Aerospace Engineer
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.
- $134,960/yr median
- +8.3% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Career field
Science, Engineering & Lab Careers
Test, measure, design and solve problems in labs, plants, offices and in the field.
Science and engineering careers range from lab and engineering technicians, who often need an associate degree or certificate, to engineers and scientists with bachelor’s degrees. They share a common core: careful measurement, clear documentation and a habit of asking why something works the way it does.
Technician roles are an underrated entry point. They pay solid wages, employers frequently fund further education, and many technicians move into engineering, quality or lab management roles with experience.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
47 science and engineering careers
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Build, test and maintain aircraft and spacecraft systems alongside engineers.
- $82,890/yr median
- +11.9% growth
- 2-year degree
Archaeologist
Uncover and study artifacts and sites to learn about past human life.
- $70,770/yr median
- +6.0% growth
- Bachelor’s plus field school; master’s for leadership
Architect
Design buildings that are safe, useful and beautiful.
- $99,280/yr median
- +4.3% growth
- 5–7 years of school plus internship
Astronomer
Study stars, planets and the universe using telescopes and data.
- $128,820/yr median
- +7.8% growth
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs
Biochemist
Study the chemistry of living things to develop medicines and new technologies.
- $127,410/yr median
- +12.3% growth
- 5–6 years after a bachelor’s
Biological Technician
Run experiments and lab work that power biology and biotech research.
- $57,510/yr median
- +7.4% growth
- 4 years
Biomedical Engineer
Design medical devices, implants and technology that improve patient care.
- $109,370/yr median
- +7.6% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
CAD Drafter
Turn engineers’ and architects’ designs into detailed technical drawings.
- $66,150/yr median
- +5.2% growth
- 1–2 years
Calibration Technician
Make sure gauges and instruments measure accurately.
- $67,820/yr median
- +4.8% growth
- 2 years
Cartographer
Make maps and analyze geographic data.
- $81,390/yr median
- +7.4% growth
- Entry-level with a degree
Chemical Engineer
Design processes that turn raw materials into fuels, medicines, food and chemicals.
- $125,040/yr median
- +4.7% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Chemical Technician
Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.
- $60,390/yr median
- +4.9% growth
- 2 years
Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
- $91,240/yr median
- +6.4% growth
- 4+ years
Civil Engineer
Design and build roads, bridges, water systems and the infrastructure we rely on.
- $100,840/yr median
- +6.4% growth
- 4 years + PE path
Civil Engineering Technician
Help civil engineers plan, design and test roads, bridges and infrastructure.
- $64,950/yr median
- +3.2% growth
- 2 years
Electrical Drafter
Draw wiring diagrams and electrical plans for buildings and equipment.
- $76,870/yr median
- -3.4% growth
- 2-year degree
Electrical Engineer
Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.
- $120,630/yr median
- +9.9% growth
- 4 years
Electronics Engineer
Design circuits and electronic systems for devices, vehicles and communications.
- $130,220/yr median
- +3.7% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Engineering Manager
Lead teams of engineers who design products, systems and structures.
- $171,270/yr median
- +5.5% growth
- 5+ years of engineering experience
Epidemiologist
Track diseases and find out what causes them to protect public health.
- $87,220/yr median
- +18.7% growth
- 2 years after a bachelor’s
Food Science Technician
Test food and ingredients to keep products safe, consistent and tasty.
- $52,130/yr median
- +4.8% growth
- 2 years
Food Scientist
Develop new foods and make sure food is safe and tasty.
- $88,720/yr median
- +6.2% growth
- 4-year degree
Forensic Science Technician
Collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes.
- $72,060/yr median
- +13.3% growth
- 4 years + training
Geographer
Study places, people and the environment using maps and spatial data.
- $102,040/yr median
- -2.1% growth
- 4-year degree
Geoscientist
Study the Earth’s rocks, water and processes to find resources and reduce hazards.
- $101,920/yr median
- +5.1% growth
- 4-year degree plus field camp
Historian
Research and interpret the past for governments, museums and the public.
- $76,750/yr median
- +3.0% growth
- 2 years after a bachelor’s
Marine Engineer
Design ships, submarines and offshore structures.
- $112,230/yr median
- +6.7% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Materials Engineer
Develop and test metals, plastics, ceramics and composites.
- $112,860/yr median
- +7.5% growth
- 4-year engineering degree
Materials Scientist
Research new materials for batteries, electronics and medicine.
- $117,790/yr median
- +8.3% growth
- 4+ years of study
Mathematician
Develop math theories and models to solve problems in science, business and security.
- $126,710/yr median
- +0.6% growth
- 2–6 years after a bachelor’s
Mechanical Drafter
Create detailed drawings of machines, parts and mechanical systems.
- $71,550/yr median
- -6.0% growth
- 2-year degree
Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.
- $104,110/yr median
- +11.2% growth
- 4 years
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Build, test and improve machines and mechanical products with engineers.
- $74,510/yr median
- +1.3% growth
- 2 years
Mechatronics Technician
Install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls.
- $73,900/yr median
- +2.6% growth
- 2 years
Medical Laboratory Technician
Run the lab tests doctors use to diagnose and treat patients.
- $62,930/yr median
- +2.7% growth
- 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist)
Medical Scientist
Research diseases and develop treatments to improve human health.
- $103,410/yr median
- +12.6% growth
- 5–8 years after a bachelor’s
Meteorologist
Forecast weather and study the atmosphere.
- $99,070/yr median
- +2.6% growth
- 4-year degree
Microbiologist
Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.
- $87,990/yr median
- +6.2% growth
- 4+ years
Natural Sciences Manager
Lead scientists and labs doing research and testing.
- $167,220/yr median
- +8.2% growth
- 5+ years of scientific experience
Physicist
Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works.
- $172,250/yr median
- +7.2% growth
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Semiconductor Processing Technician
Run the clean-room tools that make computer chips.
- $51,430/yr median
- +8.2% growth
- 1–6 months
Social Science Research Assistant
Help researchers collect and analyze data on people and society.
- $61,990/yr median
- +5.0% growth
- Entry-level with a degree
Sociologist
Study how groups, institutions and societies shape people’s lives.
- $106,030/yr median
- +3.8% growth
- 2–6 years after a bachelor’s
Statistician
Design studies and analyze data to answer questions in health, business and science.
- $105,650/yr median
- +11.0% growth
- 2 years after a bachelor’s
Surveying Technician
Collect measurements in the field and help surveyors map land.
- $54,240/yr median
- +5.8% growth
- 1–12 months
Surveyor
Measure land and set official property boundaries.
- $75,440/yr median
- +5.8% growth
- 4 years + experience
Compare science and engineering careers
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physicist | $172,250 | +7.2% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 2 | Engineering Manager | $171,270 | +5.5% | 5+ years of engineering experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 3 | Natural Sciences Manager | $167,220 | +8.2% | 5+ years of scientific experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 4 | Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 | +8.3% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 5 | Electronics Engineer | $130,220 | +3.7% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 6 | Astronomer | $128,820 | +7.8% | 5–7 years after a bachelor’s plus postdocs | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 7 | Biochemist | $127,410 | +12.3% | 5–6 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 8 | Mathematician | $126,710 | +0.6% | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 9 | Chemical Engineer | $125,040 | +4.7% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 10 | Electrical Engineer | $120,630 | +9.9% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 11 | Materials Scientist | $117,790 | +8.3% | 4+ years of study | Bachelor's degree |
| 12 | Materials Engineer | $112,860 | +7.5% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 13 | Marine Engineer | $112,230 | +6.7% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 14 | Biomedical Engineer | $109,370 | +7.6% | 4-year engineering degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 15 | Sociologist | $106,030 | +3.8% | 2–6 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 16 | Statistician | $105,650 | +11.0% | 2 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 17 | Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 | +11.2% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 18 | Medical Scientist | $103,410 | +12.6% | 5–8 years after a bachelor’s | Doctoral or professional degree |
| 19 | Geographer | $102,040 | -2.1% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 20 | Geoscientist | $101,920 | +5.1% | 4-year degree plus field camp | Bachelor's degree |
| 21 | Civil Engineer | $100,840 | +6.4% | 4 years + PE path | Bachelor's degree |
| 22 | Architect | $99,280 | +4.3% | 5–7 years of school plus internship | Bachelor's degree |
| 23 | Meteorologist | $99,070 | +2.6% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 24 | Chemist | $91,240 | +6.4% | 4+ years | Bachelor's degree |
| 25 | Food Scientist | $88,720 | +6.2% | 4-year degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 26 | Microbiologist | $87,990 | +6.2% | 4+ years | Bachelor's degree |
| 27 | Epidemiologist | $87,220 | +18.7% | 2 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 28 | Aerospace Engineering Technician | $82,890 | +11.9% | 2-year degree | Associate's degree |
| 29 | Cartographer | $81,390 | +7.4% | Entry-level with a degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 30 | Electrical Drafter | $76,870 | -3.4% | 2-year degree | Associate's degree |
| 31 | Historian | $76,750 | +3.0% | 2 years after a bachelor’s | Master's degree |
| 32 | Surveyor | $75,440 | +5.8% | 4 years + experience | Bachelor's degree |
| 33 | Mechanical Engineering Technician | $74,510 | +1.3% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 34 | Mechatronics Technician | $73,900 | +2.6% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 35 | Forensic Science Technician | $72,060 | +13.3% | 4 years + training | Bachelor's degree |
| 36 | Mechanical Drafter | $71,550 | -6.0% | 2-year degree | Associate's degree |
| 37 | Archaeologist | $70,770 | +6.0% | Bachelor’s plus field school; master’s for leadership | Master's degree |
| 38 | Calibration Technician | $67,820 | +4.8% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 39 | CAD Drafter | $66,150 | +5.2% | 1–2 years | Associate's degree |
| 40 | Civil Engineering Technician | $64,950 | +3.2% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 41 | Medical Laboratory Technician | $62,930 | +2.7% | 2 years (technician) or 4 years (technologist) | Bachelor's degree |
| 42 | Social Science Research Assistant | $61,990 | +5.0% | Entry-level with a degree | Bachelor's degree |
| 43 | Chemical Technician | $60,390 | +4.9% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 44 | Biological Technician | $57,510 | +7.4% | 4 years | Bachelor's degree |
| 45 | Surveying Technician | $54,240 | +5.8% | 1–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 46 | Food Science Technician | $52,130 | +4.8% | 2 years | Associate's degree |
| 47 | Semiconductor Processing Technician | $51,430 | +8.2% | 1–6 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
Getting hired in science and engineering
Keep a portfolio of lab reports, CAD drawings or projects. Hiring managers want proof that you can follow procedures and document results accurately.
What affects pay in this field
- Education level (associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree)
- Industry (semiconductors, energy, pharmaceuticals and federal labs often pay more)
- Licenses and certifications such as the PE, FE or ASCP
- Specialized instruments, software and regulated-lab experience
Find your fit
Take the Science, Engineering & Lab career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.
Science, Engineering & Lab careers FAQ
What is the highest-paying science and engineering career on this list?
Physicist has the highest median pay among our science and engineering profiles at $172,250 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Which science and engineering career is fastest to start?
Semiconductor Processing Technician typically takes about 1–6 months of training.
Which science and engineering career is growing fastest?
Epidemiologist, with projected growth of +18.7% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).
How do I choose the right science and engineering career?
Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Science, Engineering & Lab career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.