The kinds of jobs in science are almost inexhaustible as there is a science to most everything, but we will narrow down to what we classify as the pure sciences. The pure sciences are generally regarded as the following fields:
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth/Environmental
• Physics
Science jobs include astronomers whose job it is to study about the fundamental nature of the universe as well as heavenly bodies such as the galaxies, the stars, and the planets and their moons. Astronomers try to find solutions to problems in navigation and develop instruments and methods used in observing and collecting astronomical data. Their jobs demand working odd hours, mostly late at night and early mornings, to enable them to observe celestial phenomena. Observatories, the usual workplace of astronomers, are specially constructed buildings having special equipment used by astronomers. Astronomers are employed in several industries including academic institutions, the federal government, and scientific research and development services. Employment outlook for astronomers is expected to grow by about 16 percent, faster than the average for all jobs. The mean annual salary for astronomers is $103,000.00.
Biologists study all living things and perform research to have better understanding of basic life processes and apply this knowledge to producing new and better things and processes. Most biologists conduct their research inside special laboratories but some, especially, botanists and zoologists, do a lot of field studies since a large part of their work involves collecting live specimens. More than two-thirds of biologists are employed by the government; others are employed by educational institutions, research and development services, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. The job outlook for biologists is excellent all through 2018 and expected to grow just above 20 percent. The median annual salary for biologists is around $67,000.00.
Another area of jobs in science is chemistry. Chemists study matter at the atomic and molecular scale. They try to find the composition, properties, and chemical reactions of the materials and then they study their possible practical applications. Most of the work done by chemists is in research and development services and in pharmaceutical and medical corporations so they usually work regular hours in offices or laboratories. Some are employed in architectural or engineering services and also in government agencies. Still others work in basic chemical manufacturing. Employment outlook for chemists until the year 2018 will be slow, at around 3 percent because of heavy competition. The median annual wage for chemists is around $67,000.00.
The earth and environmental scientists study pollution of the air, soil, and water, as well as other environmental problems and they find ways to solve them. They present to their colleagues and the public the ways and means on how to clean the environment. They could make use of knowledge from other sciences, such as biology or chemistry, in finding solutions. The science employment outlook is expected to grow as the world enters an era of trying to find alternatives energy sources which produce less pollution. At present environmental scientists earn a median annual salary of around $67,000.00.
Physicists study matter and its motion thru space and time. Some study the nature of time and origins of the universe and other theories try to find practical use of their knowledge of physics and develop new and improved materials and equipment. Physicists usually work regular hours in laboratories but could at times spend long hours researching ground breaking projects. Physicists are usually employed in research and development services or by the government. A few are employed by schools, hospitals, and consulting services. The job outlook for physicists thru 2018 is expected to grow around 16 percent and their median annual salary is around $103,000.00.
All these jobs in science require at least bachelors’ degrees in their respective fields to qualify for entry level positions such as technicians. Master’s degree holders qualify for supervisory or managerial level jobs requiring background in their respective field or teaching jobs. To qualify for basic research and development positions, candidates are usually required to have Ph.D. degrees.
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