Also called: Volcano Scientist
Studies volcanoes, how they erupt, and how to warn people before they do.
Volcanologists hike up active volcanoes in Hawaii, Alaska, or Washington to sample gas and lava, install seismometers and GPS stations, and watch data streams for signs of an eruption. During a crisis they brief officials on whether to evacuate towns.
Based on BLS geoscientists data.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in geology or geophysics for most research jobs, often with the USGS Volcano Hazards Program or universities.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science, Chemistry.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Machine learning sorts seismic and gas data for eruption signals; field sampling, instrument installs and briefing officials in a crisis stay human.
Classes: Earth Science, Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calculus.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2042.
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.