Climatologist, Physical Scientist, Weather Forecaster, Research Scientist
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
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 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.
In general, meteorologists may be involved in:
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 night shifts and sometimes work alone.
Weather broadcasters often work evening shifts and may work long hours during weather-related emergencies.
Meteorologists need the ability to:
They should enjoy co-ordinating 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 related discipline with nine or more courses in atmospheric sciences). With increasing automation of routine weather forecast production work, it is advantageous for employment prospects to have master's or doctoral degrees as well as marketing skills. Many meteorologists have to plan and carry out investigations, develop and test numerical models, and prepare reports.
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 two years of study. Universities and university colleges located throughout Alberta offer B.Sc. degree programs in math, physics and chemistry.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Elsewhere in Canada, the following institutions offer programs in meteorology or atmospheric science:
The Environmental Careers Organization Canada (ECO Canada) offers certification as a Professional Meteorologist (P.Met.) for qualified applicants.
The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society offers certification to qualified applicants who wish to become consulting meteorologists.
The Meteorological Service of Canada, part of Environment 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 (related to road conditions, offshore oil and gas operations, forest fire services or wind and solar energy, for example).
The number of meteorologists employed by Environment Canada is expected to remain constant. Normal employee turnover will probably create 30 to 35 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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.78 | $43.41 | $35.86 | $39.93 |
| Overall | $22.73 | $54.66 | $43.08 | $44.96 |
| Top | $22.73 | $54.66 | $46.07 | $50.17 |
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.
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.
Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) website: www.cmos.ca
ECO Canada (Environmental Careers Organization) website: www.eco.ca
Environment Canada - Weather and Meteorology website: www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Feb 01, 2012. 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.