Also called: Lab Technician
Helps scientists set up experiments, run tests, and keep lab equipment working.
You prep material samples for testing, run a small plasma device, log data, and keep the lab organized.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in a science or engineering technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Engineering Technology, Physics.
Growing faster than average. Fusion isn't tracked by BLS; private fusion companies have raised billions and are hiring fast, but commercial power is still years away.
Medium risk for 10 years. Lab automation handles some data and routine setup; hands-on experiment work keeps techs needed but with fewer roles.
Classes: Physics, Chemistry, Electronics CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4012.
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