Also called: NIST Physicist, Standards Scientist
Defines and protects the official meaning of a kilogram, a volt, and a meter.
You might build an instrument called a Kibble balance that measures mass using electricity, or create standard samples that labs nationwide use to check their machines.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in physics, chemistry, or engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Low risk for 10 years. Building national standards like Kibble balances is careful, accountable lab work AI only assists.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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