Also called: Isotope Geochemist, Rock-Dating Scientist
Figures out exactly how old rocks, fossils and ancient events are using radioactive "clocks."
You crush a rock, pick out zircon crystals smaller than a grain of sand under a microscope, and blast them with a laser inside a mass spectrometer. The ratio of uranium to lead tells you the rock formed, say, 1.8 billion years ago.
Mostly universities, the USGS and national labs.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in geology or geochemistry.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geology, Geochemistry, Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Geoscientists overall; small specialty.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Mass spectrometers automate more dating; picking crystals and interpreting ages stay skilled human work.
Classes: AP Chemistry, Earth science, AP Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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