Also called: Fusion Scientist
Studies plasma, the super-hot fourth state of matter, to make fusion, the power source of the Sun, work on Earth.
You plan an experiment where plasma hotter than the Sun's core is held by magnetic fields for a few seconds, then spend weeks analyzing the data to understand why it wobbled.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in physics, often specializing in plasma physics.
Ways in: Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). 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. AI now controls plasma in experiments and speeds simulation; fewer people do routine modeling, but new physics stays human.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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