Also called: Imaging Scientist, Image Processing Scientist
Turns raw black-and-white space data into the stunning color images that appear in the news.
You combine images taken through different filters, remove cosmic-ray speckles, and balance the colors so the picture is both beautiful and scientifically honest.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in physics, astronomy, imaging science, or computer science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Imaging Science, Astronomy, Computer Science.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI pipelines now turn raw data into color images automatically, so fewer specialists; artistic judgment remains.
Classes: Art or photography, Computer science, Physics, Astronomy.
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.