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Science & Research · Updated Aug 2026

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
AI Exposure
74/100
High

How much of this occupation’s work can be materially affected by current AI systems.

Replacement Risk
65/100
High

How likely exposure is to translate into reduced human demand.

Includes provisional estimates for AI adoption pressure and labour-market resilience. How this is measured

Evidence quality
Confidence83/100
Task coverage85%

Confidence reflects task coverage, mapping and capability-evidence quality, and how much of the score rests on provisional inputs.

Task-level evidence

What is driving the score?

Occupation scores are built from the task mix—not a single prediction about a job title.

JVS 2.0.0-phase4b
TaskImportanceAI impactExposure
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.High
75
Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.High
75
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.High
76
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.High
76
Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.High
76
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.High
75
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.Medium
75
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.High
76
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.High
76
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.High
75
Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.Medium
76
Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.Medium
75
Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.Medium
75
Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.Medium
70
Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.Medium
76
Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.Medium
58
Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.Medium
75
Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.Medium
62
Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.Medium
75
Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.Medium
74
Most exposed

Where AI can do more

Routine, digitized, and highly repeatable tasks face the greatest pressure.

  1. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.76
  2. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.76
  3. Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.76
  4. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.76
Hardest to automate

Where people still matter

These tasks score lowest on automation feasibility—physical presence, judgement, accountability and real-world variability all resist end-to-end automation.

  1. Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.01
  2. 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.02
  3. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.03
  4. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.04
  5. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.05
Where else this work leads

Related occupations

Occupations O*NET links to this one. Relatedness reflects shared work, not a claim that these roles are safer.

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Beyond AI capability

Adoption and labour-market outlook

Structural factors are kept separate from raw capability so you can see what actually resists automation. Adoption pressure and labour-market resilience are still provisional models—25% of this occupation’s replacement-risk weight rests on them.

Human dependency69
Physical dependency20
Adoption pressure66
Labour-market resilience51
Methodology & sources

O*NET 30.3 occupational data interpreted through the JobsVsAI capability, automation and structural-constraint models.

Confidence83/100
CalculatedAug 21, 2026
Read methodology →