Atmospheric Scientists


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics > Atmospheric Scientists > Employment & Outlook
111500
100014
Atmospheric Scientists

Atmospheric Scientists - Employment & Outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Employment

Major employers:

  • Federal government agencies (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service)
  • Weather consulting firms
  • Colleges and universities
  • Research and testing services
  • Radio and television stations

Outlook

Demand for this career will grow about as fast as average. New forecasting technology allows forecasting for specific purposes. This will lead to more jobs in private industry as businesses need accurate weather data. Jobs in government such as with the National Weather Service (NWS) will be scarce. Openings will occur as people leave or retire. 

Competition for jobs will be strong. There are more people graduating from atmospheric science programs than there are jobs. Job prospects are best for those with advanced degrees.

Meteorologists (CIS 100014)

Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings



This occupation
All occupations


Illinois
223
Very small
&
14.3%
8.2%
>>>>
23
Very few
  Champaign Area
7
Very small
&
0.0%
5.2%
>>>>
0
None
  Cook County
111
Very small
&
11.7%
9.2%
>>>>
11
Very few
  DeKalb-Elgin-Aurora Area
11
Very small
&
18.2%
10.3%
>>>>
1
Very few
  Du Page County
22
Very small
&
18.2%
8.8%
>>>>
2
Very few
  Peoria-Bloomington Area
10
Very small
&
10.0%
4.5%
>>>>
1
Very few
  Rock Island-Moline Area
6
Very small
&
-16.7%
5.6%
>>>>
0
None
  St Louis-Belleville Area
5
Very small
&
20.0%
0.9%
>>>>
0
None
  Will County
6
Very small
&
16.7%
14.9%
>>>>
0
None
United States
9,900
Very small
&
6.1%
4.0%
>>>>
900
Very few
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.