Careers in climate science

Whether you advise companies on how to lower their carbon footprint, consult with cities on innovative climate action plans, or forecast climatological predictions for the financial and insurance industries, you can turn your passion into a profession and make a positive difference. Employers in government, technology, business, national security, research, and many other fields are hiring for “green jobs” such as: climate risk specialist, data analyst, sustainability analyst, scientist, or carbon and climate program manager.

You can also prepare for careers at National Laboratories, the National Weather Service, or the National Climatic Data Center, to name a few places.

Careers in the geosciences

Careers in the geosciences (Geology and Earth Science) encompass a wide range of fields that study the Earth and its processes. Geoscientists play a crucial role in a variety of industries, including mining, oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, and research. As a geoscientist, you will have the opportunity to explore the natural world and make important discoveries about the Earth and its history. You may work in the field collecting data and samples, or in a laboratory analyzing data and samples.

Some popular careers in the geosciences include: geologist, geophysicist, hydrologist, environmental scientist, and seismologist. These are just a few examples of the many exciting and rewarding careers available in the geosciences.

Careers in the atmospheric sciences

Atmospheric scientists play a crucial role in a variety of industries, including meteorology, climate research, and environmental consulting. As an atmospheric scientist, you will have the opportunity to study the complex processes that govern our planet’s weather and climate, and to help mitigate the impact of natural disasters and climate change.

Careers in the atmospheric sciences include: meteorologist, climatologist, atmospheric chemist, environmental scientist, air quality specialist, and more.

boyd

Alumni Careers: Dr. Kandis Y. Boyd Wyatt

Director of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay program office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Salary and job outlook

Geoscientists enjoy strong earning potential, with the median annual salary for geoscientists in the United States in 2020 being over $93,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10% of earners in the geosciences earned over $190,000 per year.

Atmospheric scientists enjoy strong earning potential, with the median annual salary for atmospheric scientists in the United States in 2020 being over $97,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest 10% of earners in the atmospheric sciences earned over $145,000 per year.

The American Geosciences Institute (2013) and US Bureau of Labor Statistics report the following median salaries and employment predictions for geoscience occupations:

Occupation Salary
Geoscientists $92,000
Geoscience Postsecondary Teachers $82,000
Hydrologists $76,000
Petroleum Engineers $132,000
Atmospheric Scientists $87,000

Recent graduates

87% of ISU graduates in geology, Earth science, and meteorology over the last five years have either found jobs or continued as graduate students. Their job titles include Geologist, Well Site Geologist, Environmental Geologist, Instructor, Project Manager, Research Assistant, Senior Geoscience Software Advisor, Test Development Associate, Geophysicist, Geotechnical Field Technician, and Physical Science Teacher.