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Atmospheric Sciences And Meteorology

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Atmospheric Sciences And Meteorology.

Entry Level Salary
$38,700
Median Salary
$98,478
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
21.5%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,939,120
Entry (Early)
$38,700
Median (Prime)
$98,478
High (Prime)
$111,000

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-107k
+395k
+496k
$25k / yr
-197k
+305k
+406k
$50k / yr
-287k
+215k
+316k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
28
$50k / yr
Never
34
31

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-181%
280%
373%
$50k / yr
-132%
99%
145%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate43.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Atmospheric and space scientists

20.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$41,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,891|$99,070
openings
800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%

Postsecondary teachers

4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$16,676
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$77,203|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Physical scientists, all other

4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,153
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$100,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Management occupations

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,282
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,588|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Software developers

3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$20,647
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,819|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%

Mathematical science occupations

2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,527
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,527|$107,570
openings
36,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +25.3%

Elementary and middle school teachers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$57,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$53,592|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,306
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,340|$210,020
openings
16,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.3%

Teaching assistants

1.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$25,837
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$27,700|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Secondary school teachers

1.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$35,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$63,822|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
atmospheric sciences and meteorology.Bachelor's Degree63$49,198 - $76,421
atmospheric sciences and meteorology.Master's Degree35$84,469 - $84,469
atmospheric sciences and meteorology.Doctoral Degree33Data N/A