Also called: Earth System Modeler
Writes and runs the giant computer programs that simulate Earth's climate decades into the future.
You improve how a model handles clouds or ocean currents, run it on a supercomputer, and compare results to real observations.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in atmospheric science, physics, or applied math with strong coding.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Atmospheric Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). Growth is for atmospheric scientists overall.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI emulators now run climate scenarios far faster than giant models; fewer model developers needed.
Classes: AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, AP Physics C.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2021.
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