Meteorologists study the atmosphere and make predictions about the weather conditions that are expected over land and sea. You analyse and interpret information, prepare weather forecasts and issue weather warnings; you study climate and the impact of weather on the environment.
Career progression in the Bureau of Meteorology is shown in the table below. Those who reach the most senior levels of management or very senior research positions can achieve considerably greater pay rates than listed.
| |
Position |
Remuneration |
Experience |
Education |
| Start Position |
Graduate APS - Trainee (Meteorologist) |
$44,500 |
Nil |
Bachelor of Science |
| 1st Promotion |
Professional Officer Grade 1 (PO1) |
$49,200 - $62,900 |
10 Months |
Bachelor of Science + Graduate Diploma Meteorology |
| 2nd Promotion |
Professional Officer Grade 2 (PO2) |
$64,000 - $72,200 |
3 - 4 Years |
Bachelor of Science + Graduate Diploma Meteorology |
| 3rd Promotion |
Executive Level 1 (Senior Meteorologist) |
$80,600 - $87,000 |
8 Years |
Bachelor of Science + Graduate Diploma Meteorology |
| 4th Promotion |
Executive Level 2 (Supervising Meteorologist) |
$93,000 - $105,000 |
15 Years |
Bachelor of Science + Graduate Diploma Meteorology |
| 5th Promotion |
Executive Level 2 (Manager of Section) |
$109,900 - $115,000 |
20 + Years |
Bachelor of Science + Graduate Diploma Meteorology |
Meteorologists working shift work, which can occur up to the level of Senior Meteorologist, receive “penalty pay” bonuses, based on the time of day and week that you work. These bonuses typically add about 30% to your take home pay.
If you are interested in meteorology, you can enter the field as a forecasting meteorologist, and find a career in one of the forecasting offices around the country. Or you can continue your studies to a Masters or a PhD level, and become a research meteorologist. It is possible to change from forecasting to research, but to reach the more senior levels will require a doctorate and a high level of research output over very many years.
You may become a climatologist, studying the climate and its variability. You make forecasts of seasonal conditions and assessments of climate variability and climate change, both within Australia and internationally.
If you would like to read a more detailed view of this career description please go to www.careernav.com.au/career-finder/profiles/meteorologist
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