Also called: Nanotechnologist
Builds materials just a few atoms wide, like graphene and quantum dots, with surprising powers.
You make sheets of graphene one atom thick, or tiny particles that glow different colors depending on size, then test them for use in batteries, medicine, or TV screens.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in materials science, chemistry, or physics.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Physics.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Growth is for chemists and materials scientists overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI suggests nanostructures; making graphene and quantum dots and testing them stay hands-on.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2032.
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