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Ranked list · 48 careers

48 Science Jobs, Ranked by Fit and Pay (2026)

Physicist tops this list at $172,250 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), with +7.2% projected employment change over 2025–2035. Below are 48 careers that meet the criteria, each with its real median wage, outlook and entry requirement.

Careers on this list
48From 1,731 in the bank
Median pay on the list
$106,220BLS OEWS, May 2025
Projected to grow
47 of 48BLS EP, 2025–2035
Openings a year
163,700Combined, BLS EP

Method

How we built this list

Careers in the natural, physical and life sciences: research scientists, lab specialists and the technicians who run experiments and fieldwork. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages.

  1. Careers in the natural, physical and life sciences: research scientists, lab specialists and the technicians who run experiments and fieldwork. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages.
  2. Occupations with no BLS wage or projection data are excluded rather than estimated.
  3. The list is regenerated from source data on every bank refresh. It is not hand-picked and no editorial ranking is applied.

The list

The top 48 science jobs

100% of these careers already have a full profile page; the rest publish with the next tranche and show the same bank data here in the meantime.

  1. 1

    1. Physicist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $172,250median a year
    Growth
    +7.2%
    Openings / yr
    1,300
    Education
    Doctorate

    Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

  2. 2

    2. Natural Sciences Manager

    Management

    Median pay
    $167,220median a year
    Growth
    +8.2%
    Openings / yr
    9,200
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  3. 3

    3. Completions Engineer

    Specialty within petroleum engineer

    Median pay
    $144,910median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +2.0%
    Openings / yr
    1,000
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs how a newly drilled oil or gas well is finished and stimulated, from casing perforation to hydraulic fracturing, so it can produce safely.

  4. 4

    4. Reservoir Engineer

    Specialty within petroleum engineer

    Median pay
    $144,910median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +2.0%
    Openings / yr
    1,000
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Estimates how much oil and gas an underground reservoir holds and plans how to produce it, using rock and fluid data, decline analysis and simulation models.

  5. 5

    5. Fusion Engineer

    Specialty within nuclear engineer

    Median pay
    $133,970median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +0.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs and builds the magnets, plasma-facing parts and systems of experimental fusion machines that aim to generate power the way the sun does.

  6. 6

    6. Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

    Specialty within nuclear engineer

    Median pay
    $133,970median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +0.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Prevents accidental nuclear chain reactions at facilities that handle uranium and plutonium, such as fuel plants, labs and waste sites.

  7. 7

    7. Nuclear Decommissioning Engineer

    Specialty within nuclear engineer

    Median pay
    $133,970median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +0.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plans and manages the safe dismantling of retired nuclear power plants and research facilities and the cleanup of their sites.

  8. 8

    8. Nuclear Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $133,970median a year
    Growth
    +0.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

  9. 9

    9. Nuclear Fuel Engineer

    Specialty within nuclear engineer

    Median pay
    $133,970median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +0.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs nuclear reactor fuel and plans how fuel assemblies are loaded and used in a reactor core over each operating cycle.

  10. 10

    10. Biochemist and Biophysicist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $127,410median a year
    Growth
    +12.3%
    Openings / yr
    2,900
    Education
    Doctorate

    Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.

  11. 11

    11. Turnaround Manager

    Specialty within industrial production manager

    Median pay
    $126,060median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +2.6%
    Openings / yr
    17,000
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plans and runs the scheduled shutdowns of refineries and chemical plants when units are taken offline for inspection, repair and upgrades.

  12. 12

    12. Chemical Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $125,040median a year
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    1,100
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology o…

  13. 13

    13. Refinery Process Engineer

    Specialty within chemical engineer

    Median pay
    $125,040median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    1,100
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Monitors and optimizes the units of an oil refinery, such as crude distillation and catalytic crackers, to run them safely and profitably.

  14. 14

    14. Nanosystems Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $122,930median a year
    Growth
    +3.7%
    Openings / yr
    8,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engine…

  15. 15

    15. Senior Reactor Operator

    Specialty within nuclear power reactor operator

    Median pay
    $122,890median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    −5.9%
    Openings / yr
    400
    Education
    High school

    Holds an NRC senior operator license to direct reactor operations and supervise the control room crew at a nuclear power plant.

  16. 16

    16. Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $122,570median a year
    Growth
    +2.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,400
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security.

  17. 17

    17. Materials Scientist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $117,790median a year
    Growth
    +8.3%
    Openings / yr
    600
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass.

  18. 18

    18. Process Safety Engineer

    Specialty within health and safety engineer, except mining safety engineers and inspectors

    Median pay
    $115,160median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.4%
    Openings / yr
    1,200
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Prevents fires, explosions and toxic releases at chemical plants and refineries by analyzing process hazards and managing safety systems.

  19. 19

    19. Corrosion Engineer

    Specialty within materials engineer

    Median pay
    $112,860median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +7.5%
    Openings / yr
    1,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Prevents metal structures such as pipelines, refineries, bridges and ships from corroding by choosing materials, coatings and cathodic protection.

  20. 20

    20. Materials Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $112,860median a year
    Growth
    +7.5%
    Openings / yr
    1,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications.

  21. 21

    21. Nuclear Monitoring Technician

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $110,240median a year
    Growth
    +1.1%
    Openings / yr
    900
    Education
    Associate's

    Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

  22. 22

    22. Nuclear Technician

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $110,240median a year
    Growth
    +1.1%
    Openings / yr
    900
    Education
    Associate's

    Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities.

  23. 23

    23. Mine Planning Engineer

    Specialty within mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers

    Median pay
    $106,220median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +3.8%
    Openings / yr
    300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs how a mine will be dug over days, years and decades, deciding the sequence, equipment and pit or tunnel layouts.

  24. 24

    24. Mine Ventilation Engineer

    Specialty within mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers

    Median pay
    $106,220median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +3.8%
    Openings / yr
    300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs the airflow systems that keep underground mines breathable, cool and free of dangerous gas and dust.

  25. 25

    25. Mineral Processing Engineer

    Specialty within mining and geological engineer, including mining safety engineers

    Median pay
    $106,220median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +3.8%
    Openings / yr
    300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs and runs the plants that crush, grind and separate ore to recover copper, gold, lithium and other minerals.

  26. 26

    26. Genome Editing Scientist

    Specialty within medical scientist, except epidemiologists

    Median pay
    $103,410median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +12.6%
    Openings / yr
    10,500
    Education
    Doctorate

    Uses CRISPR and related tools to precisely change DNA, developing treatments for genetic diseases, research models and improved crops.

  27. 27

    27. Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teacher, Postsecondary

    Educational Instruction and Library

    Median pay
    $103,170median a year
    Growth
    +2.4%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Doctorate

    Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics.

  28. 28

    28. Foundry Engineer

    Specialty within manufacturing engineer

    Median pay
    $102,440median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +12.4%
    Openings / yr
    23,100
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Develops the processes for casting molten metal into parts such as engine blocks, pump housings and aerospace components.

  29. 29

    29. Welding Engineer

    Specialty within manufacturing engineer

    Median pay
    $102,440median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +12.4%
    Openings / yr
    23,100
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Designs welding procedures, selects processes and materials, and solves joining problems for ships, pipelines, vehicles and structures.

  30. 30

    30. Geophysicist

    Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers

    Median pay
    $101,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Uses physics-based measurements like seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical surveys to see beneath the ground without digging.

  31. 31

    31. Geoscientist, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $101,920median a year
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth.

  32. 32

    32. Petrophysicist

    Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers

    Median pay
    $101,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Interprets well logs and rock samples to determine how much oil, gas or water a rock formation holds and how easily it will flow.

  33. 33

    33. Seismologist

    Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers

    Median pay
    $101,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Studies earthquakes and the seismic waves they send through the Earth to locate quakes, assess hazards and map the planet's interior.

  34. 34

    34. Volcanologist

    Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers

    Median pay
    $101,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Doctorate

    Studies active and ancient volcanoes to understand how eruptions work and to warn communities before volcanic hazards strike.

  35. 35

    35. Wellsite Geologist

    Specialty within geoscientist, except hydrologists and geographers

    Median pay
    $101,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +5.1%
    Openings / yr
    1,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Represents the oil and gas operator at the drilling rig, interpreting rock samples and logs to identify formations and guide where the well goes.

  36. 36

    36. Physics Teacher, Postsecondary

    Educational Instruction and Library

    Median pay
    $100,310median a year
    Growth
    +2.4%
    Openings / yr
    1,100
    Education
    Doctorate

    Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy.

  37. 37

    37. Atmospheric and Space Scientist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $99,070median a year
    Growth
    +2.6%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

  38. 38

    38. Climatologist

    Specialty within atmospheric and space scientist

    Median pay
    $99,070median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +2.6%
    Openings / yr
    800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Analyzes long-term weather records and climate models to explain climate patterns, trends and risks for agencies, farms and businesses.

  39. 39

    39. Bioinformatics Scientist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $98,920median a year
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    4,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical inform…

  40. 40

    40. Biologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $98,920median a year
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    4,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

  41. 41

    41. Geneticist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $98,920median a year
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    4,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level.

  42. 42

    42. Molecular and Cellular Biologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $98,920median a year
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    4,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

  43. 43

    43. Synthetic Biologist

    Specialty within biologist

    Median pay
    $98,920median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +4.7%
    Openings / yr
    4,300
    Education
    Doctorate

    Redesigns the DNA of microbes, cells and plants so they produce useful things, from medicines and materials to food ingredients and fuels.

  44. 44

    44. Hydrologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $96,600median a year
    Growth
    +1.5%
    Openings / yr
    400
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the ear…

  45. 45

    45. Chemistry Teacher, Postsecondary

    Educational Instruction and Library

    Median pay
    $93,250median a year
    Growth
    +2.3%
    Openings / yr
    1,700
    Education
    Doctorate

    Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances.

  46. 46

    46. Chemist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $91,240median a year
    Growth
    +6.4%
    Openings / yr
    5,900
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

  47. 47

    47. Cosmetic Chemist

    Specialty within chemist

    Median pay
    $91,240median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +6.4%
    Openings / yr
    5,900
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Formulates and tests skin care, hair care and makeup products, balancing performance, safety, stability and feel.

  48. 48

    48. Cultivated Meat Scientist

    Specialty within food scientist and technologist

    Median pay
    $88,720median (parent occupation)
    Growth
    +6.2%
    Openings / yr
    1,000
    Education
    Master's

    Develops meat grown from animal cells rather than raised animals, working on cell lines, growth media, bioreactors and the texture and taste of the final product.

Questions

Science Jobs: FAQ

What is the top career on the science jobs list?

Physicist leads the list with a median wage of $172,250 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) and projected employment change of +7.2% over 2025–2035. Typical entry-level education is doctorate.

How was this list put together?

Careers in the natural, physical and life sciences: research scientists, lab specialists and the technicians who run experiments and fieldwork. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages. Careers in the natural, physical and life sciences: research scientists, lab specialists and the technicians who run experiments and fieldwork. Careers centred on this field come first, then the ones that touch it, each group ranked by national median pay from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Specialty careers, which BLS reports inside a broader occupation, show that occupation’s figures and are labelled on their pages. Every figure comes from BLS OEWS May 2025, BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035 and O*NET 31.0 Database.

How much do science jobs pay?

Across the 48 careers on this list the middle occupation pays $106,220 a year, from $88,720 at the bottom to $172,250 at the top (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The median across all US occupations is $50,980.

How many of these careers can you enter without a degree?

1 of the 48 careers on this list have a typical entry requirement below an associate's degree: a high school diploma, a postsecondary certificate, or no formal credential (BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035).