Also called: Uniformed Service Officer (NOAA)
Serves in a little-known uniformed service that drives research ships and flies hurricane-hunter planes for ocean and weather science.
Stands watch on the bridge of a research ship mapping the seafloor, helps scientists launch instruments, and some officers fly into hurricanes.
Pay follows military officer scales plus allowances.
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 science, math, or engineering, then Basic Officer Training.
Ways in: 4-year college, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Science, Engineering, Meteorology.
Growing about average. Small service (~330 officers); not tracked by BLS.
Low risk for 10 years. Ships get more automated, but driving research vessels and flying hurricane hunters stay crewed by officers.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Earth science.
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