Career In Meteorology

Do you have a degree in meteorology to become a tornado chaser? And is that really a job?

Public Comments

1. nope, but im guessing a knowledge of storms would help understand when and were they will appear would help
2. Storm chasing is more of a freelance job. I do not recommend it as a career, as it is dangerous and it doesn't pay much. The majority of your income would be derived from videos and pictures you take of extreme weather conditions.
3. No, a degree is not required. In fact, the majority of storm chasers do not have degrees. But, I don't know of a chaser that doesn't have another job of some sort. Storm chasing should be considered just a part time hobby. It is rather rare that anyone gets actually paid to chase storms. It is more of a hobby rather than a job. I have chased over 40 years and have yet to get a dime for chasing. Most people chase because of a high interest in weather and/or more specifically severe weather. Some will make money for pictures or video or by taking people on storm chases but it is rare to make a profit in chasing. I have been on three so far this year, The average cost has been about $200 per chase. Gas, food, and lodging take the biggest share of the cost let alone the cost of wear and tear on the vehicles. I normally will be out 3 days and 2 nights on an average chase. Is it dangerous? Not really. The most dangerous part is the driving to and from the chase area. My wife and sons often will go with me but they get a little concerned when I get really close and I have pulled back a few times due to that when they are with me. The worst thing that has happened to me on a chase was a flat tire. It was raining at the time.