Also called: Quantum Information Scientist
Invents the step-by-step methods quantum computers will use to solve problems ordinary computers can't.
You work with pencil, paper, and code to find a quantum shortcut for simulating a new drug molecule or optimizing a delivery route. You prove how much faster it could be and test small versions on real quantum machines in the cloud.
Quantum jobs are new and not tracked separately by BLS; figures are estimates from industry salary surveys and related occupations.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in physics, computer science, or mathematics.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics.
Growing much faster than average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI helps search for algorithms and check proofs; creative new methods stay human, but the field depends on hardware progress.
Classes: AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, Linear algebra dual-enroll.
Official data: O*NET occupation 15-1221.
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.