Also called: Quantum Physicist, Quantum Hardware Scientist
Builds and improves quantum computers, machines that use the weird rules of quantum physics to compute.
In a lab full of gold-plated refrigerators colder than outer space, you tune laser pulses that control individual atoms or superconducting qubits. A good day is when your qubits stay stable a few microseconds longer.
Estimate; BLS physicists median roughly $160k.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics.
Growing much faster than average. Small but fast-growing field backed by government and big-tech investment.
Low risk for 10 years. Building quantum computers is frontier lab science; AI helps with control and data, but the hardware work is human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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