Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
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 faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2034. About 144,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently.
The median annual wage for this group was € 78,980 in May 2025, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of € 49,500.
Make it Work employment projections, wage, and other data for related occupations not shown in the following table are available on the Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail page. Information highlighting physical demands, cognitive and mental requirements, and other qualifications for workers in this group are available in a Make it Work Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) profile.
| Â | OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATIONÂ  | 2025 MEDIAN PAYÂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | Agricultural and food science technicians help scientists with testing and research related to plants, animals, fibers, and food and beverage products. | Associate’s degree | € 48,480 |
 | Agricultural and Food Scientists | Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of agricultural and food production establishments. | Bachelor’s degree | € 78,770 |
 | Anthropologists and Archeologists | Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. | Master’s degree | € 64,910 |
 | Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists | Atmospheric scientists study, report on, and forecast the weather and climate. | Bachelor’s degree | € 97,450 |
 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. | Doctoral or professional degree | € 103,650 |
 | Biological Technicians | Biological technicians assist biological and medical scientists with tasks such as laboratory setup, data collection, and observation. | Bachelor’s degree | € 52,000 |
 | Chemical Technicians | Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials. | Associate’s degree | € 57,790 |
 | Chemists and Materials Scientists | Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. | Bachelor’s degree | € 86,620 |
 | Conservation Scientists and Foresters | Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. | Bachelor’s degree | € 69,060 |
 | Economists | Economists conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data. | Master’s degree | € 115,440 |
 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians | Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. | Associate’s degree | € 49,490 |
 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists | Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health. | Bachelor’s degree | € 80,060 |
 | Epidemiologists | Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. | Master’s degree | € 83,980 |
 | Forensic Science Technicians | Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. | Bachelor’s degree | € 67,440 |
 | Geographers | Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants. | Bachelor’s degree | € 97,200 |
 | Geological and Hydrologic Technicians | Geological and hydrologic technicians support scientists and engineers in exploring, extracting, and monitoring natural resources. | Associate’s degree | € 50,510 |
 | Geoscientists | Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. | Bachelor’s degree | € 99,240 |
 | Historians | Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources. | Master’s degree | € 74,050 |
 | Hydrologists | Hydrologists study water and how it moves across and through the Earth’s crust. | Bachelor’s degree | € 92,060 |
 | Medical Scientists | Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. | Doctoral or professional degree | € 100,590 |
 | Microbiologists | Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. | Bachelor’s degree | € 87,330 |
 | Nuclear Technicians | Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other scientists in nuclear power generation and production activities, such as operating or maintaining nuclear testing equipment. | Associate’s degree | € 104,240 |
 | Physicists and Astronomers | Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy. | Doctoral or professional degree | € 166,290 |
 | Political Scientists | Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. | Master’s degree | € 139,380 |
 | Psychologists | Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. | Bachelor’s degree | € 94,310 |
 | Sociologists | Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together. | Master’s degree | € 101,690 |
 | Survey Researchers | Survey researchers design and conduct surveys and analyze data. | Master’s degree | € 63,380 |
 | Urban and Regional Planners | Urban and regional planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities in cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and other jurisdictions. | Master’s degree | € 83,720 |
 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems. | Bachelor’s degree | € 72,860 |