Measures the exact size, shape, and gravity of the Earth so GPS and maps are accurate.
You process satellite data to track how the ground moves a few millimeters a year and update the reference system every GPS in the country uses.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Degree in geodesy, geomatics, physics, or geophysics; often a master's or PhD.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geomatics, Geophysics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering.
Growing about average. Tiny field at NOAA, NGA, and satellite companies.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps process satellite data, but building reference frames and gravity models takes deep, rare expertise.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-1022.
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.