Climatology: the study of climates. One who is a climatologist uses their knowledge of climates to collect data into a report which can be used to:

* Explain past climate events and phenomena and
* Help researchers to define future climate scenarios.

A climatologist may gather some data on their own; however they are greatly helped in this process by using the information gathered from a wide range of sources and agencies. This information is then compiled and a report is generated.

What is the education and training for climatology?

There are a number of different programs that can teach climatology, however there is a minimum scientific degree that is required to use the title and to become employed within this field. There are also a number of other factors that could lead the climatologist to seek additional education and further degrees including competition and limited job market.

Who employees the climatologists?

The federal and state government often employee these specialists to work within their energy, weather divisions. Within the private sector, those companies that are most devoted to green initiatives, especially those that rely on weather for their efforts would be most interested in having a climatologist on staff. In addition, climatologists may be able to find work as technical report writers, (on staff or freelance) for environmental magazines and other publications, scientific journals and for news journals.

What is the start up costs?

In addition to the education which will be a fairly large investment of both time and money. A degree of four years could cost you anywhere from $25,000 upwards. In fact, the cost of this type of career is difficult to gauge because of the many variables involved. If the climatologist will be working for the government or in the private sector, for instance there may be no start up cost to them personally. To work as a writer in the field there will also be a minimal amount of investment needed.

What are the income projections?

Again, the answer to this question would depend on the type of work being done. As a freelance writer for instance there is virtually no limit to the income that can be made but conversely, there is no guarantee of ever making a cent. However, it should be noted that technical reports when well written and in certain industries can earn the writer a lot of money. Depending on the number of pages and its relevance, many technical reports are available for upwards of $3000 each. An established, well respected and knowledgeable writer can negotiate a good deal based on royalties rather than upfront payment.

In addition it should be noted that those who are working in this field with the federal government tend to earn more than those in the private sector as well as those who are working for many of the states.

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