Also called: Ocean Acoustics Scientist, Sonar Scientist
Studies how sound travels through the ocean, for submarine sonar, whale research, and seafloor mapping.
You might spend weeks on a research ship lowering underwater microphones, or analyze recordings to tell a submarine from a whale. Navy labs in Rhode Island, Maryland, and San Diego hire many of these scientists.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or PhD in acoustics, physics, or ocean engineering; many jobs need a security clearance.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Ocean Engineering, Acoustics, Electrical Engineering.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI tells whales from submarines in recordings; research cruises and cleared Navy work stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Earth science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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