Also called: Toxinologist, Antivenom Scientist
Studies snake, spider, and scorpion venoms to develop antivenoms and new medicines.
Analyzes the proteins in rattlesnake venom, tests whether a new antivenom neutralizes them, and searches for venom molecules that could become painkillers or blood-pressure drugs. (Some top drugs started as snake venom.)
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biochemistry, pharmacology, or toxicology.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biology.
Growing about average. Tiny but fascinating field.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI protein design is already creating lab-made antivenoms, changing the field; lab work and testing stay human-led.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Statistics, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1042.
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.