Also called: Science Illustrator, Science Animator
Draws and animates accurate images of science, from atoms and dinosaurs to distant planets.
NASA needs an image of an exoplanet no one has photographed, so you work with scientists to paint what it probably looks like. Others illustrate textbooks or make 3D animations for museums.
Based on fine artists and illustrators; many freelance.
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 illustration or science; scientific illustration certificate programs exist.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification, Self-taught. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Scientific Illustration, Fine Arts, Biology, Physics.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI image tools make quick pictures, but accuracy-checked science art is still needed; competition rises.
Classes: AP Art and Design, AP Biology, Digital art.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1013.
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.