by our College Data Analytics TeamAtmospheric Physics & Dynamics (CIP 40.0403) is part of the Physical Sciences field of study, alongside 4 related programs, but no U.S. college reported atmospheric physics & dynamics graduates to IPEDS in the latest year. Graduates earn a median $40,631 one year after completing, rising to $62,453 after four years.
A major in Atmospheric Physics & Dynamics explores Atmospheric Physics And Dynamics. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of The Processes Governing The Interactions, Movement, And Behavior Of Atmospheric Phenomena And Related Terrestrial And Solar Phenomena. Includes Instruction In Cloud And Precipitation Physics, Solar Radiation Transfer, Active And Passive Remote Sensing, Atmospheric Electricity And Acoustics, Atmospheric Wave Phenomena, Turbulence And Boundary Layers, Solar Wind, Geomagnetic Storms, Coupling, Natural Plasma, And Energization. Examples: [Magnetospheric Physics], [Aeronomy], [Ionospheric Environment].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
O*NET rates Speaking the most important skill for jobs related to atmospheric physics & dynamics, at 4.3 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are English Language, Mathematics and Education and Training. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to atmospheric physics & dynamics, at 31.6%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 31.6% |
| Master’s degree | 26.6% |
| Doctoral degree | 14.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.2% |
| Some college courses | 3.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.6% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Atmospheric Physics & Dynamics, with an average median salary of $114,730; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Clinical Trials Manager, Research Coordinator, Clinical Project Manager and Professor.
The occupation related to atmospheric physics & dynamics with the most projected jobs is Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, at 615,002.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | 59,685 | 7.3% |
Atmospheric Physics & Dynamics graduates earn a median $40,631 one year after completing their program, $62,453 after four years and $61,111 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $40,631 |
| 4 years | $62,453 |
| 5 years | $61,111 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to atmospheric physics & dynamics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $77,973 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
Atmospheric Physics & Dynamics has 4 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 1,297 degrees a year; the largest are Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General (965), Meteorology (276) and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other (45). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General | 965 |
| Meteorology | 276 |
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other | 45 |
| Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology | 11 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.