General
Atmospheric Sciences And Meteorology
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Atmospheric Sciences And Meteorology.
Entry Level Salary
$40,518
Median Salary
$101,625
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
21.5%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,065,000
Entry (Early)
$40,518
Median (Prime)
$101,625
High (Prime)
$112,089
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 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
-90k
+418k
+502k
$25k / yr
-180k
+328k
+412k
$50k / yr
-270k
+238k
+323k
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
-166%
302%
379%
$50k / yr
-124%
110%
148%
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).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate45.1%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Atmospheric and space scientists
20.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,195
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,000|$97,450
openings
700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.7%
Physical scientists, all other
4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$93,255|$117,960
openings
2,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +0.6%
Postsecondary teachers
4.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$16,200
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,393|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Management occupations
4.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,500
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$110,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Software developers
4.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$59,779
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$130,000|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,713
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$124,950|$198,100
openings
18,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.3%
Mathematical science occupations
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$86,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$99,044|$104,620
openings
37,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +27.1%
Engineers, All Other
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$76,692
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$107,602|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,516
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,787|$80,060
openings
8,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Secondary school teachers
1.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,214
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
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 Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| atmospheric sciences and meteorology. | Bachelor's Degree | 65 | $49,198 - $76,421 |
| atmospheric sciences and meteorology. | Master's Degree | 35 | Data N/A |
| atmospheric sciences and meteorology. | Doctoral Degree | 34 | Data N/A |