Also called: Ecotoxicologist, Risk Assessor
Figures out how dangerous chemicals are to people and wildlife, and what level of exposure is safe.
You review studies on a chemical like PFAS ('forever chemicals'), calculate health risks for people living near a contaminated site, and set cleanup targets. You might testify about whether a pollutant caused harm.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. Usually a PhD in toxicology; DABT board certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Toxicology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health.
Growing faster than average. PFAS regulations are driving demand.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI predicts chemical toxicity and speeds literature reviews; lab studies and expert risk calls stay human, with fewer junior roles.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Biology, Statistics.
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.