Also called: EM Specialist, Microscopy Scientist
Operates powerful microscopes that can see individual atoms.
You prepare samples thinner than a soap bubble and image them with an electron beam, revealing defects in chip materials or the structure of a virus.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 5 years after high school. Bachelor's or master's in materials science, physics, or biology.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Biology.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI automates image capture and analysis; preparing ultra-thin samples and running microscopes stay skilled work.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Chemistry, Photography.
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.