Also called: eDNA Specialist, Molecular Ecologist
Detects which species live in a place from tiny traces of DNA in water, soil, or air.
Filters a liter of stream water, extracts DNA, and finds out if endangered salamanders or invasive carp are present, without ever seeing the animals.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in ecology or molecular biology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science.
Growing about average. Tracks BLS biological scientists.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automated samplers and AI species calls are growing; field sampling and lab work stay human, in a growing field.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
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.