Depending on the specific field of interest, meteorologists can work in many different places. The United States government is the largest employer in the country, and many meteorologists can be found working for the NOAA, which includes the National Weather Service. Others work in such areas as the Air Force, Navy, Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Energy, and Department of Agriculture. Still, many others find jobs with universities as professors and private industries, such as local television stations. In addition, many professionals join associations such as the widely known American Meteorological Society, to which members pay annual dues.
Not all meteorologists earn the same wages, as they depend upon experience, ability, level of education, field of study, as well as the specific employer. Average salaries run from $25,000 to $85,000. Most meteorologists receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick days, life and health insurance, and retirement benefits. In addition, some employers will pay for additional education for their employees.
The field of meteorology tends to be of interest to a great deal of people because it is career that provides many employment opportunities in varying areas of study. However, it does not receive the attention it deserves because the many different jobs that work in unity to create the weather forecasts seen daily on television are rarely heard of.
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