Also called: Exoplanet Astronomer
Finds planets orbiting other stars and studies their air for signs of habitability.
You analyze the tiny dimming of a star as a planet passes in front of it, then use a space telescope to check that planet's atmosphere for water vapor.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in astronomy or physics.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Uses BLS astronomers category.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI finds planet signals in telescope data faster; interpreting atmospheres and new theories stay human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, Astronomy.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.