Occupation Summary

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

O*NET 19-2021.00

Description:

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 Wages:
$92,860.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 12.23%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
STEM

  1. 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.
  2. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
  3. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  4. Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
  5. Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
  6. Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  7. Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
  8. Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
  9. Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
  10. Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
  11. Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
  12. Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
  13. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  14. Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
  15. Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
  16. Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
  17. Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
  18. Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
  19. Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
  20. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  21. 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.
  22. Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
  23. Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
  24. Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
  25. Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
  26. Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
  27. Develop and deliver training on weather topics.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Atmospheric and Space Scientists employed Annual Growth Rate
Other professional, scientific, and technical services 23 1.18
Colleges, universities, and professional schools 11.1 0.00
Scientific research and development services 10.2 0.00
Architectural, engineering, and related services 2.4 4.14


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $44.64
2024 National average hourly wage $49.99
2022 National employment 10,500
2022 Texas employment 728
Texas projected employment by 2032 817
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 70




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
88.80%
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
88.40%
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
88.00%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
83.00%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
76.00%
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
64.40%
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
60.00%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
60.00%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
58.00%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
55.80%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
82.40%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
80.00%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
80.00%
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
80.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
80.00%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
80.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
77.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
77.60%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
75.00%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
67.60%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
85.00%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
82.40%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
82.40%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
82.40%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
80.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
77.60%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
77.60%
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
77.60%
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
75.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%


  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Processing Information
    -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
    -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Working Conditions
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.



Tools

Air samplers or collectors: Air quality samplers;

Anemometers: Digital anemometers; Analog anemometers;

Barometers: Mercury barometers;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Hygrometers: Whirling hygrometers; Hygrometers;

Light trucks or sport utility vehicles: Storm chase vehicles;

Lux or light meter: Light meters;

Meteorology instrument accessories: Weather balloons;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Psychrometers: Psychrometers;

Radarbased surveillance systems: Doppler radar equipment; Next Generation Weather Radar NEXRAD;

Radiosonde apparatus: Radiosonde launchers;

Rainfall recorders: Rain gauges; Tipping bucket rain gauges;

Solar radiation surface observing apparatus: Solarimeters;

Surface thermometers: Surface temperature probes;

Tablet computers: Graphic tablets;

Temperature or humidity surface observing apparatus: Relative humidity gauges; Air temperature thermometers; Temperature and humidity data loggers;

Temperature transmitters: Soil temperature probes;

Two way radios: Two way radios;

Weather stations: Weather observation stations;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Air quality modeling software; Aninoquisi MesoTRAC; Baron Services FasTrac; Baron Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar VIPIR; Cave5D; Environmental Research Services RAOB; Ferret; Flow Analysis Software Toolkit FAST; Grid analysis and display system GrADS; IBM SPSS Statistics; Interactive radar analysis software IRAS; Lakes Environmental Software WRPLOT View; Maplesoft Maple; Mesoscale modeling software; PC Weather Products HURRTRAK; SVRPLOT; Systat Software SigmaPlot; Systat Software SigmaStat; The MathWorks MATLAB; Unidata GEMPAK; Unidata Gempak Analysis and Rendering Program GARP; Unidata Integrated Data Viewer IDV; Unidata McIDAS-X; SAS; SatView; Vis5d+; VorTek Site Assessment of Tornado Threat SATT; Wind flow modeling software; WINGRIDDS; Wolfram Research Mathematica; STATISTICA; WSI Titan; WSI TrueView Professional;

Data base user interface and query software: Structured query language SQL; Microsoft Access;

Desktop publishing software: QuarkXPress;

Development environment software: Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Software development tools;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Geographic information system: ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView;

Graphics or photo imaging software: Image editing software; AccuWeather Galileo; Adobe Photoshop; Advanced Visual Systems AVS/Express; Microsoft Paint;

Map creation software: ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI;

Object or component oriented development software: R; Perl; Python; C++;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: UNIX; Cisco IOS; Microsoft Windows; Linux;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Video creation and editing software: Apple Final Cut Pro;

Web page creation and editing software: Facebook; Social media sites;

Word processing software: Word processing software; Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Atmospheric and Space Scientists include:
  • 19-2011.00 Astronomers
  • 19-2041.01 Climate Change Policy Analysts
  • 15-2051.00 Data Scientists
  • 17-1022.01 Geodetic Surveyors
  • 19-3092.00 Geographers
  • 15-1299.02 Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
  • 19-4043.00 Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  • 19-2042.00 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
  • 19-2043.00 Hydrologists
  • 19-2099.01 Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about atmospheric scientists, including a list of colleges and universities offering atmospheric science programs, visit: American Meteorological Society (AMS)
  • For a broad range of information concerning atmospheric scientists within the geosciences perspective, visit: American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
  • For more information about atmospheric science careers in research, visit: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
  • For more information about federal government education requirements for atmospheric science positions, visit: U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
  • For more information about the COMET training program, visit: MetEd
  • To find job openings for atmospheric scientists in the federal government, visit: USAJOBS
  • For more information about federal government atmospheric science careers in the National Weather Service, visit: National Weather Service (NWS)
  • Atmospheric and Space Scientists

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.