Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists is a professional role in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family, focused on Atmospheric and Space Scientists work. Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Atmospheric and Space Scientistss do
Typical education: Bachelor's Degree
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
Top skills:Reading ComprehensionSpeakingScienceCritical ThinkingActive ListeningActive Learning
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pay by experience level
Entry level$55,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$76,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$102,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$134,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$167,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+0.7%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
700
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary by industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
3,630 workers
$98,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
2,920 workers
$126,500
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
2,590 workers
$128,000
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1,880 workers
$83,500
Broadcasting and Content Providers
1,510 workers
$104,500
Educational Services
1,370 workers
$110,000
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
1,370 workers
$110,000
Educational Services, State Government Owned
1,150 workers
$110,000
Scientific Research and Development Services
1,110 workers
$135,500
Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations
1,060 workers
$108,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Atmospheric and Space Scientists pays 9% above the average across 66 roles in the Life, Physical, and Social Science job family (family average $100,500).
Similar-paying roles in Life, Physical, and Social Science
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists make?
The average base salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the United States is $110,000 per year, or about $52.88 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $76,000 and $134,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Life, Physical, and Social Science roles?
The Life, Physical, and Social Science job family averages $100,500 across 66 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
