Also called: Tornado Researcher
Studies tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, often by intercepting them with mobile radar.
Research meteorologists drive mobile radar trucks into the path of supercells across the Great Plains each spring, then spend the year analyzing data and improving warning systems.
Based on BLS atmospheric scientists data.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in meteorology (Oklahoma and Penn State are top programs).
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Physics.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI weather models now rival physics forecasts, shifting research toward evaluating them; field intercepts and warning science stay human, but funding is tight.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Computer Science, Earth Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.