Atmospheric and Space Scientists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Atmospheric and Space Scientists fall under the Life, Physical, and Social Science category in the U.S. occupational classification. Atmospheric and Space Scientists earn a median salary of $97,450 per year, ranking in the top 15% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do atmospheric and space scientists earn?

The median annual wage for atmospheric and space scientists is $97,450. That puts atmospheric and space scientists at #120 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is atmospheric and space scientists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for atmospheric and space scientists is +0.7%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 9K positions in 2024 to 9K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do atmospheric and space scientists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working atmospheric and space scientists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
2. 2.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.
3. 3.Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
4. 4.Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
5. 5.Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
6. 6.Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
7. 7.Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
8. 8.Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.

Top skills for atmospheric and space scientists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become atmospheric and space scientist?

The standard path into atmospheric and space scientists begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Physicists
  $166,290 median
• Political Scientists
  $139,380 median
• Astronomers
  $132,170 median
• Physical Scientists, All Other
  $117,960 median
• Psychologists, All Other
  $117,580 median
• Economists
  $115,440 median

Common questions parents ask about atmospheric and space scientists