Meteorology Technician
Snapshot
Meteorology technicians collect large amounts of meteorological information for weather information users such as aviation companies or meteorological institutions. They operate specialised measuring instruments to make accurate weather predictions and report their observations. Meteorology technicians assist meteorologists in their scientific operations.
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.
- • 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.
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 associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and 1 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 3 years.
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.
What these words mean
The four things this section reports
- Reported demand
- Whether employers report needing people in this job — a judgement published by a national or EU body, not a count.
- Where it is heading
- Which way employment in this job is expected to move over the coming years, from an official projection.
- Openings
- Roughly how many openings arise — from growth and from people leaving the job.
- Typical pay
- What people in this job typically earn where the source publishes it. Blank does not mean unpaid; it means nobody publishes it for that place.
A measure is left out when nobody publishes it for that place, rather than shown as zero.
Which way the market leans for you
- In your favour
- More openings than people looking — employers are competing for candidates.
- Balanced
- Openings and candidates are roughly matched.
- Competitive
- More people looking than openings — expect to compete.
- Mixed evidence
- Sources disagree, or the same occupation group is short in one part and oversupplied in another.
Every source resolves to one of these four, so there is a single vocabulary to learn. What differs is the evidence behind it, which is printed underneath each verdict — a measured ratio of openings to jobseekers, or an assessment published by a national body.
How this job compares with other jobs in the same country
- Strong
- Among the strongest in that country
- Good
- Stronger than most jobs in that country
- Mixed
- About typical for that country
- Weak
- Weaker than most jobs in that country
This is a rank within one country, not a score you can carry across borders — the registers behind two countries count different people, so the same number means different things in each. It is also why a job can be among the strongest in a country and still show as Competitive: it leads the field in a market that is crowded overall.
Where these come from
Every figure is published by a national statistics office, a public employment service or an EU body, and each card names its source and the period it covers. Some places are counted monthly, others assessed once or twice a year, so two places on the same map can be describing different moments — the date is always shown.
None of this predicts one person's chances. It describes a market.
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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.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for meteorology technician
The outlook for meteorology technician 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 meteorology technician change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could meteorology technician change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
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
- assist scientific research
- meet deadlines
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- review meteorological forecast data
- collect weather-related data
Tasks most exposed to automation
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- use geographic information systems
- write technical reports
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
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 meteorology technician
09 09:00 · Morning review meteorological forecast data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning carry out meteorological research
12 12:00 · Midday use geographic information systems
14 14:00 · Afternoon use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply scientific methods
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply statistical analysis techniques
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
- 1climatology
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.
- 2mathematics
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.
- 3meteorology
The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.
- 4precision measuring instruments
Instruments used for precision measuring or manufacture, such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, scales, and microscopes.
- 5scientific research methodology
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
- 6statistics
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.
- climatology
- mathematics
- meteorology
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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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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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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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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.
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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.
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operate meteorological instruments
Operate equipment for measuring weather conditions, such as thermometers, anemometers, and rain gauges.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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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.
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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.
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use geographic information systems
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
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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
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Scan to continue on mobilePath to become a meteorology technician
What it typically takes to qualify: education level, where it is a regulated profession, and where to study.
Short-cycle tertiary education
Real programmes leading to this occupation, by country.
Ireland 7
EQF 5
Finland 1
Programmes only — this list does not include online courses.
Growth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does meteorology technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
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.
- Meteorology Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 10 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 5 reported a shortage and 5 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Meteorology Technician — 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.