Also called: Meteorite Scientist
Studies meteorites and space dust to figure out how the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago.
You slice a meteorite thinner than paper and fire an ion beam at it to measure atoms. Some grains in your sample are older than the Sun.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in geochemistry, chemistry, or planetary science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Geology, Planetary Science.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. AI speeds data analysis; precise lab work on meteorites stays hands-on.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Earth science, AP Physics, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2031.
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