Builds math and computer models of how brains compute—ideas that also inspire AI.
Writes code simulating thousands of neurons to test a theory of how the brain recognizes faces, then compares it with real recordings from a lab partner.
Estimate; AI-industry roles pay more.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in neuroscience, physics, math, or computer science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Neuroscience, Applied Math, Computer Science.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Mostly modeling and code that AI now writes quickly; fewer junior modelers, though new theory and lab partnerships stay human.
Classes: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, AP Physics, AP Biology.
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.