Due to government budget cuts, employment is highly competitive. Experienced meteorologists with advanced degrees are among those in the hiring pool. The starting salary for an intern is approximately $28,000. Forecasters in a lead position with more than five years' experience are paid an average of $70,000 per year.eather Forecaster. The main duties of a forecaster include studying and predicting weather patterns. ... a forecaster's annual salary ranges from $32,777...