Weathercaster Job Description

Everyday, news programs deliver weather forecasts to help viewers plan and conduct their activities in safe and agreeable environmental conditions. Weathercasters, also known as weather forecasters and operational meteorologists, attempt to predict predict the path of natural events such as hurricanes, snowstorms and tornadoes. Unlike climatologists, who research the historical patterns of weather over time, weathercasters communicate current findings to the public on television and radio stations.

Function

• Weathercasters study and monitor the Earth's temperature, rainfall, humidity levels, wind speed and air pressure. Collecting data from satellites, sensors, photographs, radars and complex computer modeling programs, weathercasters analyze maps, charts and graphs to help project the forecast for their particular area. After studying the numerical models, weathercasters work with graphic technicians to create the images that will appear on air. Once final, it is their job to clearly and accurately broadcast the weather forecast to the public on the Internet, radio or television.

Education

• Weathercasters are required to have a bachelor's degree, though obtaining a second bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, or a related technical field, increases candidates' chances for employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are few U.S. colleges and universities that offer degrees in meteorology and atmospheric science. However, students can improve their chances of getting hired by taking courses required by the National Weather Service, as well as oceanography, physical hydrology, mathematics, engineering, agriculture and computer science.

Misconceptions

• Although climatologists and meteorologists both fall under the atmospheric science field, climatologists and meteorologists study weather patterns under different time frames. Whereas meteorologists collect data to make both long- and short-term weather predictions, climatologists research weather patterns over months, years and centuries. Moreover, climatologists' research is more often used to improve agricultural production, urban planning and land use, rather than for public education.

Salary

• Based on a November 2010 PayScale report, weathercasters in the United States earned an average salary between the range of $26,254 and $70,000. Average total pay, which includes bonuses, fell between $33,417 and $59,251 per year.

Potential

• According to the BLS, jobs for atmospheric scientists, including weathercasters, will grow 15 percent until 2018. Demand will be driven by environmental concerns over pollution, and government regulations. Also, technological advancements in weather forecasting may also increase the number of positions available within the atmospheric science field. The BLS reported that applicants with graduate degrees will have the best opportunities, since the number of job seekers is projected to exceed the number of positions available.