Also called: Ride Engineer, Amusement Ride Designer
Designs the track, trains and safety systems for roller coasters and thrill rides.
You shape a new coaster's track in 3D software, checking the g-forces riders feel at every loop so it's thrilling but never dangerous. Months later you watch the first test train run with sandbags in the seats before anyone rides it.
A small number of design firms worldwide hire for this.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical or civil engineering; ride companies train you on the job.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering.
Growing about average. Small, competitive niche; not tracked separately by BLS.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps check forces and draw track; ride design, testing and safety sign-off stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, CAD class, Art or design.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.
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.