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Climatologist, Instrumentation Specialist, Physical Scientist, Research Scientist, Weather Broadcaster / Forecaster
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating research on atmospheric phenomena, weather and climate; and in conducting research into the atmospheric dispersion and physical and chemical transformation of pollutants; may engage in the design and development of new equipment and procedures for meteorological data collection, remote sensing and related applications
Interest in precision working with equipment and instruments to analyze the impact of industrial projects and human activity on the climate and quality of the air
Interest in consulting to provide advice to outside agencies, professionals and researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information; in providing consulting services for industries such as aviation, marine, agriculture and tourism, and to the general public; and to work with the social science, engineering and economic communities to develop appropriate mitigation strategies for the impacts from industrial and human activity
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
In general, meteorologists may:
Meteorologists may work as applied meteorologists, climatologists, research meteorologists, instrumentation specialists or weather broadcasters.
Most meteorologists are stationed in urban centres and work in an office setting.
Applied meteorologists at weather centres often work rotating shifts that include nights. They sometimes work alone.
Weather broadcasters often work evening shifts and may work long hours during weather-related emergencies.
Meteorologists need:
They should enjoy coordinating and conducting research, using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, and working with people.
The minimum educational requirement is a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in atmospheric sciences, or a B.Sc. in a related discipline with 9 or more courses in atmospheric sciences. With increasing automation of routine weather forecast production work, it is definite asset for meteorologists to have master’s or doctoral degrees as well as marketing skills.
In general, the entrance requirement for a master’s degree program in meteorology or atmospheric sciences is a B.Sc. in math, physics, chemistry, meteorology or atmospheric science with a minimum specified average in the last 2 years of study.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Elsewhere in Canada, the following schools offer programs in meteorology or atmospheric science:
The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) offers accreditation for consulting meteorologists who meet the qualifying criteria.
The Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB) oversees the administration, evaluation and approval of ECO Canada’s Environmental Professional (EP) certification. For more information about becoming a certified environmental professional, visit the ECO Canada website.
The Meteorological Service of Canada, part of Environment and Climate Change Canada, has been and still is the largest employer of meteorologists in Canada. However, a growing number of meteorologists are employed in the private sector, providing value added and specialist meteorological products and services. For example, they may provide information related to road conditions, offshore oil and gas operations, forest fire services or wind and solar energy.
The number of meteorologists employed by the Government of Canada is expected to remain constant. Normal employee turnover will probably create 30 to 535 job openings each year. Meteorologists also are employed by:
There are a few broadcast meteorologists in Alberta. For related information, see the Announcer and Reporter occupational profiles.
Meteorologists who have doctoral degrees may be employed as instructors and researchers at universities.
In Alberta, 87% of people employed as meteorologists work in the following industries:
Incomes vary depending on meteorologists’ responsibilities and where they are employed.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.69 | $51.28 | $39.69 | $40.60 |
| Overall | $25.48 | $62.95 | $48.49 | $46.60 |
| Top | $25.48 | $64.57 | $52.37 | $52.62 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Public Administration | $94,528 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $92,734 |
Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) website: cmos.ca
ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca
Environment and Climate Change Canada, weather and meteorology website: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weather-general-tools-resources.html
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 04, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.