March 14 is Scientists Day, as well as being Pi Day. Scientists contribute to our knowledge in countless ways, from helping us solve everyday problems to leading discoveries of new galaxies. If you’re interested in a science career, there’s good news: many jobs in science are growing — and they pay well, too.
While there are many exciting options, we’re highlighting 10 life and physical scientist occupations below. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth for those shown in the chart to be faster than the average for all occupations (2.8%) from 2022 to 2032.
Animal scientists study domestic farm animals, including research into their genetics, nutrition, growth and development.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Median annual wage, 2022: $69,390
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 2,800
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 200
Astronomers and physicists research and interpret the interactions of matter and energy.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 5% (faster than average)
Median annual wage, 2022: $139,220
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 23,600
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 1,500
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity and disease.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 7% (faster than average)
Median annual wage, 2022: $103,810
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 34,500
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 2,800
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products or knowledge.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Median annual wage, 2022: $81,810
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 95,000
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 7,200
Environmental scientists and geoscientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Median annual wage, 2022: $78,730
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 113,300
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 9,600
Epidemiologists investigate, analyze, and determine patterns and causes of disease and health outcomes.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 27% (much faster than average)
2022 annual median pay: $78,520
Typical entry-level education: Master’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 10,000
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 800
Food scientists and technologists analyze the nutritional content of food, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safe and healthy.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 8% (much faster than average)
2022 annual median pay: $79,860
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 15,300
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 1,300
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 10% (much faster than average)
2022 annual median pay: $99,930
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 119,000
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 7,500
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms to understand how they live, grow, and interact with their environments.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 5% (faster than average)
2022 annual median pay: $81,990
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 20,900
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 1,700
Soil scientists and plant scientists examine the composition of soil, how it affects plant or crop growth, and how alternative soil treatments affect crop productivity.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 5% (faster than average)
2022 annual median pay: $65,730
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of jobs, 2022: 17,200
Occupational openings, projected 2022–32 annual average: 1,400
Explore these and hundreds of other occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook online or by downloading the CareerInfo app, available for iOS and Android devices. You’ll also find career exploration and assessment tools at the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Resource Center.
Patricia Tate is an economist in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on X at @BLS_gov.