Meteorologist & Climatologist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Meteorologists and climatologists analyze and forecast weather, provide consultation on atmospheric phenomena and conduct research into the processes and phenomena of weather, climate and atmosphere. They are employed by all levels of government, natural resources and utility companies, the media and private consulting firms, or they may be self-employed. (NOC Online)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu - occupational profile and videos (U.S.)
- ECO Canada
- Women in weather, water and climate - World Meteorological Organization
- A Day in the Life of a Meteorologist - Weather Works
- Day in the Life: Meteorologist - Aberdeen Journals
- This is What It's Like To Be a Young Climate Scientist - Climate Central
Education
A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences or in a related field is required. A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist in meteorology. (National Occupation Classification)
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
- Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources - Department of Environment and Geography
- Faculty of Science - Physics and Astronomy
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Article: I want to be a meteorologist. What will my salary be? - The Globe and Mail
- Article: I want to be a climate-change specialist... what will my salary be? - The Globe and Mail
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
- National Weather Association (U.S.)
- American Association of State Climatologists (U.S.)
- American Meteorological Society
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Association of Certified Meteorologists
- Royal Meteorological Society (U.K.)
- International Association of Broadcast Meteorology
Job Boards
Search industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- University of Manitoba Weather Club: Facebook page
- Canadian Centre for Climate Services
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (See Weather section)
- World Meteorological Organization - United Nations