Marine meteorologist

What does a Marine Meteorologist do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Marine Meteorologist works with analyzing and forecasting weather conditions at sea, which is crucial for shipping, coast guard, fishing, and marine research projects. Tasks include collecting and interpreting data from satellites, weather stations, and buoys, as well as developing forecasts and warnings for storms, winds, and ocean currents. Collaboration with other meteorologists, maritime authorities, and research institutes is common. The work can be performed both in an office setting and at sea, depending on assignments and employer, requiring great precision and the ability to quickly handle changing situations.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Marine Meteorologist has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,400 SEK per month, increasing to 43 800 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows an average salary of 46 400 SEK per month, representing a total increase of approximately 12% during this period. This salary increase is linked to higher demand for specialized skills in marine environments, technological advances in data collection, and an increased focus on climate change and its impact on the ocean environment. The salary development also indicates that employers value the particular expertise required for work in the marine meteorological field.

Marine Meteorologist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 46 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, public sector, research degree)
• Highest salary: 53,700 SEK/month (male, private sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 279 SEK
• Gender differences: Highest salary for men: 53,700 SEK, highest salary for women: 41,900 SEK. Lowest salary for men: 44,400 SEK, lowest for women: 41,700 SEK.
• Regional differences: No specific data available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Marine Meteorologist, a solid education in meteorology or related natural sciences is required, often with a focus on marine environments. In addition to academic degrees, experience in fieldwork and technical skills in data modeling and measurement technology are highly valued. Internships, specialized courses, and sometimes postgraduate studies are common among professionals.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, oceanography, or similar (3–5 years)
• Specialized courses: Courses in marine meteorology, data modeling, and remote sensing
• Internship/trainee: Field internships or trainee programs with authorities or research institutes
• Prerequisites: Background in natural sciences, often mathematics, physics, and programming
• Certifications: Opportunities for certifications in meteorology and maritime safety

Common Benefits and Compensation

Marine Meteorologists are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skill development. Travel and per diems are common during fieldwork or international collaborations. Some employers also offer flexible working hours and remote work options for administrative tasks.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Marine Meteorology is characterized by a relatively small job market with high specialization, which can lead to significant competition for the most attractive positions. The tasks require a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, especially when working in exposed marine environments. Challenges often include quickly analyzing large data sets and working under time pressure, especially during storms or emergencies at sea. Since the profession is part of the meteorological sector, there is some uncertainty regarding future recruitment needs and job availability, but specialists in marine applications generally have good job prospects. Technological advances and climate change contribute to the ongoing development of the role.

Tips for aspiring Marine Meteorologists

To succeed as a Marine Meteorologist, it is beneficial to have strong analytical skills and an interest in both science and technology. Being precise helps in interpreting complex weather data, and problem-solving skills are valuable when unexpected weather phenomena occur. Good communication skills are important, as reports and forecasts often need to be conveyed to decision-makers in shipping and authorities. Flexibility and resilience under pressure facilitate work during stressful situations, especially when weather conditions change rapidly. Staying updated on new methods and technical tools provides an advantage in the profession. An interest in collaboration and interdisciplinary projects is also beneficial, as many tasks are team-based. Finally, curiosity about marine environments and their dynamics is a key driver for long-term motivation.

Key facts about Marine Meteorologists

• Educational level: Bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology or oceanography
• Work environment: Combination of office and fieldwork at sea
• Employment type: Often employed by government agencies, research institutes, or shipping companies
• Demand: 143 available jobs in 2024
• Special skills: Data modeling, remote sensing, and maritime safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Marine Meteorologist can advance to specialist roles in marine forecasts, lead research projects, or take on managerial responsibilities within meteorology and oceanography. Opportunities exist to work internationally or within larger research collaborations. The Employment Service's forecasts for meteorologists indicate that there is not enough data for an exact assessment of future job prospects, but technological development and increased interest in climate and ocean environments suggest ongoing demand for this expertise. The number of available jobs also indicates room for new recruits, although competition for the most attractive positions can be high.

Frequently asked questions about Marine Meteorologists

• What does a Marine Meteorologist earn?
  - A Marine Meteorologist has an average salary of 46 400 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development for Marine Meteorologists progressed?
  - Salaries have increased from 41,400 SEK/month (2022) to 46 400 SEK/month (2024), which is approximately a 12% increase.
• What education is required to become a Marine Meteorologist?
  - A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, oceanography, or related natural sciences is most common.
• Are there regional salary differences for Marine Meteorologists?
  - Specific regional salary differences are currently lacking.
• What is the job market like for Marine Meteorologists?
  - There are 143 available jobs within the profession, but the future outlook is uncertain due to limited data.
• Who are the most common employers for Marine Meteorologists?
  - Common employers include government agencies, research institutes, and shipping companies.
• What personal qualities are important in the profession?
  - Analytical skills, accuracy, flexibility, and good communication skills are central qualities.