Also called: Exobiologist
Searches for life beyond Earth by studying extreme life here and on other planets.
Astrobiologists study microbes in boiling hot springs, Antarctic lakes, and deep mines to learn where life could exist on Mars or icy moons. Some help design instruments for NASA missions.
Estimate; mostly NASA and university positions.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 10 years after high school. PhD in biology, chemistry, geology, or planetary science.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. AI speeds genome and spectral analysis; fieldwork in extreme environments, instrument design and forming hypotheses stay with scientists.
Classes: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Astronomy or Earth Science, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-1029.
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.