Also called: Meteorite Lab Technician, Sample Processing Technician
Prepares and catalogs space rock samples for scientists in clean labs.
You cut tiny chips of meteorite with special saws, mount them on slides, and log every gram, all while wearing a cleanroom suit.
Based on geological technicians.
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 or associate degree in geology or chemistry.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geology, Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Cutting and logging space rocks in clean labs is careful handwork.
Classes: Earth science, Chemistry, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4043.
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