Salary, Wages, Pay: Atmospheric Scientists

Median annual earnings of atmospheric scientists in 2002 were $60,200. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,970 and $76,880. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,430.

The average salary for meteorologists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions employed by the Federal Government was about $74,528 in 2003. Meteorologists in the Federal Government with a bachelor’s degree and no experience received a starting salary of $23,442 or $29,037, depending on their college grades. Those with a master’s degree could start at $35,519 or $42,976; those with the Ph.D., at $51,508. Beginning salaries for all degree levels are slightly higher in areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level is higher.