Also called: Periglacial Geologist, Arctic Soil Scientist
Studies frozen ground in the Arctic and how its thawing releases carbon, sinks roads, and reshapes landscapes.
A permafrost scientist drills cores in Alaska's tundra, installs temperature sensors deep in the ground, studies collapsing hillsides, and works with villages whose buildings are sinking.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. Bachelor's in geology or environmental science, then a PhD.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-2042: Faster than average (5% to 6%).
Low risk for 10 years. Remote sensing and AI map thaw from above, but drilling cores, installing sensors and working with Arctic communities stays on the ground.
Classes: Earth Science, AP Environmental Science, Chemistry, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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