Occupation intelligence

meteorology technician

Snapshot

Are you fascinated by weather patterns and eager to contribute to accurate forecasting? As a meteorology technician, you’ll play a vital role in collecting and analyzing weather data, supporting meteorologists and ensuring critical information reaches those who need it.

Summary

Meteorology technicians are essential for providing reliable weather information to various users, including aviation, agriculture, and government agencies. Your work involves operating sophisticated instruments, meticulously recording observations, and assisting meteorologists in their scientific research and forecasting efforts. This role demands precision, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of meteorological principles.

Key responsibilities
  • • Operating and maintaining weather monitoring equipment, such as radar systems, weather stations, and radiosondes.
  • • Collecting and recording meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and precipitation.
  • • Analyzing data and identifying trends to assist meteorologists in creating accurate weather forecasts.
82%
Resilience Score

Are you fascinated by weather patterns and eager to contribute to accurate forecasting? As a meteorology technician, you’ll play a vital role in collecting and analyzing weather data, supporting meteorologists and ensuring critical information reaches those who need it.

Energy & Natural Resources Short-cycle tertiary education 19% AI exposure
Start Career DNA assessment
Quick fit check

Could meteorology technician fit you?

Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.

Progress0/3

Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?

Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?

Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?

NexFuture

Future Outlook for meteorology technician

The outlook for meteorology technician is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 81.9%.

How are these scores calculated?

The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.

Play the future

How could meteorology technician change as AI adoption grows?

Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.

Significant task-level transformation is estimated in 19 years (around 2045) under the selected Expected Pace scenario.
82%
Resilience
Automation Risk
EXP24%
Human advantage
MOAT80%
2026
2036
2050
AI Adoption Speed:

How AI may change this role

Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.

Human-owned 82% Human-owned
What still depends on people

This role remains strongly human-led where carry out meteorological research depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.

The Human Edge To stay ahead in this role, focus on climatology and mathematics. These human-centric skills are the hardest for AI to replicate in the next 20 years.
Assist 36% Assist
Where AI may become a co-pilot

AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as review meteorological forecast data, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.

Automate 19% Automate
Tasks most exposed to automation

Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Generative AI.

Detailed Analysis

Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends

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Vital Signs

AI Exposure Vectors

0-100%
Generative AI 35.8%

Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools

Cognitive Software 27.5%

Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation

Robotic & Physical Automation 11.8%

Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement

AI / Machine Learning 1.8%

Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks

Megatrend Signals

0-100%
Geopolitical Change 10%
Green Transition 7%
Spatial Change 5%
Digital Transformation 2%
Regulatory Pressure 0%
Demographic Shift 0%

Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.

Technical Details
Methodology: NexFuture v2.0 Sources: O*NET 30.0, ESCO v1.2.0 Updated: May 2026

NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.

Day in the life

What people in this role usually do

Energy & Natural Resources

Day in the life

A typical day as a meteorology technician

09
09:00 · Morning
review meteorological forecast data
Revise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.
10
10:30 · Mid-morning
carry out meteorological research
Participate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena. Study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.
12
12:00 · Midday
use geographic information systems
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
14
14:00 · Afternoon
use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.
15
15:30 · Late afternoon
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
17
17:00 · Wrap-up
apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.

Software & Technologies & Knowledge areas
Software & Technologies
AccuWeather GalileoAdobe PhotoshopAdvanced Visual Systems AVS/ExpressAir quality modeling softwareAninoquisi MesoTRACApple Final Cut ProBaron Services FasTracBaron Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar VIPIRC++Cave5DCisco IOSEnvironmental Research Services RAOBESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcViewFacebookFerretFlow Analysis Software Toolkit FASTFormula translation/translator FORTRANGrid analysis and display system GrADSIBM SPSS Statistics
Knowledge areas
  • climatology

    The scientific field of study that deals with researching average weather conditions over a specified period of time and how they affected nature on Earth.

  • mathematics

    Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

  • meteorology

    The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.

  • precision measuring instruments

    Instruments used for precision measuring or manufacture, such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, scales, and microscopes.

  • scientific research methodology

    The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

  • statistics

    The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.

Cross-sector skills
  • climatology
  • mathematics
  • meteorology
Essential skills
monitoring environmental conditions
  • collect weather-related data

    Gather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.

  • use specialised computer models for weather forecasting

    Make short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.

  • use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions

    Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.

conducting academic or market research
  • perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • apply scientific methods

    Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

  • carry out meteorological research

    Participate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena. Study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.

operating scientific and laboratory equipment
  • operate remote sensing equipment

    Set up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth's surface and atmosphere.

  • operate meteorological instruments

    Operate equipment for measuring weather conditions, such as thermometers, anemometers, and rain gauges.

performing calculations
  • execute analytical mathematical calculations

    Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

analysing and evaluating information and data
  • apply statistical analysis techniques

    Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

using precision measuring equipment
  • operate precision measuring equipment

    Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.

managing, gathering and storing digital data
  • use geographic information systems

    Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

fabricating precision instruments or jewellery
  • calibrate optical instruments

    Correct and adjust the reliability of optical instruments, such as photometers, polarimeters, and spectrometers, by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer.

Skill DNA

Skill DNA

Work personality traits and values that define this role

Key traits you need
Analytical Thinking Integrity Attention to Detail Dependability Stress Tolerance Initiative Adaptability/Flexibility Achievement/Effort Persistence Cooperation Innovation Independence Self-Control Leadership Concern for Others Social Orientation
Key rewards you can expect
AchievementWorking Condit…RecognitionRelationshipsSupportIndependence
Career progression

Growth Pathways & Similar Roles

Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.

Career landscape

Where does meteorology technician fit?

This role
meteorology technician This role
Growth paths

Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What kind of education or training is typically required to become a meteorology technician?
While a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related field is often preferred, an associate’s degree or vocational training combined with relevant experience can also be a pathway into this career. Strong math and science skills are essential.
What are the working conditions like for a meteorology technician?
Working conditions can vary. Some positions involve working outdoors in all types of weather, while others are based in offices or laboratories. Shift work, including nights and weekends, may be required, particularly in roles supporting 24/7 operations like aviation weather services.
How does this role differ from that of a meteorologist?
Meteorologists typically focus on the scientific aspects of weather forecasting and research, developing models and interpreting complex data. Meteorology technicians provide the crucial data collection and operational support that enables meteorologists to perform their work effectively. Think of it as a collaborative relationship.