North Texas Talent: Ryann Jones - Meteorologist
(Photo by Thanin Viriyaki)
From an early age, Ryann Jones knew she wanted to become a meteorologist. The solidifying moment for her was in Ms. Warren’s fifth-grade class, where she learned about clouds. She became obsessed, so much so that her mom took notice. Her mom pulled her aside one day and told her there was a career where she could study and talk about clouds for a living, and ever since, Ryann was hooked.
More About Meteorology
High-End Earners (Top 10%)
$82,359 annually
Median Earners (TOP 50%)
$59,081 annually
Education Required
Bachelor’s degree
(Source: InterLink 2026 Data, News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists)
CTE Pathway
Digital Communications Statewide Program of Study
Take courses like Web Communications, Digital Design and Media Production and Practicum in Audio/Video Production.
See pages 16-17 for the full breakdown of the courses you can take in Digital Communications.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Meteorologists play a huge role in keeping people informed about impending dangerous weather. Especially in North Texas, right in the heart of Tornado Alley, meteorologists understand the importance of keeping locals informed and alert and of explaining how weather works in a way the general public can understand.
You MIGHT be great at this job if YOU…
Aren't afraid to speak in front of a crowd
Can think quickly on your feet and roll with the punches
Enjoy math and science classes
Love to be the one to present group projects in classes
“It's been my goal for as long as I can remember,” Ryann said. “I always imagined seeing myself in commercials and on billboards, and I assumed that would mean living far from my family – likely somewhere on the East Coast. I never realized I could achieve all of that and still come back home to DFW.”
Even though her volleyball schedule conflicted with the career and technical education courses she could enroll in to take the next step to further her career, she didn’t let that stop her from seeking mentors and shadowing professionals in her chosen career. After volleyball season ended, she was able to join NHSTV at her high school, where she was able to be the weather anchor.
“That experience gave me a true understanding of the industry and helped me become comfortable in front of what I consider the toughest audience I’ve ever faced—my peers,” Ryann said. “It showed me not only that I loved this work, but that I had a natural ability to do it well. I walked into college confident in my career path and ready to take the steps necessary to make it happen.”
After graduating from high school in Justin, Texas, Ryann knew her first-choice college would be Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she could study meteorology and play volleyball. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 threw a curveball into her future and affected her senior year of high school and the first few years of college.
“Navigating such an unprecedented time came with its challenges, but through every obstacle, I learned to move forward with grace and resilience,” Ryann said. “I stayed committed to my goals while learning to embrace that the path might look different [from what] I originally expected.”
Ryann’s job is far from a traditional career, but she’s made her interests and dreams a reality with hard work and never taking no for an answer. She found a way to turn her passion into a full-blown career! The weather essentially sets her schedule, so she’s not working a typical nine-to-five job. A full-circle moment for her was watching Rick Mitchell on air with her mom growing up, and now she gets to work with him every day.
“If there’s a CTE program that aligns with your career goals, take advantage of it—it’s a great way to set yourself apart before even getting to college,” Ryann said. “For anyone interested in this field, I strongly recommend studying meteorology and pairing it with journalism, rather than focusing on journalism alone.”
“Remember that your age doesn’t disqualify you from achieving something great or even something that’s never been done before. You don’t have to wait to be great—you can start planning your future now and go after it.”
(Photo by Thanin Viriyaki)
