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Meteorologist

Matapae Huarere

Meteorologists study the atmosphere to understand and predict weather and climate.

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Secondary education

NCEA Level 3 is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include English, physics, chemistry, maths and geography. 

Study fields

Study levels

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree and above

Useful experience

Useful experience for meteorologists includes:

  • practical work experience in the environment, physical science or geography
  • weather-related interests such as surfing, gliding, flying, skiing, tramping, diving and fishing.

What you will do

Meteorologists may do some or all of the following:

  • monitor and study weather systems and atmospheric patterns using satellites and radars
  • study and predict weather conditions and climate trends using computer forecasting models
  • prepare weather maps and forecasts for the media, and shipping and airline companies
  • design experiments and equipment to measure air quality and composition, ozone, greenhouse gases and pollution
  • be involved in public awareness programmes about the weather
  • supervise the work of people in other technical roles 
  • teach and supervise students at universities
  • write up results of experiments and publish work in scientific journals.

Skills and knowledge

Meteorologists need to have:

  • knowledge of atmospheric physics, chemistry, meteorology, physical geography and maths to understand weather, cloud systems, and past and present climates
  • an understanding of what affects the weather in certain regions
  • skill in performing experiments and operating scientific equipment.
Pay

New meteorologists usually earn

$49K-$60K

per year

Meteorologists with experience usually earn

$60K-$165K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a meteorologist are average due to stable numbers of people in the role.
Length of training
4-6
years of training required.

Industry

Science

Meteorologists study the atmosphere to understand and predict weather and climate.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

Requirements for meteorologists

To become a meteorologist you need to complete a trainee meteorologist programme and gain a Master of Meteorology.

You need to have a Bachelor of Science in maths or physics to be accepted into the programme, but other majors are considered if there is enough maths and physics included.

MetService and Victoria University of Wellington oversee the traineeship programme.  

Requirements for researchers in meteorology

To become a meteorology or climatology researcher at universities or research organisations, you usually need a Masters or Doctorate in physics, chemistry, maths, geography, meteorology or a related area such as atmospheric physics.

Chances of getting a job

Chances best doing a traineeship at MetService

Opportunities to become a meteorologist in New Zealand are average due to low turnover and high competition for vacancies.

Your best chance of getting a weather forecasting job is through a traineeship at MetService.

According to the Census, 168 meteorologists worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

MetService and Crown research institutes main employers

Most meteorologists work for MetService or Crown research institutes such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

A small number may be employed by:

  • government agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority or Ministry for the Environment
  • research consultancies 
  • regional and city councils
  • state-owned enterprises, such as Meridian Energy
  • universities.

Find out more about training

MetService
(04) 470 0700  - enquiries@metservice.com - www.metservice.com
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
0800 746 464 - enquiries@niwa.co.nz - www.niwa.co.nz

Progression and specialisations

Meteorologists at MetService may progress to work in:

  • severe weather forecasting
  • management positions such as project or team leader
  • training roles
  • computer modelling
  • marketing and consulting.

Meteorologists working as researchers may progress to senior research scientist, policy analyst or managerial roles. 

Meteorologists can specialise as climatologists, who study ozone and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, weather hazards and agricultural productivity, and renewable energy.

Working conditions

Meteorologists:

  • usually work eight-hour shifts at MetService 
  • usually work regular business hours at universities or research institutes, but may work longer hours in the field
  • mostly work in laboratories and offices, but may work outdoors when doing fieldwork
  • may travel nationally and overseas to do research, attend conferences or work with other scientists.

Physical Requirements

Meteorologists need to be reasonably fit and enjoy working outdoors because some field work may be involved.  

 

Useful personal qualities

Meteorologists need to be:

  • good at problem solving and planning
  • curious and observant 
  • good communicators with an ability to write reports and research papers
  • organised and able to work to tight schedules
  • persistent, patient and motivated
  • able to work well in a team.

Meteorologists working in research need to have good investigative and analytical skills. 

Industry

Science

Meteorologists study the atmosphere to understand and predict weather and climate.

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