Also called: Shipboard Science Technician
Runs the scientific equipment aboard research ships so scientists can collect data.
Marine techs launch water samplers, operate winches, keep sonar and sensors calibrated, and troubleshoot gear in the middle of the ocean, often spending 3-6 months a year at sea.
Estimated from university research-fleet job postings.
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 or engineering; hands-on technical skill matters most.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Oceanography, Engineering Technology, Marine Science.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Instruments get smarter, but launching samplers, running winches and fixing gear at sea stays hands-on.
Classes: Physics, Electronics CTE class, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4099.
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.