aviation meteorologist
Role lens
Do you have a passion for weather and a desire to contribute to safe air travel? As an aviation meteorologist, you’ll be at the forefront, providing crucial weather information to pilots and airport teams, ensuring smooth and secure flights.
Aviation meteorologists play a vital role in the aviation industry, focusing specifically on weather conditions impacting flight operations. Your work involves constant monitoring, analysis, and forecasting to provide timely and accurate information. This is a detail-oriented role requiring strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex data clearly and concisely. You’ll be a key link between weather patterns and the safety of air travel.
- • Providing day-to-day, hour-to-hour weather observations and forecasts for airports and en route conditions.
- • Analyzing weather data from various sources, including radar, satellite imagery, and surface observations.
- • Issuing warnings and advisories for hazardous weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, fog, and icing.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Czechia, Italy, Spain.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Future Outlook for aviation meteorologist
The outlook for aviation meteorologist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
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.
How could aviation meteorologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could aviation meteorologist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- work in an aviation team
- coach employees
- use different communication channels
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- review meteorological forecast data
- collect weather-related data
- prepare forecasts for take-off and landing
Tasks most exposed to automation
- develop models for weather forecast
- perform data analysis
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a aviation meteorologist
09 09:00 · Morning forecast meteorological conditions
10 10:30 · Mid-morning plan procurement of meteorological equipment
12 12:00 · Midday prepare forecasts for take-off and landing
14 14:00 · Afternoon advise aircraft in hazardous conditions
15 15:30 · Late afternoon monitor performance of meteorological equipment
17 17:00 · Wrap-up provide quality assurance for meteorological services+H40
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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collect weather-related data
Gather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.
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prepare forecasts for take-off and landing
Prepare accurate forecasts of climatic conditions for the take off and landing of aircraft; take into account parameters such as temperature, wind direction, and wind speed.
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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.
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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.
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provide reports on routine meteorological observations
Provide local routine reports for dissemination at the airport of origin including information on parameters such as wind direction and speed, visibility, runway visual range, cloud volume, and type, air temperature, etc.
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analyse weather forecast
Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maintain the validity of the forecast. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers. Evaluate routine air observations.
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coach employees
Maintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited employees and assist them in the learning of new business systems.
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perform data analysis
Collect data and statistics to test and evaluate in order to generate assertions and pattern predictions, with the aim of discovering useful information in a decision-making process.
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use different communication channels
Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
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work in an aviation team
Work confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety, and aircraft maintenance.
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adapt to changing situations
Change approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.
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advise aircraft in hazardous conditions
Recommend the most effective course of action to assist aircraft in hazardous conditions.
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review meteorological forecast data
Revise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does aviation meteorologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What specific types of weather phenomena do aviation meteorologists focus on?
- Aviation meteorologists concentrate on weather elements directly impacting flight safety, including visibility, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, precipitation (rain, snow, ice), and the potential for turbulence or wind shear. They also monitor conditions like fog and low ceilings that affect airport operations.
- What skills are most important for success in this role?
- Strong analytical skills are essential for interpreting weather data. Excellent communication skills are needed to clearly convey forecasts and warnings. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can have significant consequences. Familiarity with meteorological instruments and software is also important.
- Are aviation meteorologists typically employed directly by airlines or airports, or are there other employment options?
- This occupation is primarily an employment-based role. You’ll most commonly find aviation meteorologists working directly for airlines, airport authorities, or national meteorological services. Opportunities may also exist with aviation consulting firms.
- Aviation Meteorologist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 6 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 3 reported a shortage and 3 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Aviation Meteorologist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $97,450 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $42,820 to $128,800. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.