Meteorology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program engage in a rigorous scientific exploration of atmospheric systems, with a primary focus on understanding and predicting weather patterns and long-term climate dynamics. The curriculum integrates advanced theoretical foundations with practical analytical methods to prepare learners for careers in environmental science, meteorological research, and climate modeling.
- General circulation patterns: Study of large-scale atmospheric movements that drive global weather systems and influence regional climates.
- Weather phenomena: In-depth analysis of dynamic atmospheric events such as storms, fronts, and severe weather systems.
- Atmospheric predictability: Examination of the limits and reliability of forecasting models under varying environmental conditions.
- Parameterization: Techniques used to represent complex sub-grid-scale processes in numerical weather prediction models.
- Numerical and statistical analysis: Application of mathematical and computational tools to simulate atmospheric behavior and interpret observational data.
- Large- and mesoscale phenomena: Investigation of weather systems spanning broad regions and intermediate scales, including cyclones and thunderstorms.
- Kinematic structures: Study of air motion patterns without considering the forces causing them, essential for understanding storm development.
- Precipitation processes: Exploration of the physical mechanisms behind cloud formation, rain, snow, and other forms of atmospheric moisture deposition.
- Forecasting techniques: Mastery of modern methodologies used to generate accurate short- and long-term weather predictions.
Meteorology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Meteorology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Meteorology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Atmospheric and Space Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 121,130 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1051 | $101,390 | $53,310 - $199,260 | 11,480 | N/A |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists 19-2021 | $97,450 | $49,990 - $160,710 | 8,780 | $46.85 |
Meteorology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $84,190 in Florida to $160,570 in Massachusetts—a 91% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 121,130 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Meteorology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Meteorology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Meteorology is found at University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (72 graduates), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (39 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (27 graduates), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (14 graduates), and Central Michigan University (CMU) (13 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 284 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
72 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
39 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
27 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
14 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| University of South Alabama (USA) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | southalabama.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
8 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Vermont State University (VTSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Randolph, Vermont | Public | vermontstate.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| Western Kentucky University (WKU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Bowling Green, Kentucky | Public | wku.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | USAF Academy, Colorado | Public | usafa.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Western Illinois University (WIU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Macomb, Illinois | Public | wiu.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| SUNY Brockport |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Brockport, New York | Public | brockport.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | uiw.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Monaca, Pennsylvania | Public | ccbc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Meteorology programs
How much can I earn with a Meteorology degree?
Salaries for Meteorology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $101,390. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $160,570 compared to $84,190 in Florida. Approximately 121,130 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Meteorology programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Meteorology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (72 graduates), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (39 graduates), and Iowa State University (ISU) (27 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Meteorology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 248 in 2010 to 284 in 2023-24. This represents a 15% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Meteorology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Atmospheric and Space Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 121,130 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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