These are the 3 coolest jobs in Arizona, study shows. How does your job compare?

Yahoo! News - May 14th, 2025
Open on Yahoo! News

Career.io has highlighted three of the coolest jobs in Arizona, following a survey of 3,002 respondents across the United States. The featured roles include an astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, an environmental scientist at Biosphere 2 near Tucson, and a chief engineer at World View Enterprises in Tucson. These positions are not only unique to Arizona's landscape but also offer engaging and dynamic work environments. Astronomers at Lowell study under clear skies and earn around $127,000, environmental scientists thrive in the futuristic Biosphere 2 earning $65,000 to $90,000, while chief engineers at World View Enterprises work with high-altitude balloons for $90,000 to $140,000 annually.

The significance of these roles extends beyond their immediate appeal, reflecting Arizona's integration of science, innovation, and adventure. Lowell Observatory is a historic site of astronomical discovery, Biosphere 2 offers insights into sustainable ecosystems, and World View Enterprises pushes the boundaries of aerospace technology. These careers not only attract tourists and science enthusiasts but also contribute to advancements in their respective fields, highlighting Arizona as a hub for innovative and 'cool' jobs that intersect with cutting-edge research and exploration.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an engaging and informative look at some of the most unique and appealing jobs in Arizona. It excels in accuracy, with well-supported claims and reliable sources, and maintains clarity with straightforward language and structure. However, it could benefit from greater transparency regarding the survey methodology and a more balanced perspective that includes potential challenges associated with these roles. While the topic is timely and of public interest, its impact is somewhat limited by its niche focus. Overall, the article effectively captures readers' attention and provides valuable insights into these fascinating careers, though it could enhance its depth and engagement through additional context and interactive elements.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, with detailed and verifiable information about the coolest jobs in Arizona. The claims about the jobs, including their locations, historical significance, and salary ranges, are corroborated by the data from Career.io and other sources. For example, the article correctly identifies the Astronomer position at Lowell Observatory with its historical context and salary details, aligning with the survey data. Similarly, the description of the Environmental Scientist role at Biosphere 2 and the Chief Engineer at World View Enterprises matches publicly available information. The only minor area needing further verification is the precise methodology of the survey conducted by Career.io, which is not fully detailed in the article.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the coolest jobs in Arizona by highlighting three distinct careers, each with unique attributes and historical contexts. However, it primarily focuses on the positive aspects of these jobs, such as their uniqueness and the excitement they bring. There is little mention of potential challenges or downsides associated with these roles, which could provide a more balanced perspective. Additionally, while the article does not overtly favor one job over another, it might benefit from including perspectives on how these jobs compare to other careers in terms of job satisfaction or work-life balance.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the discussion of each job. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for a general audience to understand. However, the article could be improved by providing more context at the beginning about why these jobs were chosen as the 'coolest' and what criteria were used. Additionally, including clear transitions between sections would enhance the overall readability and help maintain the reader's engagement.

8
Source quality

The primary source of information, Career.io, is a credible platform for career guidance, lending reliability to the article's claims. The use of Career.io's survey data provides a solid foundation for the story. However, the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, such as interviews with individuals working in these roles or expert opinions on the significance of these careers. This would enhance the depth and authority of the reporting, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed.

6
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by citing Career.io as the source of its data, but it lacks detailed information about the survey's methodology. There is no discussion of how the respondents were selected or the specific criteria used to determine the 'coolest' jobs. Additionally, while the article mentions that the story originally appeared in the Arizona Republic, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or affiliations that might influence the reporting. Greater transparency about these aspects would improve the article's credibility and help readers understand the basis of the claims.

Sources

  1. https://career.io/career-advice/survey-reveals-the-coolest-careers-in-each-state
  2. https://prescottenews.com/2025/04/28/an-astronomer-at-lowell-observatory-voted-arizonas-coolest-career/
  3. https://career.io/career-advice/us-states-career-ladder-biggest-pay-rise
  4. https://career.io/jobs/q-data-center-analyst
  5. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm