Shigoto Zukan
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How to become atmospheric and space scientistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$99,070
25th–75th pct. $73,350–$129,960
Top pay (est.)
$210,500
Top 10% $161,890
Pay in 5 years
$110,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$123,600est.
$106,300–$143,500
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
73%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.6%
800 openings / yr

How to become atmospheric and space scientists

Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.9
Science
4.9
Speaking
4.4
Active Listening
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.1
Active Learning
4.1
Writing
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mathematics
6.0
Computers and Electronics
5.7
Geography
5.7
Physics
5.3
English Language
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
Chemistry
4.0
Education and Training
4.0

What the work involves

Analyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationGetting InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersThinking Creatively

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree
60%
Master's degree
20%
Doctoral degree
15%
Post-doctoral training
5%

Training before entry

None / short demo
30%
1–2 years
25%
1–3 months
20%
Up to 1 month
20%
6–12 months
5%

Related work experience

1–2 years
30%
2–4 years
15%
4–6 years
15%
6–12 months
15%
6–8 years
10%
None
5%
Over 10 years
5%
1–3 months
5%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as atmospheric and space scientists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.