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NavyRating: AG
Aerographer's Mate
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aerographer's Mates — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AG has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
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$66K–$108K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
17
Career Paths
15
Companies Hiring
9
Resume Examples
1
Federal GS Series
7
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
Navy Aerographer's Mates (AG) are the Navy's atmospheric and oceanographic science specialists. AGs forecast weather for flight operations, naval surface warfare, and amphibious landings. They operate sophisticated equipment including TESS (Tactical Environmental Support System), AN/SMQ-11 weather satellite receivers, rawinsonde upper-air sounding systems, and meteorological observation stations aboard ships and at shore-based Naval Oceanography facilities.
AGs train at the Naval Technical Training Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi — collocated with the Air Force weather school — which gives them shared instruction with AF 1W0X1 meteorologists and a deep grounding in atmospheric science fundamentals. Graduates go on to serve aboard carriers (CVIC weather shops), at Naval Oceanography commands, and in direct support of SEAL and MARSOC teams providing tactical environmental intelligence. This is a genuine science and technology rating, not a general operations role.
What makes AGs particularly valuable in transition is the combination of formal meteorological training, hands-on instrument operation and maintenance, and experience translating complex environmental data into actionable decisions under operational pressure. That combination is rare — and civilian employers pay well for it.
Aerographer's Mates have an underrated pipeline into NOAA, the National Weather Service, FAA Aviation Weather, and DoD weather support roles — the GS-1340 Meteorology series exists exactly for this background. I've seen AGs land $70K+ federal weather positions in their first year out when the resume actually translates the operational forecasting work into NWS language. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret (minimum); some billets TS/SCI
ASVAB RequirementVE+MK+GS=162
TrainingNaval Technical Training Center, Keesler AFB, Biloxi MS — ~6 months of formal classroom training in meteorology, oceanography, and METOC systems. Collocated with AF 1W0X1 weather school. Follow-on fleet assignments.
Certs Earned in ServiceTESS (Tactical Environmental Support System) operator qualification, AN/SMQ-11 weather satellite receiver certification, Rawinsonde upper-air sounding certification, Surface weather observation certification, FAA Aviation Weather Observer (some billets)
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Aerographer's Mate
$72K–$98K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
1 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+20% on average
Civilian roles for Aerographer's Mates pay ~$14K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
AGs have one of the most direct civilian career translations in the Navy. The skills that powered weather forecasting for carrier flight ops are the same skills civilian meteorologists, environmental scientists, and climate analysts use every day — except now those skills are in high demand across energy, aviation, agriculture, insurance, and technology sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 OEWS), atmospheric and space scientists earn a median annual wage of $86,720, with the top 25% earning over $110,000. Environmental scientists and specialists come in at $80,890 median. Geoscientists and oceanographers earn $98,090 median. For AGs willing to move into data analysis and modeling roles, the compensation ceiling climbs further — environmental data scientists and climate modelers at companies like IBM or Raytheon routinely clear $100,000+.
The energy sector is one of the strongest landing zones. Offshore oil and gas companies (BP, Shell, Chevron) employ meteorologists and oceanographers full-time to support offshore platform operations, where accurate weather windows directly affect safety and production. Airlines — Delta, United, American — have internal meteorology teams. The commercial weather industry (AccuWeather, DTN, The Weather Company/IBM) employs former military weather specialists directly. Defense contractors like Raytheon Intelligence and Space and L3Harris build and maintain the same METOC systems AGs operated on active duty.
For AGs who want to stay in weather-focused work, no skills translation is needed — your training, qualifications, and experience speak directly to the role. The key is documenting what you did: aircraft type supported, geographic areas of responsibility, observation platforms operated, and any special mission support (SOF weather, ship routing, hurricane tracking).
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Meteorologist O*NET: 19-2021.00 | Government / Research | $86,720 | Faster than average (6–8%) | Direct |
Weather Forecaster O*NET: 19-2021.00 | Commercial / Aviation | $82,000 | Faster than average | Direct |
Physical Scientist O*NET: 19-2099.01 | Federal / Research | $83,910 | Average | Strong |
Oceanographer O*NET: 19-2042.00 | Government / Research / Energy | $98,090 | Average | Strong |
Environmental Scientist O*NET: 19-2041.00 | Consulting / Government | $80,890 | Faster than average (7%) | Strong |
Climate Data Analyst O*NET: 15-2041.00 | Technology / Finance / Insurance | $95,000 | Much faster than average | Strong |
GIS Analyst O*NET: 15-1299.02 | Government / Environmental / Defense | $72,000 | Faster than average | Moderate |
Emergency Management Specialist O*NET: 11-9161.00 | Government / Nonprofit | $76,730 | Faster than average (6%) | Moderate |
Intelligence Analyst (METOC) O*NET: 33-3021.00 | Defense / Intelligence Community | $88,000 | Average | Strong |
Aviation Weather Specialist O*NET: 19-2021.00 | Aviation / FAA | $79,000 | Average | Direct |
Meteorologist
Government / Research
$86,720median
Faster than average (6–8%)
O*NET: 19-2021.00
Weather Forecaster
Commercial / Aviation
$82,000median
Faster than average
O*NET: 19-2021.00
Physical Scientist
Federal / Research
$83,910median
Average
O*NET: 19-2099.01
Oceanographer
Government / Research / Energy
$98,090median
Average
O*NET: 19-2042.00
Environmental Scientist
Consulting / Government
$80,890median
Faster than average (7%)
O*NET: 19-2041.00
Climate Data Analyst
Technology / Finance / Insurance
$95,000median
Much faster than average
O*NET: 15-2041.00
GIS Analyst
Government / Environmental / Defense
$72,000median
Faster than average
O*NET: 15-1299.02
Emergency Management Specialist
Government / Nonprofit
$76,730median
Faster than average (6%)
O*NET: 11-9161.00
Intelligence Analyst (METOC)
Defense / Intelligence Community
$88,000median
Average
O*NET: 33-3021.00
Aviation Weather Specialist
Aviation / FAA
$79,000median
Average
O*NET: 19-2021.00
Companies That Hire This Background
The largest civilian employer of meteorologists in the US. NWS has forecast offices in nearly every major metro area. Former AGs frequently qualify at GS-7 or GS-9 with promotion potential to GS-13. NOAA also employs physical scientists, oceanographers, and environmental specialists across multiple offices.
One of the world's largest commercial weather data providers, now part of IBM. Employs meteorologists, data scientists, and software engineers to build weather forecasting products used by airlines, logistics companies, and energy firms. Former military weather personnel are recognized hires.
One of the largest private weather companies. Employs meteorologists, broadcast weather presenters, data analysts, and product developers. AGs with forecasting and observation experience are competitive candidates for operational meteorologist roles.
Provides weather intelligence for agriculture, energy, and logistics. Employs meteorologists and data scientists to build decision-support tools. Strong fit for AGs with agricultural weather or offshore weather support experience.
Builds and maintains many of the METOC systems AGs operated on active duty, including weather satellite systems and environmental sensor networks. Cleared former AGs are competitive for systems engineering, program management, and field support roles. Active Secret clearance is a significant advantage.
Defense contractor with substantial METOC systems and environmental intelligence programs. Former AGs with TESS, AN/SMQ-11, or rawinsonde system experience have direct relevance to hardware and software support roles. Active clearance holders are prioritized.
Large defense contractor with environmental intelligence, modeling, and simulation programs supporting DoD METOC requirements. AGs with data analysis or SOF weather support experience are good candidates for program analyst and systems support roles.
Employs meteorologists and physical oceanographers to support offshore platform operations, vessel routing, and marine safety. Weather and sea-state forecasting directly affects production schedules and crew safety. Strong fit for AGs with maritime METOC experience.
One of the largest operators of offshore energy infrastructure globally. Employs marine meteorologists and oceanographers for Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and deepwater operations. AGs with ship-based METOC and surface weather observation experience translate directly.
Major oil and gas operator with offshore weather and oceanography support requirements for platforms and drill ships. AGs with maritime operational weather forecasting experience are strong candidates for environmental and marine operations roles.
Major airline with an internal meteorology team supporting flight dispatch and route planning. Former military weather personnel with aviation meteorology experience are recognized candidates. AGs who worked in carrier-based flight ops weather are well-positioned.
Employs meteorologists for flight operations weather support and dispatch. Internal weather teams work closely with flight dispatch to optimize routes around severe weather. AG experience in aviation weather for flight ops is directly applicable.
Finnish company that manufactures weather observation and measurement systems, including radiosonde and rawinsonde equipment used by military and civilian met organizations worldwide. AGs with rawinsonde and upper-air sounding experience are directly relevant for technical sales, field support, and applications engineering roles.
Defense and technology company with significant NOAA and DoD environmental intelligence contracts. Employs meteorologists, data scientists, and program managers on weather and environmental monitoring programs. AGs with cleared backgrounds are competitive for both technical and program management roles.
Provides satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence products to government and commercial clients. Weather satellite and remote sensing experience from the AN/SMQ-11 and similar platforms is relevant for imagery analyst and geospatial scientist roles. Many positions require active clearances.
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Real Navy success story
“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David· Chief Petty Officer (E-7)· Navy
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
AGs are well-positioned for federal careers across several agencies, not just in weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the most obvious destination — it employs meteorologists, physical scientists, oceanographers, and environmental scientists across its National Weather Service (NWS), National Ocean Service (NOS), and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. NOAA actively recruits veterans and has SkillBridge partnerships in some locations.
The National Weather Service alone has forecast offices in nearly every major metro area plus Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico — meaning geographic flexibility is real for former AGs. NWS Meteorologists typically enter at GS-7 or GS-9 depending on education and experience, with promotion potential to GS-13.
Beyond NOAA, the federal landscape for AGs is broad:
- GS-1340 (Meteorology): NOAA/NWS forecast offices, Air Force Weather Agency, Naval Oceanography, FAA Aviation Weather Center
- GS-1360 (Oceanography): NOAA, Navy, Army Corps of Engineers coastal science roles
- GS-1301 (General Physical Science): EPA, USGS, DOE, NASA environmental monitoring
- GS-1313 (Geophysics): USGS, NOAA, DoD research labs
- GS-1315 (Hydrology): Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, USGS
- GS-0301 (Misc Admin and Programs): Emergency management programs at FEMA, DHS
- GS-0343 (Management and Program Analysis): Operations analysis at DoD, NOAA, DHS
- GS-1550 (Computer Science) / GS-1529 (Mathematical Statistics): Climate data modeling at NOAA, EPA, DoE national labs
- GS-0028 (Environmental Protection Specialist): EPA, Army Corps, DoD environmental offices
- GS-0019 (Safety Technician) / GS-0018 (Safety and Occupational Health): For AGs with ship or flight safety experience
- GS-2101 (Transportation Specialist): FAA, DoT aviation weather integration roles
- GS-0132 (Intelligence): METOC intelligence analysis at DIA, NGA, INSCOM
- GS-2210 (IT Management): TESS, AN/SMQ-11, and other system experience supports IT specialist roles at DoD
Veterans' preference gives former AGs a real advantage on USAJobs. AGs with a Secret clearance (the typical minimum) are competitive for GS-7 through GS-11 positions at NOAA, DoD, and intelligence community agencies. For federal resumes, use the BMR Federal Resume Builder — federal applications follow different rules than private sector resumes.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1301 | General Physical Science | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Data Scientist (Climate / Environmental)
$108,020
Technology / Energy / Insurance(O*NET: 15-2051.00)BLS May 2024 OEWS (data scientists median)Much faster than average (36%)
Large dataset analysisAtmospheric data modelingPattern recognitionPython/statistical software familiarityOperational briefing and communication
AGs work with large, multi-variable atmospheric datasets every day. The analytical foundation is there — the pivot requires adding formal programming skills (Python, R) and data science methodology. The growing climate risk field in insurance and finance specifically values atmospheric science knowledge.
How to get there: Complete Google Data Analytics Certificate or equivalent; build Python skills via free resources (Kaggle, DataCamp); target entry-level data analyst roles first, then advance. A bachelor's in atmospheric science or math strengthens candidacy for senior roles.
Emergency Management Specialist / Director
$76,730
Government / Nonprofit / Utilities(O*NET: 11-9161.00)BLS May 2024 OEWS (emergency management directors)Faster than average (6%)
Severe weather operationsCrisis decision-making under time pressureMulti-agency coordinationOperational watch standingThreat assessment and risk communication
AGs who tracked tropical systems, supported disaster response, or coordinated multi-agency environmental operations have direct experience in emergency management fundamentals. The transition is natural — and former AGs bring forecasting credibility that pure administrators lack.
How to get there: Complete FEMA PDS online (free); pursue Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from IAEM; target local, state, or FEMA regional positions via USAJobs or local government postings.
GIS Analyst / Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
$72,000
Government / Defense / Environmental Consulting(O*NET: 15-1299.02)BLS 2024 estimate for GIS analystsFaster than average
Geospatial data interpretationSatellite imagery analysisEnvironmental mappingRemote sensing operationsSpatial pattern analysis
METOC work is fundamentally geospatial — plotting weather systems, analyzing sea surface temperature anomalies, and tracking storm tracks all require spatial reasoning. AGs who operated the AN/SMQ-11 or similar systems have direct remote sensing experience. GIS is a natural direction.
How to get there: Earn ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Specialist certification; build a portfolio project using public weather or environmental data; target entry GIS analyst roles at USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, or environmental consulting firms.
Aviation Operations / Flight Dispatch Support
$66,000
Aviation / Airlines(O*NET: 53-2022.00)BLS May 2024 OEWS (airfield operations specialists)Average
Aviation weather forecastingTerminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) productionFlight planning supportGo/no-go decision criteriaCoordination with air traffic control
AGs who supported carrier flight ops have direct experience in aviation weather decision-making. Airlines, charter operators, and cargo companies need people who understand how weather affects flight planning and dispatch. This path is especially strong for AGs who worked heavily in TAF production and flight ops briefings.
How to get there: Target airline operations or flight dispatch roles; consider FAA air traffic management programs; leverage aviation weather experience in resume bullets. Federal Aviation Administration also hires for aviation weather specialist roles.
Environmental Consultant
$80,890
Environmental Consulting / Engineering Firms(O*NET: 19-2041.00)BLS May 2024 OEWS (environmental scientists)Faster than average (7%)
Atmospheric monitoring and data collectionEnvironmental compliance assessmentTechnical report writingAir quality measurementRegulatory interpretation
Environmental consulting firms (Arcadis, AECOM, TRC) hire people who understand atmospheric data, air quality monitoring, and environmental measurement. AGs with surface weather observation and atmospheric science backgrounds fit into environmental monitoring, permitting support, and air quality consulting roles.
How to get there: Target junior environmental scientist roles at consulting firms; CEP certification from NAEP adds credibility; a bachelor's in environmental science or atmospheric science accelerates advancement. Many firms accept relevant military experience in lieu of degree for entry roles.
Risk Analyst (Climate / Catastrophe Modeling)
$95,000
Insurance / Financial Services / Reinsurance(O*NET: 13-2099.01)BLS 2024 estimate for risk analystsMuch faster than average
Probabilistic forecastingUncertainty quantificationTropical system track analysisExtreme weather event assessmentData-driven decision support under uncertainty
Insurance and reinsurance firms (Munich Re, Swiss Re, RMS, Verisk AIR Worldwide) actively recruit meteorologists and atmospheric scientists for catastrophe modeling teams. AGs who tracked tropical systems or performed probabilistic forecasting have the core skill set. Climate risk is one of the fastest-growing areas in financial services.
How to get there: Target catastrophe modeling analyst roles at reinsurers or insurance companies; firms like Verisk AIR Worldwide, RMS (Moody's), and CoreLogic hire atmospheric scientists directly. A bachelor's in atmospheric science or math is preferred but not always required for entry roles. The AMS CCM credential strengthens candidacy.
Program / Operations Manager (Defense)
$102,450
Defense Contracting / DoD Civilian(O*NET: 11-1021.00)BLS May 2024 OEWS (general and operations managers)Average (3%)
Multi-team operations coordinationShift scheduling and watch managementTechnical program oversightBriefing senior leadershipBudget and equipment accountability
Senior AGs — E-7 and above, or those in AOIC/OIC positions — often managed entire METOC departments, supervised junior personnel, oversaw equipment maintenance programs, and briefed senior military leaders. That experience maps directly to program and operations management in defense or government contracting.
How to get there: Pursue PMP certification; target GS-0343 (Program Analyst) or GS-0301 (Program Manager) roles via USAJobs; defense contractors with METOC programs (Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC) also hire former senior AGs for program management and customer liaison roles.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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Skills Translation Guide
If you're applying to NOAA, the NWS, a defense contractor METOC program, or a commercial weather company, you likely don't need this section — those hiring managers know what TESS is and what a rawinsonde launch means.
But if you're targeting data analytics, emergency management, project management, GIS, risk analysis, or any role outside of meteorology and oceanography, the hiring manager has never heard of METOC. Here's how to translate your AG experience into language that lands in non-weather industries.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Conducted daily METOC briefings to the CAG and senior staff aboard CVN-72 supporting 80+ aircraft and 5,000 personnel.
After (Civilian)
Delivered daily operational briefings to senior leadership synthesizing complex data into clear go/no-go recommendations — directly influencing mission timing and resource deployment.
Before (Military)
Conducted twice-daily rawinsonde launches to collect upper-air data; analyzed temperature, humidity, and wind profiles to support flight planning.
After (Civilian)
Operated precision scientific instruments to collect environmental data; analyzed and interpreted multi-variable datasets to support time-sensitive operational planning.
Before (Military)
Operated TESS to process and disseminate environmental products supporting surface warfare and aviation operations.
After (Civilian)
Managed mission-critical operational software systems; processed and disseminated time-sensitive data products to support multi-platform operational planning across a carrier strike group.
Before (Military)
Tracked Tropical Storm Maria, produced 24/72/120-hour forecasts, and briefed fleet commanders on routing recommendations to avoid storm threat.
After (Civilian)
Developed probabilistic risk forecasts under uncertainty; communicated risk exposure to senior decision makers and recommended mitigation actions with documented rationale.
Before (Military)
Stood 12-hour METOC watch in a 24/7 operations center; served as the single on-duty weather authority for a 5-ship surface action group.
After (Civilian)
Managed 24/7 operational functions across rotating shifts; exercised sole decision authority during periods of limited supervision; maintained continuous operational output in high-tempo environments.
Before (Military)
Provided tailored METOC support for NSW squadron operations, including surf zone assessments and parachute jump window analysis.
After (Civilian)
Delivered mission-specific environmental risk assessments to specialized operational teams; translated complex technical data into actionable go/no-go criteria for non-technical decision makers.
Before (Military)
Provided optimal ship routing recommendations to reduce heavy weather exposure, protecting $1.2B in naval assets during cross-Pacific transit.
After (Civilian)
Conducted data-driven logistics optimization analysis; identified routing efficiencies that reduced operational risk exposure and protected high-value assets during time-sensitive transits.
Before (Military)
Operated AN/SMQ-11 satellite receiver to acquire DMSP and NOAA polar-orbiting satellite imagery; processed and analyzed imagery to produce cloud analysis products.
After (Civilian)
Operated satellite remote sensing systems to acquire and process geospatial imagery; conducted spatial analysis of environmental data to produce operational decision-support products.
Before (Military)
Produced terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) and winds/temperature aloft products supporting 100+ daily sorties from CVN-75.
After (Civilian)
Developed safety-critical risk assessments for flight operations; produced time-sensitive go/no-go decision products supporting high-tempo operational scheduling for 100+ daily events.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+
DoD-required baseline cybersecurity certification (DoD 8570/8140). Valuable for AGs moving into IT or cleared contractor roles. Many DoD positions require it.CompTIA
Cost: $370–$400 (exam)Time: 2–3 months self-studyGI Bill Eligible
GI Bill eligible for exam prep. AGs operating networked METOC systems (TESS, satellite terminals) have relevant technical background. Opens doors to cleared IT and cybersecurity roles.
Data Analytics
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Widely recognized entry-level data analytics credential. Covers SQL, R, Tableau, and data-driven decision making. Often free for veterans through Coursera for Campus or workforce grants.Google / Coursera
Cost: Free–$200 (varies by access)Time: 6 months part-time
Strong starting point for AGs pivoting to data analyst roles. Military weather data management experience pairs well with formal analytics training.
Tableau Desktop Specialist
Recognized credential for data visualization. Climate and environmental data visualization is a growing niche at insurers, energy firms, and tech companies.Tableau (Salesforce)
Cost: $250 (exam)Time: 1–3 months self-study
AGs with experience plotting METOC data have a natural fit for visualization-focused data roles. Tableau is widely used in energy and financial sectors for environmental data.
Emergency Management
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
The recognized professional credential for emergency management careers at local, state, and federal levels. AGs with severe weather response and disaster support experience are competitive candidates.International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Cost: $150–$300Time: 6–12 months to qualify
Requires documented EM experience and education. AGs who supported hurricane tracking, tropical storm response, or disaster relief operations have directly relevant experience.
FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS)
Free online series of FEMA courses covering emergency management fundamentals. The baseline credential for entry-level EM roles at government agencies and NGOs.FEMA
Cost: FreeTime: 2–4 weeks online
Always free and always relevant. AGs should complete this before separating if targeting any EM role. Can be done during terminal leave.
Environmental & HAZMAT
Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
Recognized credential for environmental science professionals in consulting, government, and industry.National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
Cost: $300–$600Time: 3–6 months to prepare
Requires documented environmental experience. AGs with atmospheric monitoring, environmental data collection, or hazmat experience are eligible.
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Recognized by EPA, DoD, and state agencies. Valuable for AGs moving into environmental health and safety or environmental compliance roles.Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
Cost: $400–$700Time: 3–6 monthsGI Bill Eligible
GI Bill may cover exam prep courses. Military environmental experience counts toward the eligibility requirements.
GIS & Geospatial
ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Entry Certification
Entry-level GIS credential recognized across government agencies and private sector. Good starting point for AGs moving into geospatial analysis.ESRI
Cost: $100–$200 (exam)Time: 1–3 months self-study
METOC work is inherently geospatial — AGs have strong intuition for spatial data. ArcGIS is the dominant GIS platform in government.
GIS Professional (GISP)
Senior-level GIS credential. Recognized by federal agencies, state governments, and major GIS employers. Requires documented experience and education.Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)
Cost: $475 (exam + application)Time: 12–24 months to qualify
Mid-to-senior credential. AGs with significant geospatial work (weather mapping, maritime charting, atmospheric data visualization) build toward this after entry-level GIS roles.
Meteorology
Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)
The senior professional credential for practicing meteorologists in the private sector. Requires documented experience, peer review, and written exam.American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Cost: $300–$500Time: 6–12 months to prepare
Requires AMS membership, demonstrated meteorological practice, and an extensive application. AGs with significant operational forecasting experience may qualify.
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM)
Required credential for on-air TV meteorologists. Also used by commercial weather communication professionals. AMS-recognized.American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Cost: $200–$400Time: 3–6 months to prepare
Requires AMS membership and a passing exam. Relevant for AGs targeting media meteorology or commercial weather communication roles.
AMS Seal of Approval
Legacy credential still recognized in the industry. Relevant for AGs targeting broadcast or media weather roles.American Meteorological Society (AMS)
Cost: $150–$300Time: 2–4 months
Less commonly required than CBM for new hires, but still recognized. Good entry point for broadcast weather careers.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The gold-standard project management credential. Recognized across defense, energy, tech, and federal sectors. Senior AGs who managed forecast operations, multi-team coordination, or equipment maintenance programs often meet the experience requirement.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost: $405–$555 (exam; PMI member/non-member)Time: 3–6 months prepGI Bill Eligible
GI Bill may cover exam prep courses. AGs should document project hours from duty statements before applying. See also: /blog/career-transition/pmp-certification-veterans-military-experience
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Transition Resources
For Staying in Meteorology and Oceanographic Work
American Meteorological Society (AMS): The AMS is the primary professional society for meteorologists. Their Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) credentials are recognized across the private sector. Membership is discounted for students and early-career professionals. Conferences like the AMS Annual Meeting are prime networking events for former military weather personnel.
National Weather Service Internship and Entry Programs: NWS posts entry and mid-level meteorologist positions on USAJobs year-round. Former AGs often qualify at the GS-7 or GS-9 level. Check USAJobs with series 1340 filter and the "Veterans" preference checkbox.
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps: AGs with a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, oceanography, or a related field may be competitive for the NOAA Corps — a uniformed service that operates research vessels and aircraft. Applications open periodically; check NOAA Corps for current status.
SkillBridge in Weather / METOC: Some DoD contractors (Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC) with METOC programs participate in SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database and filter by your target company. Start this process 12 months before separation — SkillBridge slots fill fast.
For Careers Outside of Meteorology
Data Analytics: AGs who worked with large environmental datasets have a strong foundation for data analyst roles. Google's Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera, ~6 months, often free for veterans through MyCAA or workforce programs) is a solid entry point. For deeper capability, consider the Tableau Desktop Specialist cert — climate and environmental data visualization is a growing niche. See also: Veterans in Data Analytics.
GIS and Spatial Analysis: METOC work is inherently geospatial. ESRI's ArcGIS certification is the most recognized credential in GIS. The GIS Professional (GISP) certification from URISA is the senior-level credential for career GIS analysts. Many federal agencies — USGS, Army Corps, NOAA — actively seek veterans with GIS experience.
Emergency Management: FEMA's Professional Development Series (PDS) is free and online — it's the baseline credential for emergency management roles at the local, state, and federal level. The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from IAEM is the recognized professional credential. Former AGs with severe weather, hurricane tracking, or disaster support experience are strong candidates.
Project Management: Senior AGs who managed forecast operations, instrument maintenance schedules, or multi-team coordination are good candidates for PMP. The PMP exam requires documented project hours — your operations logs and duty statements likely qualify. Learn more: PMP Certification for Veterans.
Security Clearance Jobs: Many AGs hold Secret or above. Defense contractors who build and maintain METOC systems actively seek cleared candidates who understand the operational side. ClearanceJobs.com is the primary marketplace. Learn more about leveraging your clearance: What Your Clearance Is Worth.
Free Certifications for Veterans: Don't pay out of pocket for certifications without checking veteran programs first. See: Free Certification Programs for Veterans 2026.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Set up your USAJobs profile before you separate — don't wait. Use the Veterans filter and target GS-7 through GS-11 to maximize veterans' preference. For federal resumes, format matters — the private sector one-pager will get you screened out. Build your federal resume here.
Related Military Ratings and MOSs
If you're researching how your training compares to similar specialties, see: AF 1W0X1 Weather | Navy OS (Operations Specialist) | Navy AC (Air Traffic Controller) | CG OS
BMR Career Resources
Military to Civilian Career Crosswalk | Military Resume Builder | Federal Resume Builder | Best Careers for Veterans 2026 | Military Terms Glossary
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AG resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can a Navy Aerographer's Mate get?
Former AGs are strong candidates for meteorologist, atmospheric scientist, weather forecaster, physical scientist, oceanographer, environmental scientist, GIS specialist, data analyst, and emergency management roles. In the private sector, energy companies, airlines, commercial weather services, and defense contractors are the top hirers. In the federal government, NOAA and the National Weather Service are the most direct paths, but DoD agencies, EPA, USGS, and FAA also employ AGs in weather and science-adjacent roles.
Does my AG training count toward a meteorology degree or certification?
Your AG training — especially from the Naval Technical Training Center at Keesler AFB — covers atmospheric science fundamentals taught alongside Air Force weather trainees. Some colleges offer credit for military training through ACE (American Council on Education) credit recommendations. The AMS Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) require formal education and experience — check with AMS directly to assess where your training and service record put you. Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) coursework completed during training may transfer as well.
What does a meteorologist earn in the civilian sector?
According to BLS May 2024 OEWS data, atmospheric and space scientists earn a median annual wage of $86,720, with the top 25% earning over $110,000. In the federal government, NWS Meteorologists typically start at GS-9 ($57,000–$74,000 depending on location and locality pay) with promotion potential to GS-13 ($107,000–$140,000+). Private sector roles at energy companies and commercial weather firms often start higher — offshore weather support roles at oil and gas companies can reach $90,000–$130,000+.
Is my security clearance valuable as a former AG?
Yes. Many AGs hold Secret clearances, and some with METOC intelligence roles may have held Top Secret/SCI. Defense contractors who build and maintain systems like TESS, the AN/SMQ-11, and other METOC platforms actively seek cleared candidates who understand operational use. Your clearance is a marketable asset — don't let it lapse during transition. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. An active Secret saves employers $5,000–$15,000+ in investigation costs.
Should I target NOAA or the National Weather Service for federal jobs?
NOAA and NWS are strong options, but don't overlook the broader federal landscape. The FAA Aviation Weather Center, DoD weather support commands, EPA atmospheric monitoring programs, and intelligence community METOC analysis shops all hire former AGs. Start on USAJobs with series 1340 (Meteorology), 1360 (Oceanography), and 1301 (General Physical Science). Use the Veterans preference filter and apply to positions within your GS target range — veterans' preference is most powerful at GS-11 and below. Apply 6 months before separation — federal hiring is slow.
What if I want to change careers entirely and leave weather behind?
Your AG experience translates well to data analytics, GIS, emergency management, risk analysis, and project management — none of which require staying in meteorology. The pattern recognition, large dataset management, shift operations leadership, and equipment maintenance background all map cleanly to non-weather roles. See the Skills Translation section on this page for specific language to use on your resume when targeting non-weather employers. Many AGs also move into aviation management and logistics, leveraging their knowledge of flight operations support.
Can I do SkillBridge in a weather or METOC role?
Some defense contractors with METOC programs — Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC — participate in SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database (skillbridge.osd.mil) and filter by company and location. NOAA also has limited fellowship and internship programs that may be accessible near separation. Start planning 12 months out — SkillBridge slots fill quickly and require command approval. Your career counselor and installation Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office are your starting points.
How do I write a resume as a former AG for a non-weather job?
Focus on the skills, not the rating title. Hiring managers outside weather don't know what TESS is or what a rawinsonde launch means. Translate to outcomes: instead of 'operated TESS to support flight ops,' write 'analyzed real-time atmospheric data to support 200+ aircraft sorties, providing time-critical go/no-go recommendations to flight leadership.' Quantify where you can — number of aircraft supported, geographic area of responsibility, observation platforms operated. The Skills Translation section above has direct before/after examples. For resume help, use the <a href='/military-resume-builder'>BMR Military Resume Builder</a>.
What certifications should I get before separating?
It depends on your target career path. For staying in meteorology: AMS membership and working toward CBM or CCM credentials. For GIS: ESRI ArcGIS Desktop certification is a strong starting point. For data analytics: Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera) is widely recognized and often free for veterans. For emergency management: complete FEMA's free Professional Development Series online. For project management: start PMP prep — your operations coordination experience likely meets the experience requirement. Universal: keep your clearance active and get your USAJobs profile set up before you separate.
Are there jobs for AGs in the energy sector?
Yes — this is one of the strongest non-government paths for former AGs. Offshore oil and gas companies (BP, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil) employ meteorologists and physical oceanographers to assess weather windows for platform operations, vessel routing, and emergency response planning. Accurate weather and sea state forecasting directly affects safety and production schedules offshore. These roles often offer competitive salaries ($80,000–$130,000+) and can be based in Houston, New Orleans, or Aberdeen (UK) for international ops. Wind energy companies also employ meteorologists for site assessment and turbine performance analysis.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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