Also called: Robot Learning Scientist, Robotics Researcher
Invents new ways for robots to see, move and learn, often at university labs or big tech companies.
You train a robot arm to fold laundry by letting it practice thousands of times in a simulation, then test it on real towels. Most attempts fail in funny ways; you study the videos, change the learning method and try again.
AI-robotics startups and big tech can pay far more, often with stock.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in robotics, computer science, mechanical or electrical engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science.
Growing faster than average. Not tracked separately by BLS; robotics hiring is growing quickly.
Low risk for 10 years. AI is the research subject itself; inventing new robot abilities and testing them in real labs is growing, not shrinking.
Classes: AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, AP Physics, Engineering CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2199.
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.