Also called: Systematist
Discovers, names, and classifies species—there are millions still undescribed.
Compares tiny beetle specimens under a microscope, notices one doesn't match any known species, and writes the official description giving it a new scientific name.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in systematics, zoology, or botany.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Zoology, Botany.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). Estimate.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI image and DNA tools sort specimens and flag new species; formal description and expert judgment stay human.
Classes: AP Biology, Latin or Greek, Art or drawing.
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.