Also called: Fusion Researcher
Works on recreating the power of the sun on Earth to make nearly limitless clean energy.
You might analyze data from a fusion 'shot' that lasted a few seconds, design a magnet to hold 100-million-degree plasma, or help build a private fusion startup's first power plant. The field got a jolt when Lawrence Livermore achieved fusion ignition in 2022.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in physics or nuclear engineering; startups also hire engineers with bachelor's or master's degrees.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Growing much faster than average. Private fusion companies have raised billions and are hiring quickly.
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps control plasma and analyze shots, and a wave of fusion startups needs more scientists than exist.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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.