Many people assume that the top science careers are reserved for those with advanced degrees. After all, it's certainly true that with a PhD or Master of Science degree, jobs in research and management become more available to you. But, sometimes, four years of college is all it takes to land one of the highest-paying careers in the science field. Here are two dozen of the top-paying careers in science at the bachelor's level or above:
1. Natural sciences manager: $145K
Natural sciences managers are in charge of coordinating scientific research and development projects. They set goals, establish budgets, and direct the work of developers and researchers. They also keep labs stocked, oversee production activities, and review research results. This is one of the best jobs in science in terms of earning potential; you'll need several years of research experience to get into it.
2. Physicist: $131K
This is one of the most common jobs that come to mind when people think of scientists. Physicists aim to understand the workings of the natural world. They conduct research into and develop theories about the fundamental principles governing the interactions between energy and matter. There are many specialties available in this field.
3. Pharmacist: $126K
Dispensing medications and teaching people about the potential side effects of their prescriptions is one of the best-paying jobs that use science. Most pharmacists work in community pharmacies, but some work in hospitals and clinics, advising health care personnel about drug dosages and interactions. Others are involved in pharmaceutical research. You'll need a Doctor of Pharmacy degree for this career.
4. Astronomer: $122K
Focusing on the far reaches of space can come with a hefty paycheck. Astronomers seek to understand how planets, stars, and galaxies form and evolve. They use powerful telescopes and satellites to observe celestial bodies and make predictions about the future of the universe. A PhD is usually required for these research positions.
5. Chemical engineer: $117K
Want to use chemistry to solve problems? Chemical engineers develop the manufacturing processes and equipment that turn chemical materials into commercial products. They're involved in the creation of anything from food and fuel to plastics and pharmaceuticals, and they are often employed in processing plants, research labs, and oil and gas refineries. A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering can get you started.
6. Materials scientist: $100K
Drawing on their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biology, materials scientists analyze the properties, structure, and performance of different materials in order to adapt them for specific uses. They look at how processing changes each type of material and how materials can be combined to create products with specific characteristics. This is a multi-disciplinary field that generally requires an advanced degree.
7. Pharmacologist: $100K (median)1
How do medications and drugs affect the organs, tissues, and cells of the human body? That's the main question pharmacologists try to answer. They study the properties, effects, and therapeutic uses of different chemical compounds. While pharmacists are typically involved in patient care, pharmacologists generally focus on research. Most of them work in labs.
8. Medical research scientist: $99K
Broadly speaking, medical research scientists seek to find new ways to improve human health. They study the underlying causes of different diseases and try to come up with methods of treating and preventing such problems. This is an in-demand area of science: Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow faster than average between 2016 and 2026.3
9. Meteorologist: $97K
Studying atmospheric phenomena in order to make predictions about future climate and weather conditions is among the highest-paying science careers. Jobs for meteorologists are available with broadcasters, utility companies, and agricultural organizations. You can get into the field with a bachelor's degree in physics or atmospheric science.
10. Biomedical engineer: $97K
Designing and building devices and equipment to solve problems in medicine is the job of biomedical engineers. They use their engineering expertise and in-depth understanding of biological systems to create anything from artificial organs and imaging machines to surgical lasers and radiation therapy equipment. Many well-paying positions are open to candidates with bachelor's degrees.
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