What is a weather observer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a weather observer. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.72 an hour? That's $51,408 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 300 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreWeather ObserverUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,408

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.9

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.54%

Asian 5.34%

Black or African American 3.90%

Hispanic or Latino 6.87%

Unknown 7.89%

White 75.45%

Gender

female 29.59%

male 70.41%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress Level
6.9

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.9

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.1

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Newest jobs for Weather Observer in Columbus, OH

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Key steps to become a weather observer

  1. Explore weather observer education requirements

    Most common weather observer degrees

    Bachelor's

    55.9 %

    Associate

    20.2 %

    High School Diploma

    12.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific weather observer skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    DOD17.71%
    Federal Aviation Administration15.14%
    Radar10.39%
    Air Traffic Control6.45%
    Data Quality Control5.94%
  3. Complete relevant weather observer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New weather observers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a weather observer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real weather observer resumes.
  4. Research weather observer duties and responsibilities

    • Assist in taking patient medical history and managing clinical patients and participate in medical team discussions regarding patient treatment plans.
    • Collect and plot coordinates using GPS units.
    • Answer requests for technical information regarding regional products from field meteorologists, DOD customers, and other users.
    • Prepare and release radiosondes, collect and disseminate upper air data using GPS navigational equipment and RRS software.
  5. Apply for weather observer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a weather observer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Weather Observer Job

Zippi

Are you a Weather Observer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average weather observer salary

The average Weather Observer salary in the United States is $51,408 per year or $25 per hour. Weather observer salaries range between $26,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average Weather Observer Salary
$51,408 Yearly
$24.72 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do weather observers rate their job?

Working as a Weather Observer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs