JOB REPORT / 19-2021 · 27 TASKS

Atmospheric and Space Scientists.

Can AI do the work of Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

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How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather…
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or…
Analyze historical climate information

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Atmospheric and Space Scientists work. It covers the 25 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

25 of 27 tasks reviewed

This job has 27 core tasks. We went through 25 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Atmospheric and Space Scientists actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
AI DOES
Runs simulations, tunes model parameters, and flags forecast errors automatically
YOU DO
Apply physical intuition to choose the right model setup and validate outputs
TASK 02
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
AI DOES
Writes boilerplate code, suggests algorithms, debugs errors, and generates data visualization templates
YOU DO
Decide what meteorological questions to answer and how the program should serve real science needs
TASK 03
Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
AI DOES
Scans large historical climate datasets, flags trends, and runs statistical pattern detection
YOU DO
Judge which patterns are physically meaningful and communicate uncertainty to decision-makers
TASK 04
Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
AI DOES
Runs data processing pipelines, flags anomalies, and speeds up numerical model runs
YOU DO
Decide which methods fit the science question and validate that results make physical sense
TASK 05
Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
AI DOES
Generates plotting code, suggests color scales and map projections, and summarizes dataset patterns
YOU DO
Decide which climate signals matter, validate data sources, and shape the narrative for the audience
TASK 06
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
AI DOES
Scans large datasets, flags patterns, and generates draft forecast models
YOU DO
Weigh competing signals, apply physical intuition, and stand behind the forecast
TASK 07
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
AI DOES
Drafts forecast text, summarizes weather data, and formats briefing templates
YOU DO
Tailor the message to each audience's real needs and verify the science is sound
TASK 08
Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes data trends, and flags relevant pollution studies fast
YOU DO
Design the research question, judge data quality, and connect findings to real-world impact
TASK 09
Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes model outputs, flags data patterns, and drafts regional climate projections
YOU DO
Judge which models fit the region, explain uncertainty honestly, and decide what the science means for real decisions
TASK 10
Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
AI DOES
Drafts forecast scripts, summarizes model data, and flags severe weather alerts automatically
YOU DO
Add clear explanations, local context, and the calm voice that keeps the public informed and not panicked
TASK 11
Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
AI DOES
Drafts slides, summaries, quizzes, and plain-language explanations of weather topics
YOU DO
Read the room, answer tricky questions, and connect concepts to real forecasting experience
TASK 12
Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
AI DOES
Speeds up model setup, finds patterns in huge datasets, and flags anomalies in simulation outputs
YOU DO
Choose which physical processes to model, judge whether results make real-world sense, and design new experiments
TASK 13
Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
AI DOES
Processes wind datasets, flags anomalies, and runs statistical models
YOU DO
Design the study, interpret edge cases, and validate findings against physical reality
TASK 14
Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
AI DOES
Searches research literature, generates design concepts, drafts technical specs, and models sensor performance scenarios
YOU DO
Apply physical intuition, test real hardware, and make safety and feasibility calls that require scientific expertise
TASK 15
Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
AI DOES
Drafts schedules, generates training outlines, and summarizes staff performance reports
YOU DO
Read the room, build trust, and make final calls about people
TASK 16
Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
AI DOES
Summarizes climate data, drafts reports, and flags relevant research to prep for consultations
YOU DO
Lead the expert conversation and apply professional judgment to complex, context-specific decisions
TASK 17
Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
AI DOES
Drafts lecture outlines, explains complex concepts in simple terms, and builds quiz questions
YOU DO
Read the room, spark curiosity, and mentor students through confusion
TASK 18
Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
AI DOES
Analyzes weather data, flags patterns, and drafts forecast text faster
YOU DO
Lead the team, make final calls, and communicate clearly under pressure
TASK 19
Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
AI DOES
Drafts plain-language summaries, talking points, and answers to common weather questions
YOU DO
Show up in person, read the room, and build public trust through real human connection
TASK 20SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
AI DOES
Generates weather graphics and maps from data
YOU DO
Choose what viewers need to see
About this analysis
56% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 21SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
AI DOES
Generates drafts from data and existing research
YOU DO
Interpret findings and craft the story
About this analysis
46% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 22SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
AI DOES
Pulls and compiles data from multiple weather stations
YOU DO
Judge data quality and weather patterns
About this analysis
43% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 23SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
AI DOES
Processes vast data sets and runs weather models
YOU DO
Judge which patterns matter most
About this analysis
32% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 24SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
AI DOES
Processes massive climate datasets and identifies patterns
YOU DO
Design studies and interpret what matters
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 25SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
AI DOES
Processes climate data and models scenarios
YOU DO
Interpret findings and recommend policy
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists
SOC code: 19-2021
Tasks reviewed: 25 of 27

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $99,070 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $104,670 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 10,000
Employed in Colorado: 1,150
Job outlook: +0.7% by 2034 · ~700 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

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Your job, task by task.

Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.

Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.

Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.

Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.

Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.

Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.

Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.

Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.

Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.

Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.

Develop and deliver training on weather topics.

Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.

Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.

Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.

Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.

Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.

Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.

Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.

Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.

Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.

Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.

Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.

Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.

Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.

Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.