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Employment of life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, which will result in about 97,400 new jobs. Increasing demand for expertise in the sciences, particularly in occupations involved in biomedical research, psychology, energy management, and environmental protection, is projected to result in employment growth.

The median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $66,070 in May 2018, which was higher than the median wage for all occupations of $38,640.

  OCCUPATION JOB SUMMARY ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2020 MEDIAN PAY Help
Agricultural and food science technicians Agricultural and Food Science Technicians

Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists.

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Agricultural and food scientists Agricultural and Food Scientists

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

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Anthropologists and archeologists Anthropologists and Archeologists

Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.

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Atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists

Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate.

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Biochemists and biophysicists Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.

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Biological technicians Biological Technicians

Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.

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Chemical technicians Chemical Technicians

Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers.

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Chemists and materials scientists Chemists and Materials Scientists

Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another.

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Conservation scientists and foresters Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

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Economists Economists

Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.

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Environmental science and protection technicians Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.

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Environmental scientists and specialists Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.

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Epidemiologists Epidemiologists

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.

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Forensic science technicians Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.

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Geographers Geographers

Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.

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Geological and petroleum technicians Geological and Petroleum Technicians

Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources.

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Geoscientists Geoscientists

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.

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Historians Historians

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.

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Hydrologists Hydrologists

Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.

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Medical scientists Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

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Microbiologists Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.

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Nuclear technicians Nuclear Technicians

Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production.

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Physicists and astronomers Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact.

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Political scientists Political Scientists

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

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Psychologists Psychologists

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.

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Sociologists Sociologists

Sociologists study society and social behavior.

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Survey researchers Survey Researchers

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.

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Urban and regional planners Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.

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Zoologists and wildlife biologists Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.

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Last Modified Date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019