In addition to job openings resulting from employment growth, openings will arise from the need to replace managers who retire or move into other occupations. Competition for jobs in this occupation is expected to be strong because of its typically higher salaries, greater control over some types of projects, and better access to resources. Experiences can vary widely with the variety of industries and organizations these managers work in.
| Job Title | 2018 median Pay | Education | Number of Jobs | Job Outlook | What they do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $123,860 | Bachelor's degree | 56,700 | Employment of natural sciences managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth should be affected by many of the same factors that affect employment growth for the scientists whom these managers supervise. | Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct activities related to research and development, and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production. |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $118,370 | Master's degree | 27,900 | Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects, because many companies report difficulties finding these highly skilled workers. | Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields. |
| Software Developers, Applications | $105,590 | Bachelor's degree | 1,256,200 | Employment of software developers is projected to grow 24 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software. | Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $93,280 | Doctoral or professional degree | 31,500 | Employment of biochemists and biophysicists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. More biochemists and biophysicists will be needed to use the knowledge they have gained from basic research to develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives. | Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $84,810 | Doctoral or professional degree | 120,000 | Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Medical scientists will continue to be needed because they contribute to the development of treatments and medicines that improve human health. | Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. |
| Microbiologists | $71,650 | Bachelor's degree | 23,200 | Employment of microbiologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More microbiologists will be needed to contribute to basic research, solve problems encountered in industrial production processes, and monitor environmental conditions to ensure public health and safety. | Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments. |
| Epidemiologists | $69,660 | Master's degree | 6,100 | Employment of epidemiologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Epidemiologists are likely to have good job prospects overall. | Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy. |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $63,420 | Bachelor's degree | 19,400 | Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study human and wildlife interactions as the human population grows and development impacts wildlife and their natural habitats. However, because most funding comes from governmental agencies, demand for zoologists and wildlife biologists will be limited by budgetary constraints. | Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats. |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $60,320 | Bachelor's degree | 1,018,700 | Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Rising student enrollment should increase demand for high school teachers, but employment growth will vary by region. | High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. |
| Exercise Physiologists | $49,270 | Bachelor's degree | 15,100 | Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand may rise as hospitals emphasize exercise and preventive care to help patients recover from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and improve their overall health. | Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. |
