Also called: Satellite Data Scientist (Weather)
Turns images from weather satellites into forecasts and climate records.
You write code that converts raw satellite data into maps of clouds, fog and wildfire smoke, then check it against ground observations. New satellites mean new algorithms to build and test.
Main employers are NOAA, NASA and their contractors.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or PhD in atmospheric science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Physics.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years). Atmospheric scientists overall.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI now turns satellite data into cloud and smoke maps automatically; fewer algorithm developers needed.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2021.
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