Storm Into Success: Exciting Meteorology Careers in Academia!
Searching for Meteorology faculty jobs? Dive into a dynamic field where predicting hurricanes, modeling climate change, and advancing weather tech shape our planet's future. Meteorology, a cornerstone of geoscience, blends physics, math, and computer science to tackle real-world challenges like extreme weather events. Aspiring professors find abundant opportunities at leading universities, while students pursue rigorous programs leading to high-impact roles. From assistant professor positions forecasting tornadoes in Oklahoma to tenured chairs researching Arctic ice melt, these jobs offer intellectual thrill and societal impact.
Job seekers, discover faculty openings in atmospheric sciences, lecturer gigs teaching synoptic meteorology, or research assistant posts analyzing satellite data. Parents and students, note booming demand driven by climate urgency—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth for atmospheric scientists through 2032, faster than average. Check Rate My Professor for Meteorology to gauge instructors at dream schools. Explore salary benchmarks via professor salaries page, where full professors average $140,000+, varying by location. Ready to launch? Browse Higher Ed Jobs
What to Study for a Meteorology Career
Students eyeing meteorology professor jobs start with a bachelor's in meteorology or atmospheric science, covering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and numerical modeling. Master's and PhDs unlock faculty paths—expect coursework in radar meteorology and climate dynamics. Fringe quirk: Programs like University of Oklahoma's integrate hands-on storm chasing, sending students into Oklahoma's Tornado Alley for real-time data collection.
Top paths include:
- B.S. Meteorology → Weather forecaster or grad school
- M.S. Atmospheric Science → Research assistant jobs here
- Ph.D. → Tenure-track professor jobs
Scholarships abound; search scholarships for geoscience funding. Career advice recommends internships at NOAA.
Top Universities for Meteorology Programs
Elite departments shine in research output and facilities. Penn State's EMS Environment Institute leads in mesoscale modeling; Colorado State boasts world-class radar labs. Unique anecdote: Florida State's COAPS pioneered El Niño predictions in the 1990s, influencing global policy.
University of Oklahoma
National Weather Center hub; rate profs here.
Penn State University
Top-ranked; State College jobs.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins excellence; local opportunities.
View full university rankings.
Meteorology Professor Salaries and Job Market
Competitive pay reflects expertise. Assistant professors earn $95,000-$120,000; associates $120,000-$150,000; full professors $150,000-$200,000+. Highest in California ($160k avg) and Texas, tied to energy forecasting. Locale quirk: Boulder, Colorado's NCAR proximity boosts adjunct pay 20% via grants.
Explore details at professor salaries or university salaries.
| Rank | Avg Salary (2023) | Top Location |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Prof | $105,000 | Boulder, CO |
| Associate Prof | $135,000 | Norman, OK |
| Full Prof | $170,000 | Pennsylvania |
Source: AAUP data. Adjunct roles start lower but build portfolios. Rate peers at Rate My Professor.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
AI revolutionizes forecasting; machine learning models now outperform traditional ones, per 2023 studies. Demand surges for climate resilience experts amid wildfires and floods. Postdoc positions abound; remote options via remote higher ed jobs. International: UK met jobs at jobs.ac.uk. Prep resumes with free resume template.
Fringe: Polar meteorology at Ohio State studies katabatic winds, vital for Antarctica bases. Research jobs link academia to NOAA.
Associations for Meteorology
American Meteorological Society
A professional organization that promotes the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences.
World Meteorological Organization
A United Nations agency that facilitates international cooperation in meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and related fields.
Royal Meteorological Society
A learned society that advances the understanding of weather and climate through education, research, and professional development.
European Meteorological Society
An association that fosters collaboration and information exchange among meteorological societies and institutions in Europe.
Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
A society dedicated to advancing atmospheric and ocean sciences in Canada through research, education, and public outreach.
Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
A professional body that promotes the sciences of meteorology and oceanography in Australia and the surrounding region.
International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
An international organization that encourages research and international collaboration in atmospheric sciences and related disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
🌤️What degree is needed for meteorology faculty jobs?
A PhD in meteorology or atmospheric science is essential for tenure-track roles. BS/MS prepare for research assistant jobs at AcademicJobs.com/research-assistant-jobs.
💰What is the average meteorology professor salary?
Assistant profs average $105k, full professors $170k (2023 AAUP). Varies by state; see professor salaries for details.
🏛️Which universities have the best meteorology programs?
Leaders: University of Oklahoma, Penn State, Colorado State. Check ratings at Rate My Professor and rankings.
📈What is the job outlook for meteorology academics?
8% growth projected to 2032 (BLS), fueled by climate research. Find openings in faculty jobs.
⭐How can I rate my meteorology professor?
Share experiences at Rate My Professor, helping students choose courses.
💻Are there remote meteorology jobs in higher ed?
Yes, modeling and data analysis roles; browse remote higher ed jobs.
⚡What unique research quirks exist in meteorology?
Storm chasers at OU collect supercell data; Antarctic wind studies at Ohio State. See research jobs.
📚How to prepare for meteorology lecturer positions?
Gain teaching experience via adjunct roles here; use cover letter templates.
20 Jobs Found
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