AboutJason Expertise I know everything about weather. I am a 6-year trained Storm Chaser for Wired-WX Storm Chasing Services. Background in thermodynamics, global warming and cooling dynamics, advanced cellular thunderstorm dynamics, and diagram dynamics expert.
Experience Lead Storm Chaser: Organizations: Wired-WX and Member of National Weather Service/Skywarn Network
Question Jason, I am currently employed as an accounts payable clerk in a large corporation. I have been wanting to break into meteorology for many years, and am giving it more serious consideration lately. Obviously, I am tired of the "cube farm" life.
Before I moved to Tulsa I was a volunteer for the Muskogee County EOC and did a little storm tracking/spotting with the more highly trained professionals in the area. I have considered getting back into it, but will have to check out Tulsa county first.
My question has to do with income. I have interest in many areas of meteorology, and have general knowledge of broadcast meteorologist income. But I really enjoyed tracking the storms. I don't think I want to pursue a career in broadcasting. I LOVE to listen to the reports coming in from our local trackers in the spring. Most of our trackers have moved on to be broadcasters in our area, and I'm wondering if it is because of the pay. Is it strictly volunteer and/or internships that make up the storm tracking teams, or is it a paid position? If it is paid, what is the average income for that?
Happiness is worth more than the money to me, but my husband would like to know how little I may be making if I go that route. He has expressed full support if I follow my dream, but if it is volunteer work, then I would have to also find a paying job as well. I'm sure you understand.
Thank you so much!
Answer Government: $45,000
Private Industry: $55,000-65,000
Television Industry: $50,000(news intern met.) $70,000(news chief met.) $70,000-$85,000(Higher Network i.e. The Weather Channel)
If any of this is hard to believe, or not too specific got to http://www.bls.gov/oco to find out labor stats for meteorology.
