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Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Sciences graduates earn $60,997 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,531 and $78,104. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Sciences is a focused area of study within Physical Sciences. Graduates typically earn around $60,997 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 114 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,288 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $41,472
Median Earnings · 4yr: $60,997
Colleges Offering: 114
Graduates / Year: 1,288
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,360

How Much Do Atmospheric Sciences Graduates Earn?

Atmospheric Sciences graduates earn $60,997 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,531 and $78,104. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $41,472 climbs to $60,997 by year four.

$41,472

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$60,997

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$61,598

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Atmospheric Sciences graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$46,531 25th pct.

$60,997 Median

$78,104 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $60,997 and an estimated $73,440 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.

Based on outcomes from 84 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,288 students who complete Atmospheric Sciences programs each year, the majority (67%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

67% 21%

Bachelor's 67%

Master's 21%

Doctorate 11%

What Can You Do With an Atmospheric Sciences Degree?

Atmospheric Sciences connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +2.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Earth Science Professors

$103,170

$77K $136K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 1,000 openings/yr 10K employed nationally

Speaking Science Critical Thinking Instructing Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as structural geology, micrometeorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +0.7% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Atmospheric Scientist

$99,070

$73K $130K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 700 openings/yr 10K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Active Learning Active Listening Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.

Top Colleges for Atmospheric Sciences

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Atmospheric Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	81	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
2	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK · Public	74	76.6%	$15,300	$63,126
3	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	54	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
4	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO · Public	42	78.5%	$20,268	$63,403
5	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	40	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
6	Florida State University Tallahassee, FL · Public	37	24.2%	$11,297	$61,675
7	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	36	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
8	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	35	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
9	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	35	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
10	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	32	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
11	University at Albany Albany, NY · Public	32	69.1%	$17,167	$67,979
12	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	30	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
13	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public	28	42.4%	$14,355	$81,054
14	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA · Public	28	9%	$12,548	$82,511
15	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public	27	86%	$16,200	$67,170
16	Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public	23	88.7%	$18,589	$63,386
17	Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN · Nonprofit	22	89.4%	$18,578	$63,191
18	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public	21	88.5%	$21,279	$60,543
19	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	19	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
20	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	19	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943

View all colleges

Ranked by Atmospheric Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Atmospheric Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Atmospheric Sciences degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Atmospheric Sciences Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Atmospheric Sciences shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $60,997 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $41,472 at graduation to $60,997 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 10,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Atmospheric Sciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Atmospheric Sciences graduates earn?

Atmospheric Sciences graduates earn a national median of $60,997 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,531 and $78,104. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Atmospheric Sciences degree?

One year after graduation, Atmospheric Sciences degree holders earn a median of $41,472. That climbs to $60,997 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Atmospheric Sciences degree?

Atmospheric Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Atmospheric Sciences program take?

A Atmospheric Sciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Atmospheric Sciences?

114 colleges and universities in the United States offer Atmospheric Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Atmospheric Sciences degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $60,997 and an average net price of roughly $18,360/yr, a Atmospheric Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Atmospheric Sciences and Physical Sciences?

Atmospheric Sciences is a focused concentration within the broader Physical Sciences field. The Physical Sciences major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Atmospheric Sciences-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Atmospheric Sciences graduates?

Employers hiring Atmospheric Sciences graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Atmospheric Sciences graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Atmospheric Sciences graduates?

The job outlook for Atmospheric Sciences graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +2.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Natural Sciences Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.