Also called: Fiber Scientist
Develops high-tech fabrics, from sweat-wicking athletic wear to fire-resistant suits and bulletproof vests.
You test a new fabric for stretch, breathability, and durability, maybe for an astronaut glove or a performance jersey.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in textile engineering, chemistry, or materials science (NC State has a top textiles college).
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Textile Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science & 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 helps design fabrics; testing stretch, breathability and durability stays hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Fashion or sewing class, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2032.
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.