Image that illustrates Weather observer

Weather observer

26 600 kr

Other service workers

25 500 - 35 100 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Installation & drift/underhåll

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Weather observer

Average salary 26 600 kr
Males 26 700 kr
Females 26 400 kr

What does a weather observer do? – Tasks and work environment

A weather observer is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on weather conditions. Tasks include regularly reading meteorological instruments, observing clouds, visibility, precipitation, and temperature, as well as meticulous documentation and reporting to national and international weather centers. The work is often carried out at weather stations, airports, or research facilities and may involve outdoor work under varying weather conditions. Precision, responsibility, and the ability to work in shifts are essential, as weather data must be collected around the clock.

Salary development over time

The salary for a weather observer has shown a steady and cautious increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 25,000 SEK per month, which increased to 25 800 SEK in 2023, and has now reached 26 600 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 6.4% over three years, in line with the general wage development for service professions in Sweden. The increase can partly be explained by increased demand for precise weather data due to climate change and societal needs, as well as a shortage of trained personnel in the field. Although the salary level is relatively low compared to some other technical and natural science professions, the profession has experienced positive salary growth and offers job security.

Weather observer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 26 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 25,500 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 35,100 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 160 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

To work as a weather observer, a high school diploma with a scientific or technical focus is usually required, sometimes supplemented with post-secondary courses in meteorology, geosciences, or engineering. Practical training at the workplace is common, and employers often offer internal training to meet specific requirements. Experience with technical equipment and meticulous documentation is advantageous, as well as good computer skills.

  • High school diploma: Recommended in natural sciences or technical fields
  • Post-secondary education: Courses in meteorology or geosciences (up to 3 years)
  • Internship/Trainee: Common at workplaces
  • Certifications: Some employers require internal certificates
  • Basic computer skills: Important for documentation and reporting

Weather observers play a crucial role at airports, where their reports are used directly by air traffic controllers and pilots to ensure flight safety around the clock. Working in this environment requires both precision and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Weather observers are often offered benefits such as shift allowances for irregular hours, occupational pension, wellness allowances, and sometimes extra vacation days. Employers in the public sector may also provide opportunities for training and support for further education. Benefits vary depending on whether employment is with the state, municipality, or private sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for weather observer positions is moderate, but the profession is characterized by a relatively small job market with limited openings. Challenges include irregular working hours and working under adverse weather conditions, requiring both physical and mental endurance. Digitization and automation of weather data may affect the demand for traditional observers in the long term, but the need for qualified assessments and reporting remains. The ability to quickly adapt to new technology and work accurately under pressure is essential for long-term success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring weather observers

To succeed as a weather observer, it's helpful to have a meticulous and analytical mindset and an interest in science. Developing the ability to work systematically and follow routines helps ensure the quality of weather reports. Flexibility is important, as shifts often involve inconvenient hours. Being stress-resistant and able to make quick decisions is also valuable, especially when weather conditions change rapidly. Keeping up-to-date with technical tools and digital systems provides an advantage, as does practicing clear and accurate communication. Teamwork and responsibility are central qualities, as the work is often performed in teams where reliable reports are crucial for other professions.

Key facts about weather observers

  • Salary range: 25,500–35,100 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 26 600 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school diploma + optional post-secondary courses
  • Work environment: Shift work at weather stations or airports
  • Demand: 481 job openings in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, weather observers can advance to more specialized roles, such as meteorological assistants, environmental monitoring technicians, or supervisory positions at weather stations. Further education in meteorology or environmental engineering can also open pathways to analyst roles or positions responsible for training new observers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the outlook remains stable, with continuous demand for weather observers, especially at airports and in the public sector. However, digitalization may change job tasks, making ongoing training in technology and data analysis advantageous for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about weather observers

  • What does a weather observer earn?
    - The average salary is 26 600 SEK per month, with a range between 25,500 and 35,100 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a weather observer?
    - A high school diploma with a scientific or technical focus is recommended and often supplemented with post-secondary courses in meteorology.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Regional differences are not specified, but salaries may vary depending on employer and location.
  • What is the job market like for weather observers?
    - There are 481 job openings in the profession, indicating good demand.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Accuracy, stress tolerance, flexibility, and teamwork skills are essential.
  • How much do men and women earn?
    - Men earn on average 26 700 SEK and women 26 400 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salaries.
  • What does a weather observer do at work?
    - Collects, analyzes, and reports weather data from various instruments and observations.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Weather observer is 35100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 34500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Weather observer is 25500 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 25600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 103% 22100 kr 23800 kr
25-34 101% 24600 kr 25500 kr
35-44 98% 25900 kr 26600 kr
45-54 99% 26100 kr 26900 kr
55-64 99% 26400 kr 27000 kr
65-68 94% 28700 kr 28800 kr
Snitt 99% 25800 kr 26600 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Weather observer has the SSYK code 9629, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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