Resonant enhancements in the magnetic Compton cross section can produce regions of limited extent in an x‐ray pulsar magnetosphere where the radiation force on electrons balances the gravitational force on protons. Infalling material outside the pulsar accretion column can collect in this region to form a radiation‐supported scattering atmosphere. We propose that these scattering atmospheres can explain energy‐dependent features in the observed pulse profiles of 4U 1626‐67 and 4U 1538‐52. Less complex pulse profiles will be observed at higher photon energies because the scattering atmospheres, which are supported by resonant Compton radiation pressure, become transparent to photons with energies greater than the cyclotron energy at the pulsar surface. ©1994 American Institute of Physics.