Do you aspire to be a scientist? Do you want to be able to predict the future? Do you want to warn people about dangerous situations? Do you want to go storm chasing? This Blog will walk you through 4 simple steps on how to become a Meteorologist, as well as educational requirements and salary potential in different countries.
Who is a Meteorologist
A meteorologist is an expert on how the atmosphere affects life on Earth. They are scientist who studies meteorology which helps them forecast the weather. They are also known as Storm Chasers because they chase storms for research purposes.
Learn more: How to become a Geologist
How to become a Meteorologist (4-step guide)
Step 1: Stream to select
To become a Meteorologist, you must choose a science stream that includes physics, chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). After completing 12th you should prepare for JEE examination.
Step 2: Educational Requirements to become a meteorologist
After finishing your 12th grade, you can pursue the courses listed below to become a meteorologist.
Course in India after 12th
JEE scores will determine your admission to B.Tech. If you studied Biology in high school, you can pursue a B.Sc. in Meteorology. You can also pursue a Diploma in Meteorology before transferring to a B.Tech in Atmospheric Sciences.
Course | Duration |
B.Tech in Atmospheric Sciences | 4 Years |
B.Sc in Meteorology | 3 Years |
- Top Colleges for Meteorology
College | Location |
IIT | Delhi |
IIT | Kharagpur |
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology | Pune |
Cochin University of Science and Technology | Kerala |
Andhra University | Visakhapatnam |
MIT | Manipal |
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences | Uttarakhand |
Sriram Engineering College | Tamil Nadu |
Jain University | Bangalore |
NIIT University | Mumbai |
Course abroad after 12th to become a meteorologist
Here are the degrees you can pursue –
Course | Duration |
B.S Meteorology | 4 Years |
B.S Aviation Meteorology | 4 Years |
A.S Geographic Meteorology | 2 Years |
A.S Meteorology | 2 Years |
B.S Atmospheric Sciences | 4 Years |
B.S in Geophysics and Meteorology | 4 Years |
- Top Colleges for Meteorology abroad
College | Location |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | US |
University of Oxford | UK |
Harvard University | US |
University of Reading | UK |
University of Michigan | US |
Cornell University | US |
University of California | US |
University of Toronto | Canada |
University of Tokyo | Japan |
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich | Switzerland |
Also read: How to become an Aerospace Engineer
Step 3: Certificate Courses
You can get certified by pursuing the following;
- Accredited Consultant Meteorologist
- Professional Meteorologist
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist
Step 4: Job Preparation
- Internship
You can shadow a meteorologist and work as an intern for them to gain the necessary knowledge and experience to become a meteorologist. It will also assist you in deciding what type of work you want to do after graduation.
- Portfolio Creation
After finishing your 12th grade, consider learning computer programming to gain the necessary hands-on experience. Then, after graduation, have your candidacy certified by the board, and don’t forget to include all of your certificates and internship experience to build a strong portfolio.
8 Skills needed to become a Meteorologist
- Interpersonal Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Research Skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Problem-Solving skills
- Computer expertise
- Numerical aptitude
- Quick Thinker
Consider exploring a JuniorMBA in Data Analytics and a JuniorMBA in Technology to help you develop analytical, data handling, and decision-making skills.
Salary of a Meteorologist
Salary in India
An average salary of a Meteorologist is ₹6 lakhs per annum.
Salary Abroad
Country | Average Salary |
US | $71536 |
UK | £29,875 |
Canada | $60255 |
Australia | $89629 |
Top Recruiters in India
- Indian Space Research Organisation
- Defense Research and Development Organisation
- National Aerospace Laboratory
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
- Agricultural Planning Divisions
- Weather Consulting Organisation
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
- Indian Meteorology Department
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
Top Recruiters Abroad
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- US Navy
- US Air Force
- NASA
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
- American Broadcasting Company
- Alaska Airlines
- Australian Bureau of Meteorology
- World Metrological Organization
- Department of Agriculture
Becoming a Meteorologist requires you to be interested in atmospheric sciences; as a meteorologist, you will have many monitors in front of you, and it will require high technical skills, but it will provide you with the best job opportunities and places to work. If you are interested in becoming one, we wish you the best of luck on your journey.
FAQs related to how to become a meteorologist
How hard is it to be a weatherman?
It takes years of study and skills such as communication, mathematics, and computer literacy to become a weatherman.
How can I be a weatherman?
To become a weatherman or meteorologist, take a science stream with PCM, then prepare for JEE after 12th and pursue B.Tech in Atmospheric Science or B.Sc in Meteorology. If you want to work in research it would be necessary to take M.Sc or PhD to pursue so.
What are 5 jobs of meteorology?
You can work in Atmospheric Research, Weather Forecasting, Forensic Services, Aviation Sector or Defense.
Is meteorology hard in college?
Yes, Meteorology is a hard and very important subject. It does involve dedication to the subject to become a successful Meteorologist.
Are meteorologists in demand?
Yes, the demand for meteorologists is increasing over time and is expected to increase further in the coming years.
Which state has the best meteorologist?
Maine has the best Meteorologist.
Do you need to be good at math for meteorology?
Yes, you need to be good at maths and computers.
What college has the best meteorology program?
MIT and Harvard University can be considered as best colleges for Meteorology programs.
Does NASA hire meteorologists?
Yes, NASA do hire meteorologist.