Life, Physical, and Social Science
These workers use scientific research to help solve problems and expand knowledge.
Overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 98,700 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 147,900 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2022).
Agricutural and Food Science Technicians and Scientists
Agricultural and food science technicians assist agricultural and food scientists.
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Anthropologists and Archeologists
Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans.
Atmospheric Scientists
Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate.
Biochemists, Biophysicists and Biological Technicians
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists conduct laboratory tests and experiments.
Chemists and Materials Scientists and Technicians
Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another.
Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers.
Conservation Scientists and Foresters
Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
Economists
Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Scientists and Specialists
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
Epidemiologists, Medical Scientists and Microbiologists
Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.
Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.
Forensic Science Technicians
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
Geographers and Geoscientists
Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
Geological and Petroleum Technicians
Geological and petroleum technicians provide support to scientists and engineers in exploring and extracting natural resources.
Historians
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources.
Hydrologists
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
Nuclear Technicians
Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production.
Physicists and Astronomers
Physicists and astronomers study the ways in which various forms of matter and energy interact.
Political Scientists
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.
Psychologists and Sociologists
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments.
Sociologists study society and social behavior.
Survey Researchers
Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data.
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.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.