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AerospaceTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Atmospheric and Space Scientist

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Annual openings

86

Median wage

$104,670

Typical education

Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree.

Growth 2026–2032

0%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Most employers expect a Bachelor's degree.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This can be an entry-level role so no experience is required.

The NASA Science Career Path Navigator provides a lot more information about the jobs and career pathways for scientists.
Employers value the critical thinking, problem solving, and hands on skills developed through things like robotics competitions and working with CubeSats. There is also a need for knowledge of additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
NASA provides several learning opportunities at many points along your education journey along with a good overview of careers.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Engineering and Science
  • Science

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  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. Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
  4. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
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