Planetary Science
Planetary Science
Earth, Weather & Space Sciences
Planetary Science workers investigate planets, moons, asteroids and planetary processes through missions, laboratories and models.
What You Would Do
- Planetary Science workers investigate planets
- Moons
- Asteroids and planetary processes through missions
- Laboratories and models
- Follow the standards
- Procedures and documentation required for the work
The exact work depends on the specialty, research question, location, instruments, data and responsibility.
Types of Work You Could Explore
Mission data — Organize, protect, analyze and explain information using appropriate software and standards.
Geology — Explore geology. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Atmospheres — Explore atmospheres. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Remote sensing — Use sensors on satellites, aircraft or other platforms to study places without direct contact.
Sample analysis — Explore sample analysis. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Mapping — Organize location-based information into maps that help people understand patterns and make decisions.
Modeling — Explore modeling. Learn what the specialty does, where it is used, which tools and standards apply, and what education or supervised experience employers expect.
Instrument science — Set up, operate, check or maintain equipment used to measure or control a process.
You do not have to choose a specialty before you begin. Job titles and specialty names vary among employers and training programs, and one job may include more than one type of work.
Who Might Like This Career
This career may appeal to you if you are interested in mission data, geology, atmospheres. It can be a good fit for people who enjoy careful problem solving, accurate work, learning how natural systems, evidence and useful decisions connect and seeing a clear result from their effort.
Where You Could Work
space agencies, universities, national laboratories, aerospace firms, museums and research institutes.
Pay and Job Outlook
Median annual pay: $166,880 in May 2025 for physicists and astronomers, a broad comparison group.
These are national U.S. figures for the occupation or comparison group named above, not a promised starting salary. Pay can vary considerably by location, experience, specialty, overtime, union agreement, employer, specialty, education, location and funding. People starting the career commonly earn less than experienced workers; paid training programs may increase wages as skills grow.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics career and pay information
Skills You Can Start Building
- Planetary Science workers investigate planets, moons, asteroids and planetary processes through missions, laboratories and models
- Follow the standards, procedures and documentation required for the work
- Collect observations, samples or measurements accurately
- Use maps, models, instruments or data systems
- Check data quality and explain uncertainty
- Recognize patterns and communicate findings
- Work with scientists, technicians, agencies or community partners
How Planetary Science Work Is Changing
Satellites, radar, autonomous instruments, drones, high-resolution mapping and improved simulations are changing observation and forecasting.
AI can help detect patterns, combine observations and improve models. Scientists must still test assumptions, communicate uncertainty and verify whether an output makes sense.
Digital models, satellite data, automated sensors and faster computing are expanding what scientists can observe and predict. People still must choose sound methods, check data quality, understand uncertainty and connect results to real conditions.
Education and Training
Preparation may include paid technician work, apprenticeship, CTE, college or university study. Scientist roles commonly require a bachelor’s or graduate degree; technician, instrumentation and operations roles may have more work-based routes.
Career Pathways and Apprenticeship Availability
Typical pathway: Employer training and related paid experience are common; apprenticeship availability varies.
Planetary-science pathways often require advanced education. Technician and mission-support apprenticeships may provide paid entry routes.
A Registered Apprenticeship follows an approved training plan and combines paid work, supervised learning, related instruction and progressive skill development. Some employers use the word apprenticeship for paid programs that are not registered. Ask the sponsor which type it is and what credential, wage progression and job it provides.
Licenses and Certifications
Requirements vary. Some field, drone, marine, aviation, radiation or instrument work uses licenses or certifications; scientist roles are more often defined by education and research experience. Verify the specific employer and jurisdiction.
Look up licenses in your state
Career Pathways to Learn Planetary Science and Gain Experience
Apprenticeship — Learn through real paid work with experienced workers who teach and guide you, supported by technical instruction and a structure for developing and measuring progress. Some apprenticeships are Registered Apprenticeships; others are not.
Entry-Level Jobs — Gain paid experience with tools, equipment, customer service, safety and workplace practices through beginning work in the field.
Youth Apprenticeship — Begin developing career skills through work while continuing high-school education where a suitable program is available.
Career and Technical Education CTE — Build applied skills through programs in environmental science, geospatial technology, electronics, instrumentation, aviation, data or related fields.
Pre-Apprenticeship — Learn introductory skills, safety and workplace expectations while preparing for apprenticeship or employment. Verify that the program connects participants with real employers and does not charge tuition simply for possible access to an apprenticeship.
Co-op — Combine education with career-related work experience through a high school, CTE program, community college or other educational program.
Paid Work-Based Learning — Get paid to do real work for an employer while learning skills and gaining experience related to the career.
Technical or Instrument Training — Learn specific mapping, sensing, modeling or measurement systems through supervised employer, manufacturer or professional training.
From Learning to Experienced Work
Skills develop through practice and experience. People who are new to the work usually receive more instruction and supervision. As they demonstrate skill, judgment and reliability, they take on more difficult work, greater responsibility and more independent assignments.
A common progression: Learn → Practice → Gain Experience → Build Confidence → Take on More Responsibility → Work More Independently
Experienced workers may eventually supervise work or teach and guide newer workers, trainees and apprentices.
Where This Career Can Lead
With experience, you may deepen a specialty, lead fieldwork or operations, manage instruments and data, mentor others or pursue advanced scientific research. Education requirements rise for many research and leadership roles.
Questions to Ask Before You Apply
- Is this a paid job from the beginning?
- Is it a Registered Apprenticeship, an employer-run apprenticeship, another training program or a regular job with training?
- What equipment and work will I learn, and who will teach me on the job?
- How does pay increase as I gain skills?
- Who provides the classes, and can I earn college credit or an industry credential?
- What tools, transportation, physical requirements, licenses, background checks or costs should I expect?
Explore related careers
Consider these careers with overlapping tools, materials, systems or work settings:
Space Science and Mission Operations
Environmental Field Science
Geological and Weather Instrumentation
Cartography and Photogrammetry
Remote-Sensing Technology
Geoscience Technology
Volcanology
Explore opportunities
Search apprenticeships and programs on Apprenticeship.com
Explore Apprenticeship.com state apprenticeship guides
Learn more from official career resources