Also called: Solar Physicist, Space Plasma Physicist
Studies the Sun and how its blasts of particles and magnetic storms affect space and Earth.
You study images from a spacecraft orbiting near the Sun, model how a solar flare erupted, and work with forecasters on how it could hit satellites and power grids.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in physics, astrophysics, or space physics.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI improves solar storm forecasts and finds patterns in data; building theories and mission science stay human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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.