SOC 192021

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

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.

National Median

$97,450

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$97,450

Entry Level (10th pct)

$49,990

Experienced (90th pct)

$160,710

Total Employed

8,780

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$49,990 - $69,440
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$69,440 - $128,940
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$128,940 - $160,710

Highest Paying Locations for Atmospheric and Space Scientists

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

$141,370

+45.1% vs national

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX

$132,850

+36.3% vs national

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

$128,940

+32.3% vs national

Hawaii

$122,180

+25.4% vs national

Urban Honolulu, HI

$122,180

+25.4% vs national

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$141,370	70
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX	$132,850	40
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$128,940	590
Hawaii	$122,180	60
Urban Honolulu, HI	$122,180	60
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	$121,600	60
Boise City, ID	$120,640	30
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$119,270	60
California	$117,770	580
Idaho	$117,190	50
Missouri	$116,480	140
Oregon	$115,890	100
St. Louis, MO-IL	$115,750	30
New Mexico	$114,230	60
Albuquerque, NM	$114,230	30
Reno, NV	$113,320	60
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN	$113,030	30
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$112,780	40
Kansas City, MO-KS	$112,030	110
Virginia	$111,920	150
Omaha, NE-IA	$111,200	40
Nebraska	$110,140	80
Tennessee	$109,800	120
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA	$108,950	40
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	$107,410	50
Montana	$107,240	60
Charleston-North Charleston, SC	$107,240	30
Colorado	$106,310	950
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA	$105,740	240
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI	$105,480	50
Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN	$105,290	40
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO	$104,950	220
Maryland	$104,560	710
Louisiana	$104,330	80
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL	$104,180	150
New Jersey	$104,020	70
North Carolina	$103,920	140
Nevada	$103,540	120
Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV	$103,540	40
Memphis, TN-MS-AR	$103,400	40
Raleigh-Cary, NC	$102,920	40
Wisconsin	$102,130	180
Madison, WI	$102,130	110
Indiana	$101,650	80
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$101,600	240
Maine	$101,500	50
Anchorage, AK	$101,500	120
Alaska	$101,500	180
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	$100,940	40
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX	$100,760	90

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

The national median annual salary for Atmospheric and Space Scientists is $97,450, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Atmospheric and Space Scientistss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Atmospheric and Space Scientistss is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, with a median salary of $141,370.

How much can an experienced Atmospheric and Space Scientists make?

Top-earning Atmospheric and Space Scientistss (90th percentile) make $160,710 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.