Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.

Median annual wage: $84,400

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 5%

Chemical technicians use laboratory instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers research, develop, produce, and test chemical products and processes.

Median annual wage: $49,820

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 5%

Postsecondary teachers, often referred to as professors or faculty, specialize in a variety of subjects and fields. At colleges and universities, professors are organized into departments by degree field, such as history, science, or business. A professor may teach one or more courses within that department. For example, a mathematics professor may teach calculus, statistics, and a graduate seminar on a topic related to polynomials.

Median annual wage: $80,560

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 12%

Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate, and examine how those conditions affect human activity and the earth in general.

Median annual wage: $99,740

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Teachers help prepare their students for the next stage in their lives, building on the fundamentals taught in previous years. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market.

Median annual wage: $61,540

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7-8%

Laboratory managers need to ensure that laboratories are fully supplied so that scientists can run their tests and experiments. Some specialize in the management of laboratory animals.

Median annual wage: $137,940

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 6%

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. Mathematicians and statisticians present findings from their analyses and discuss the data’s limitations in order to ensure accurate interpretation.

Median annual wage: $110,860

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 33%

Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods.

Median annual wage: $79,300

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 6%

Biological technicians, sometimes called laboratory assistants, typically are responsible for doing scientific tests, experiments, and analyses under the supervision of biologists (such as microbiologists) or medical scientists who direct and evaluate their work.

Median annual wage: $46,340

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. They may study theory, design and perform experiments, or apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment.

Median annual wage: $129,850

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. Also called Clinical Research Coordinators.

Median annual wage: $91,510

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 17%

Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope. Some astronomers study distant galaxies and phenomena such as black holes and neutron stars. Others monitor space debris that could interfere with satellite operations.

Median annual wage: $119,730

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Clinical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.

Median annual wage: $54,180

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 11%

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.

Median annual wage: $73,230

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.

Median annual wage: $66,350

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 5%

Project managers play the lead role in planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing out projects. They are accountable for the entire project scope, the project team and resources, the project budget, and the success or failure of the project.

Median annual wage: $77,420

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 3%

Epidemiologists are public health workers who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy.

Median annual wage: $74,560

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 30%

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Median annual wage: $64,020

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

Compliance officers examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

Median annual wage: $71,100

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 5%

Medical Doctors  promote, maintain or restore health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments. Medical Doctors can specialize in specific areas of health, such as pediatrics, dermatology, surgery, anesthesiology or gynecology.

Median annual wage: $208,000 or more

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 3%

Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. They design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Median annual wage: $208,000 or more

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes.

Median annual wage: $118,050

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 9%

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.

Median annual wage: $128,710

Projected job growth over next 10 years: -2%

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform x rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.

Median annual wage: $74,690

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 9%

Medical and health services managers, also called healthcare executives or healthcare administrators, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an entire facility, a specific clinical area or department, or a medical practice for a group of physicians. Medical and health services managers must adapt to changes in healthcare laws, regulations, and technology.

Median annual wage: $104,280

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 32%

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.

Median annual wage: $164,010

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.

Median annual wage: $99,250

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 17%

Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain. They are often an important part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

Median annual wage: $91,010

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 21%

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis.

Median annual wage: $60,590

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 16%

Software developers create the computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Median annual wage: $110,140

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 22%

Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.

Median annual wage: $88,950

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 14%

Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

Median annual wage: $93,730

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

A data scientist's role combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They analyze, process, and model data then interpret the results to create actionable plans for companies and other organizations.

Median annual wage: $98,230

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 28%

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in a criminal or civil trial by presenting evidence and arguing in support of their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest courses of action in business and personal matters.

Median annual wage: $126,930

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 9%

Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in decisions about expending money to attain profit. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.

Median annual wage: $83,660

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 6%

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.

Median annual wage: $118,610

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 8%

Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. They study how rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation impact river flows or groundwater levels, and how surface water and groundwater evaporate back into the atmosphere or eventually reach the oceans.

Median annual wage: $84,040

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 6%

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment.

Median annual wage: $100,830

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.

Median annual wage: $160,970

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 13%

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.

Median annual wage: $108,540

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 9%

Mining and geological engineers design mines to safely and efficiently remove minerals such as coal and metals for use in manufacturing and utilities.

Median annual wage: $93,800

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 4%

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly.

Median annual wage: $73,560

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. 

Median annual wage: $76,340

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 7%

Cost estimators collect and analyze data in order to estimate the time, money, materials, and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building, or provide a service. They generally specialize in a particular product or industry.

Median annual wage: $66,610

Projected job growth over next 10 years: little to no change

Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk of potential events, and they help businesses and clients develop policies that minimize the cost of that risk.

Median annual wage: $111,030

Projected job growth over next 10 years: 24%