Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for atmospheric and space scientists in the U.S. is $99,070 ($47.63 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $99,070
- Mean annual wage
- $106,110
- Median hourly wage
- $47.63
- Employment
- 10,000
10,000 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,060 | $25.51 |
| 25th percentile | $73,350 | $35.26 |
| Median (50th) | $99,070 | $47.63 |
| 75th percentile | $129,960 | $62.48 |
| 90th percentile | $161,890 | $77.83 |
Highest-paying states for atmospheric and space scientists
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $128,800 | 750 |
| California | $124,920 | 510 |
| Hawaii | $121,010 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $120,180 | 60 |
| Idaho | $119,430 | 50 |
| New York | $117,540 | 370 |
| Florida | $115,960 | 270 |
| Arizona | $115,020 | 80 |
| Missouri | $114,230 | 160 |
| Illinois | $112,280 | 110 |
Lowest-paying states
- New Hampshire: $42,820 median annual wage
- Nebraska: $60,540 median annual wage
- Arkansas: $71,940 median annual wage
- Pennsylvania: $75,890 median annual wage
- Oklahoma: $76,480 median annual wage
About this occupation
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Typical tasks
- Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
- Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
- Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
- Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Bachelor's degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.2% |
| Some college, no degree | 1.9% |
| Associate's degree | 5.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 43.0% |
| Master's degree | 30.4% |
| Doctoral or professional degree | 17.5% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
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- Chemists$91,240
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- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,280
- Biological Technicians$57,510
- School Psychologists$95,990
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.