Also called: Seafloor Mapper
Maps the depth and shape of the seafloor so ships can navigate safely.
You run multibeam sonar from a survey boat, process the data into nautical charts, and spot shipwrecks and hazards. Offshore wind projects need lots of seafloor mapping.
Based on surveyors.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in hydrography, geomatics, or ocean engineering; certification available.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geomatics, Ocean Engineering, Oceanography.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Uncrewed survey boats and AI processing map more seafloor with fewer people; offshore wind keeps some demand.
Classes: Geometry, Physics, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-1022.
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