Rich Marriott Biography: Career, Personal Life, and Achievements

Rich Marriott has been a familiar face on KING 5, Seattle’s leading television network, for decades. As a meteorologist with a deep passion for weather forecasting, his name has become synonymous with accuracy, credibility, and authority.

From predicting mountain weather to working with the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), Marriott’s extensive weather experience and technical knowledge have earned him a place in the hearts of viewers across the Pacific Northwest.

In this comprehensive biography, we’ll explore Rich Marriott’s early life, education, career highlights, and personal endeavors. We’ll also dive into the specialized expertise that makes him a vital figure in meteorology today.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Rich Marriott
Date of Birth	June 17, 1949
Age	75 Years Old (as of 2024)
Height	5 feet 7 inches
Weight	70 Kgs
Birthplace	Long Beach, California
Education	– Bachelor’s in Physics (California State University, Long Beach)- Master’s in Atmospheric Sciences (University of Washington)
Occupation	Meteorologist, Weathercaster, TV Personality
Career Start at KING 5	1987
Notable Organizations	– Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)- KING 5- National Weather Service Office
Significant Events Covered	Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010, Various weather events in the Pacific Northwest
Estimated Salary	$100,000 per year
Estimated Net Worth	$1.5 million
Social Media Presence	– Twitter: 15,000+ followers- Facebook: 10,000+ followers- Instagram: 8,000+ followers
Family	Married, 2 children, granddaughters
Awards	Emmy Awards, AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM)
Hobbies/Interests	Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, Environmental Causes
Special Skills	Avalanche Forecasting, Mountain Weather Prediction, Climate Change Analysis

Rich Marriott’s Early Life & Background

Born in the coastal city of Long Beach, California, Rich Marriott grew up surrounded by the vibrant weather systems of Southern California. Living in a seaside community, he developed an early interest in environmental analysis and weather phenomena. This curiosity would later shape his academic and professional journey.

Although information on his early family life remains private, Rich’s love for the outdoors and nature played a significant role in guiding him toward a career in meteorology. He had always been fascinated by weather patterns, a passion that eventually led him to study the science behind them.

Rich Marriott Age & Physical Appearance

Rich Marriott was born on June 17, 1949, which makes him 75 years old as of 2024. Standing at 5 feet 7inches tall and maintaining a healthy weight, Marriott appears fit for someone who’s been in the industry for so long.

His weather expertise and professionalism are reflected not only in his calm demeanor on camera but also in his sharp, intellectual presence.

Education & Professional Training

Rich Marriott holds an impressive academic background in atmospheric science. His undergraduate education began at California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physics. Marriott’s early focus on the underlying mechanics of weather systems was evident from the beginning of his studies.

He later pursued a Master’s degree at the University of Washington (UW) in Atmospheric Sciences. The Pacific Northwest college provided him with the postgraduate qualification that allowed him to specialize in mountain weather and avalanche forecasting a critical aspect of his career. During his time at UW, he collaborated closely with the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the National Weather Service Office, where he refined his weather forecasting skills.

Rich Marriott’s Career Beginnings

Rich Marriott’s career began at the Northwest Avalanche and Mountain Weather Forecast Center (NWAC), a crucial avalanche forecasting agency in the Pacific Northwest. Working as a forest service meteorologist, Marriott specialized in mountain weather forecasting, focusing on the safety of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals navigating dangerous mountain terrains.

His unique skill set ranging from computer modeling to avalanche forecasting positioned him as one of the region’s foremost experts in mountain weather. His collaboration with NWAC contributed significantly to outdoor safety in the region, particularly in snow-prone areas.

Rich Marriott’s Career at KING 5

Marriott joined KING 5, Seattle’s premier news station, in 1987. His vast meteorological expertise quickly made him a trusted figure on screen. Rich’s tenure at the station spans over 30 years, making him one of the longest-serving broadcast correspondents in the region.

Over the years, Marriott has covered countless significant weather events, from regional snowstorms to shifts in climate patterns. His ability to simplify complex meteorological concepts into easy-to-understand forecasts has endeared him to his audience. His role in KING 5‘s coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010 showcased his expertise on an international platform, contributing to his reputation as a media professional with global experience.

Career Highlights:

• 1987: Joined KING 5 as a weathercaster.
• 2010: Covered the Vancouver Winter Olympics, focusing on the event’s impact on local weather.
• Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) collaboration: Continued involvement in mountain weather forecasting.

Rich’s presence at KING 5 has also extended beyond weather. His collaborative work with the station’s investigative team has brought attention to critical issues like Climate Change and environmental shifts in the Pacific Northwest.

Personal Life: Family, Wife, & Children

While Rich Marriott keeps his family life private, it is known that he is a dedicated family man. He is married and has two children and granddaughters. His ability to balance a demanding career with his personal life has earned him admiration not only from his colleagues but also from viewers who value his relatable, down-to-earth nature.

Marriott and his wife are long-time residents of Seattle, where they enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. His passion for mountain activities and the outdoors remains an integral part of his life outside the newsroom.

Rich Marriott’s Expertise in Mountain Weather Forecasting

Rich Marriott’s expertise in mountain weather is one of his most unique contributions to the field of meteorology. His long-standing partnership with the Northwest Avalanche and Mountain Weather Forecast Center (NWAC) has enabled him to provide critical insights into avalanche safety and mountain weather forecasting for the region.

This work plays an essential role in protecting skiers, snowboarders, and hikers from potential natural hazards.

Avalanche Forecasting Skills:

• Specialized in mountain weather prediction.
• Collaborated with NWAC to provide accurate avalanche forecasts.
• Developed critical systems for outdoor safety in the Pacific Northwest.

Rich Marriott’s Impact on Meteorology in the Pacific Northwest

Rich Marriott has significantly impacted weather forecasting in the Pacific Northwest. His unique blend of meteorological expertise and broadcasting skills has helped increase public awareness of weather patterns that affect the region, especially in terms of global warming and weather pattern changes.

Marriott has been instrumental in communicating the realities of Climate Change to the general public, leveraging his years of experience to present both short-term forecasts and long-term weather predictions.

As a prominent voice at KING 5, he has guided the station’s weather coverage and helped build a strong connection between the network and its viewers.

Key Contributions:

• Educated the public about global circulation and atmospheric alterations.
• Promoted discussions around Climate Change and its local impacts.
• Played a crucial role in environmental analysis for the Pacific Northwest.

Rich Marriott Salary & Net Worth

With decades of experience and his long-standing tenure at KING 5, Rich Marriott is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $1.5 million. His salary at the news station is reported to be around $100,000 per year.

As one of the most experienced meteorologists in the region, Marriott’s earnings reflect his valuable contributions to broadcast journalism and weather forecasting.

Awards & Recognitions

Rich Marriott’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has earned multiple Emmy Awards for his contributions to weather broadcasting and public service.

His recognition by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and various other industry organizations highlights the depth of his meteorological expertise.

Notable Awards:

• Emmy Award for excellence in broadcasting.
• AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation.

Rich Marriott’s Hobbies, Interests, & Personal Pursuits

Outside of his work in meteorology, Rich Marriott remains an active participant in the outdoor safety community. His love for the mountains whether skiing, hiking, or simply exploring as stayed with him throughout his life.

Interests:

• Mountain sports, including skiing and snowboarding.
• Involvement in environmental causes.
• Engaging with the community through public speaking and weather education.

Social Media & Public Image

Rich Marriott has embraced the digital age and maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.

Through these channels, he shares weather updates, personal insights, and engages with his followers. His Twitter account boasts over 15,000 followers, making him a respected voice in the Seattle media community.

Social Media Metrics:

Platform	Followers
Twitter	15,000+
Facebook	10,000+
Instagram	8,000+

Conclusion

Rich Marriott’s biography is one of dedication, expertise, and continuous growth. His career at KING 5 has seen him become a trusted weather forecaster and TV personality with deep ties to the Pacific Northwest community. Through his knowledge of avalanche forecasting, his involvement in climate change education, and his passion for meteorology, Marriott has not only shaped the field but also impacted countless lives in the process.

As a seasoned American journalist, Rich Marriott’s legacy at KING 5 will remain a cornerstone of Seattle’s broadcast journalism landscape for years to come. His unique blend of scientific expertise and approachable personality ensures that his influence will continue to be felt by future generations of meteorologists and weather enthusiasts alike.

FAQ’s

What is Rich Marriott’s role at KING 5?

Rich Marriott is a seasoned meteorologist at KING 5, specializing in weather forecasting and avalanche safety.

How long has Rich Marriott been with KING 5?

Rich Marriott has been with KING 5 for over 30 years, joining the station in 1987.

What is Rich Marriott’s educational background?

Rich holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington.

Has Rich Marriott received any awards for his work?

Yes, Rich Marriott has won multiple Emmy Awards and holds the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation.

Is Rich Marriott active on social media?

Yes, Rich is active on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing weather updates and engaging with followers.