Also called: Geodetic Scientist
Measures the exact shape, size, and gravity of the Earth, which makes GPS and maps accurate.
At NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, you track how continents drift a few inches a year and update the coordinate system that every map and self-driving car depends on.
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 geodesy, geophysics, or surveying engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Geophysics, Surveying Engineering, Physics, Mathematics.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). Growth is for geoscientists overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI processes GPS and satellite data automatically; maintaining the national coordinate system stays human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Geometry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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.