Atmospheric Scientist
Studies the atmosphere — weather, climate, air quality and atmospheric chemistry. Uses computer models, satellite data and field measurements to understand climate change, predict weather patterns and assess air pollution impacts. Critical for climate adaptation in Kenya.
- AI exposure
- 80 of 100, high exposure
- Hiring trend
- Rising
- Hiring rate
- 38%
The role
What the work is, what it pays, and what it costs you.
At a glance
- Remote friendly
- Yes
- Freelance potential
- Medium
- Time to senior
- 8 years
- Adaptation level
- Moderate
A day in the role
Analyses satellite imagery for an approaching weather system, runs a forecast model, prepares a severe weather advisory, and briefs disaster management officials on expected impacts.
What it pays
Kenyan market, per month- Entry
- KES 100,000-150,000
- Mid
- KES 200,000-350,000
- Senior
- KES 400,000-700,000
Exposure
How much of this a machine can already do, and how that was worked out.
Where this rating sits
1,516 rated careersRated above 97% of the 1,516 careers in the catalogue, which averages 43. Inside science the mean is 45, across 71 careers.
What the rating is made of
Share of recorded tasks- Machine does it
- 18%Software can already complete this work end to end.
- Machine assists
- 45%A person still decides, but the drafting is done for them.
- Person does it
- 37%Judgement, relationships and accountability that do not transfer.
Named task by task
Already automated
- Running numerical weather prediction models
- Analysing satellite and climate data patterns
- Generating climate projection scenarios
- Automating air quality monitoring data analysis
Still human
- Analysing atmospheric data from weather stations, satellites and radar
- Running and interpreting climate models (WRF, RegCM, global circulation models)
- Conducting field measurements with weather instruments and sondes
- Assessing climate change impacts on agriculture, water and health
- Writing research publications and climate adaptation reports
- Advising policymakers on climate policy and early warning systems
- Collaborating with meteorological services and international climate bodies
Getting in
The routes into the role and what each one asks for.
What to study
8 courses- Diploma in Dairy TechnologyKsh 64,120a year
- Craft Certificate in Food Processing and Preservation TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Analytical ChemistryKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Applied BiologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Food Science and TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Petroleum and GeoscienceKsh 67,189a year
- Diploma in Science Laboratory TechnologyKsh 67,189a year
How people get in
Meteorology or physics degree
4 yearsHigh cost
BSc from UoN or KMD training institute
Atmospheric science postgrad
2-4 yearsHigh cost
MSc or PhD Atmospheric Science
Who hires
- KMD
- ICPAC
- KMD Climate Branch
- University of Nairobi
- NEMA Kenya
Common misconceptions
Atmospheric science is just weather forecasting
It covers climate modelling, air quality, atmospheric chemistry and climate change research — not just daily forecasts.
Weather forecasts are always wrong
Modern numerical weather prediction is highly accurate for 3-5 day forecasts, though uncertainty increases beyond that.
What happens next
How the role changes from here, and where it leads.
Supply and demand
- Demand
- 38
- Supply pressure
- 8
- Balance
- High demand
What to learn
- Numerical weather prediction
- Satellite data analysis
- Climate modelling
Related careers
Kenyan market notes
Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) is the primary employer. ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre) is based in Nairobi — regional climate centre for East Africa. KMD and ICPAC provide seasonal forecasts, early warning and climate services. Growing demand for climate adaptation expertise as Kenya faces droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns. Global: BLS atmospheric scientist median $99,700/year, 4% growth (2024-2034). Climate change creates strong demand for atmospheric scientists in research, policy and adaptation planning. World Bank and UNDP fund climate projects in Kenya.
Further reading
This role is rated 80 out of 100 today. Save it and the app keeps that number, then tells you by how much it has moved when the record is next reviewed.