Studies how cloud droplets, ice, and rain form, the biggest uncertainty in climate predictions.
You might fly through clouds in a research plane, or create clouds in a lab chamber to watch ice crystals grow.
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 or physics.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Atmospheric Science, Physics, Chemistry.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). Growth is for atmospheric scientists overall.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI helps analyze data, but research flights and lab cloud chambers stay hands-on in a small field.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2021.
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.