media outlets, where they bring their expertise into the public eye. Positions like "Weekend Meteorologist," "Meteorologist," and "Chief Meteorologist" dominate the profiles analyzed, showcasing a strong connection between their educational background and their careers. These jobs necessitate the application of weather knowledge and forecasting skills honed during their meteorology programs, making them highly relevant to their degrees.

However, not every graduate ended up in roles directly tied to meteorology. Some pursued careers that only loosely connected with their training, like environmental science and engineering jobs, or even completely unrelated fields such as private tutoring, retail, and administrative positions. While these roles may occasionally utilize skills gained through their meteorology education—like analytical thinking or data management—the central focus often strays from meteorological principles. This divergence highlights an intriguing aspect of educational paths: while a degree in meteorology can open many doors, the specific career chosen can sometimes involve only a fraction of the relevant knowledge and skills from the degree program.

In summary, many meteorology graduates successfully secure positions that leverage their meteorological skills, particularly in broadcasting and research. Yet, a notable portion winds up in jobs with less direct relevance to their field. This mixture of outcomes shows the versatility of a meteorology degree but also reveals the need for students to be mindful of their future career aspirations while studying.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Meteorology graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Meteorology graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When you look at the career trajectories of people who graduated with a degree in Meteorology, it’s pretty clear that many of them find success in meteorology-related fields right out of college. For instance, a lot of graduates land their first jobs as meteorologists for local TV stations or at weather agencies like the National Weather Service. In fact, many of them quickly climb the ladders in those organizations, becoming weekend and weekday meteorologists and even chief meteorologists in a matter of years. This is definitely a good sign and shows that there are plenty of opportunities in the meteorology industry for recent grads.

However, not every graduate seems to stick with a meteorology-related path. For example, some individuals transitioned into completely different fields, such as environmental science or even roles completely unrelated to weather, like in accounting or sales. This raises a couple of questions about the job market for meteorology graduates. While many seem to find good positions in their field, others might struggle or choose to pivot to different careers altogether. In the long run, after about five to ten years, those who continue in meteorology often take on more senior positions, such as senior meteorologists or specialized roles in research, consulting, or academia. On the other hand, those who shifted away from meteorology may find themselves in unrelated sectors, which might not have been what they initially envisioned but could lead to other fulfilling careers.

In summary, those who graduate with a degree in Meteorology do tend to have solid starts in their careers, typically landing initial roles that leverage their degree. Yet, the path isn't always linear, and not everyone sticks with meteorology over the long haul. Whether they stick it out in the field or venture into new territories, it’s clear there is a mix of experiences among these graduates. If you're even slightly interested in this field, there's a good chance you can find your way into a satisfying career right after college – and that’s something to think about as you plan your future!

How hard is a Meteorology degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology can be pretty challenging, but it's not impossible! You’ll dive deep into subjects like atmospheric science, physics, and advanced math, which can definitely stretch your brain. If you've always been into science and math and enjoy problem-solving, it might feel more manageable. But be prepared for some tough labs and theoretical concepts that require a solid understanding of the material. Overall, it's about on par with other science degrees; it demands dedication and a passion for learning, but with the right mindset and effort, you can totally handle it!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Meteorology.

Do Meteorology graduates tend to make good money?

Alright, so looking at these Meteorology grads and their career paths, it’s clear that many of them have found reasonable success in their fields. Generally, starting out with jobs at local news stations or as meteorologists in government agencies suggests a decent salary range, especially compared to typical entry-level positions. For example, those navigating the National Weather Service or holding positions at established television networks usually earn more—a solid indication that they’re making some decent cash, especially as they gain experience and advance. The progression from roles like “Meteorologist” to positions like “Chief Meteorologist” also hints at good financial growth over time.

However, not everyone's journey is as financially rewarding. Some graduates seem to have taken on roles that, while important, don't have as much earning potential, like teaching positions or roles outside direct meteorology work. Even with meteorology-related jobs, pay can be pretty variable based on location and the specific organization. But overall, if they're sticking with their meteorological careers, many of these grads are likely making a solid living, especially as they gain more specialized experience. So, yeah, it seems like they’re doing alright compared to many other job fields out there!

What buzzwords do Meteorology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Meteorology. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Meteorology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Meteorology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Meteorology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count