Also called: Research Technician
Runs equipment in labs that simulate other planets or analyze space samples.
You load a Mars simulation chamber with fake Martian dirt, cool it to -100°F, and log the results for scientists.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in a lab science.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Geology, Laboratory Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated instruments run more tests; preparing samples and equipment stays hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Earth science, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4042.
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.