Also called: Pipe Stress Analyst
Makes sure the miles of hot, high-pressure pipe in refineries and power plants don't crack, sag or burst.
You build a computer model of a steam line, heat it up virtually, and see where it pushes too hard on pumps or supports. Then you add loops and spring hangers so the pipe can safely grow and shrink.
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 engineering; PE license helps.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years). Mechanical engineers overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. Stress software with AI automation handles more routine pipe models; judging complex loads, code compliance and field fixes stays human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Drafting or CAD, Chemistry.
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.