Also called: Process Scanning Technician, Tower Scan Technician
Uses a small radioactive source to "x-ray" giant refinery towers while they run, finding broken trays and blockages inside.
You climb a 200-foot distillation tower and lower a shielded source down one side while a detector drops down the other. The readings show where liquid sits on each tray. Your report tells engineers whether a $5 million shutdown is needed or the tower can keep running.
Lots of travel and per diem.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Associate degree or science background helps; radiation safety training and field experience are required.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Process Technology, Chemical Engineering Technology, Physics.
Growing about average. Refineries and chemical plants avoid costly shutdowns.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Software helps interpret scan curves, but climbing towers, handling sources safely and running scans stays human.
Classes: Chemistry, Physics, Algebra II, Process technology class.
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