The 10 Highest-Paying Science Jobs to Apply for Now

Are you looking for a career that pays well and lets you put your hypotheses to the test? You’re in luck! With new discoveries and innovations happening all the time, careers in science offer endless possibilities for those who are curious and driven to make a difference in the world. In this article, you’ll explore the highest-paying science jobs and find the one that’s right for you.

Careers in the sciences encompass a wide range of professions that involve the study of the natural world such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. Some of the highest-paying science jobs can be found in academic institutions, government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.

Below, you’ll find a list of the top 10 highest-paying science jobs and companies. Plus, you’ll find out which science jobs are in high demand and steps to take to prepare yourself for a career in the sciences.

10 Highest-Paying Science Jobs

The 10-year job outlook provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows significant growth for some of the highest-paying science jobs. For example:

• Bioengineer and biomedical engineer jobs will increase by 10%.
• Data science jobs will increase by 36%.
• Computer and information research scientist jobs will increase by 21%.
• Chemical engineering jobs will increase by 14%
• Mathematics and statistician jobs will increase by 31% increase.

Below, you’ll find a list of the highest-paying science jobs. Plus, you’ll find a brief description of each job, the job requirements, and salary information.

1. Data Scientist

What you would do: Data scientists extract insights from structured and unstructured data. They also use statistical and computational techniques to analyze, clean, and visualize complex data sets.

What you’d need: To become a data scientist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. However, some employers require a master’s degree or doctorate. This job also requires experience with algorithms, database programs, and data-oriented programming languages such as Python and SQL.

How much you’d make: Data scientist positions are among the highest-paying science jobs, with a median salary of $107,686 per year.

Find data scientist jobs on Monster.

2. Pharmacist

What you would do: When you work as a pharmacist, you’ll safely dispense medications prescribed by doctors and other healthcare providers. Plus, you’ll provide medical advice to patients upon request, monitor medication usage, manage medication inventory, maintain patient and pharmacy records, and provide immunizations.

What you’d need: If you want to become a pharmacist, you’ll need to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Plus, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, complete a state-specific number of internship hours, and obtain a state-issued license.

How much you’d make: The median yearly salary for pharmacists is $105,531 per year, making it one of the highest-paying STEM jobs.

Find pharmacist jobs on Monster.

3. Biostatistician

What you would do: When you work as a biostatistician, you’ll apply statistical methods and principles to biology, public health, and medicine. You’ll also play a crucial role in designing and analyzing scientific studies and clinical trials.

What you’d need: Most biostatistician roles require a master’s degree in biostatistics, public health, or a similar field. Many employers prefer candidates who have a doctorate or Ph.D. in biostatistics.

How much you’d make: The median salary for biostatisticians is $97,561 per year, making it one of the highest-paying science jobs.

Find biostatistician jobs on Monster.

4. Nuclear Engineer

What you would do: Nuclear engineers design, develop, and maintain nuclear power plants and other facilities that use radioactive materials.

What you’d need: To get an entry-level job as a nuclear engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical science, or a related field. Many nuclear engineering jobs in research and development require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

How much you’d make: Why are nuclear engineer positions among the highest-paying science jobs? Nuclear engineers earn a median salary of $91,174 per year.

Find nuclear engineer jobs on Monster.

5. Physicist

What you would do: As a physicist, you’ll study the fundamental laws of matter and energy, work with mathematical models, conduct experiments in laboratories, and use computer simulations to model complex systems. Physicists work in a variety of fields such as quantum mechanics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.

What you’d need: A physicist job for the federal government (e.g., NASA or the U.S. Department of Defense) requires a bachelor’s degree in physics, physical science, engineering, or a related field. If you plan on working in academia or research, you’ll need a Ph.D. in physics or a similar area of study.

How much you’d make: Physicists earn a median yearly salary of $90,563, placing it into the top 10 highest-paying science jobs.

Find physicist jobs on Monster.

6. Chemical Process Engineer

What you would do: Chemical process engineers design and develop chemical processes that are used in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, food processing, and manufacturing. They also improve processes that transform raw materials into finished products.

What you’d need: Most chemical process engineer jobs require a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. You should complete course work in math, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

How much you’d make: Why are chemical process engineer positions among the highest-paying science jobs? The median yearly salary for chemical process engineers is $90,411.

Find chemical process engineer jobs on Monster.

7. Computational Biologist

What you would do: Computational biologists analyze and interpret biological data and work with biologists, biochemists, and other scientists to design experiments, collect data, and develop models to explain complex biological phenomena.

What you’d need: A computational biologist job requires at least a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates who have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.

How much you’d make: With a median annual salary of $87,441, computational biologist positions are one of the highest-paying STEM jobs.

Find computational biologist jobs on Monster.

8. Bioinformatician

What you would do: Bioinformaticians combine biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze and interpret biological data.

What you’d need: Bioinformatician jobs require at least a master’s degree in bioinformatics, computer science, computer engineering, computational biology, mathematics, or a related field.

How much you’d make: Bioinformatician jobs pay a median yearly salary of $82,297.

Find bioinformatician jobs on Monster.

9. Biomedical Engineer

What you would do: Biomedical engineering is one of the best STEM jobs because it applies engineering principles to biology and medicine to improve diagnoses, medical treatments, and disease prevention.

What you’d need: To get a biomedical engineer job, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field. You should also complete coursework in biology, physics, and chemistry.

How much you’d make: According to Monster’s salary data, biomedical engineers typically earn $79,154 per year.

Find biomedical engineer jobs on Monster.

10. Research Scientist

What you would do: Research scientists conduct experiments, make observations, and perform laboratory tests on everything from cell behavior to emerging medical treatments. They often work for government agencies, universities, private companies, and non-profit organizations.

What you’d need: Research scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related field. Many employers prefer a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a scientific field. If you plan on pursuing a computer and information research scientist job, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

How much you’d make: Research scientists typically earn a yearly salary of $78,384.

Find research scientist jobs on Monster.

What Companies Offer the Highest-Paying Science Jobs?

The companies outlined below are known for their innovative, cutting-edge research, and forward-thinking approaches to problem-solving. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you can find some of the highest-paying science jobs with these companies.

1. Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health products.

Johnson & Johnson has over 140,000 employees and operates in 60 countries around the world.

Find Johnson & Johnson jobs on Monster.

2. AbbVie

AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company that researches, develops, and produces a wide range of pharmaceuticals. It was founded in 2013 as a spin-off of Abbott Laboratories and has since become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

AbbVie’s most well-known products include the rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira and the hepatitis C drug Mavyret. AbbVie has about 50,000 employees across the globe and operates in more than 70 countries.

Find AbbVie jobs on Monster.

3. Genentech

Genentech is a biotech company known for its pioneering work in cancer research. The company’s products include cancer treatment medications Herceptin, Avastin, and Rituxan. Today, Genentech has over 2,400 employees has customers in more than 100 countries. 

Find Genentech jobs on Monster.

4. Biogen

Biogen is a biotech company that specializes in researching, developing, and manufacturing treatments for neurological, autoimmune, and hematologic disorders. Biogen employs more than 550 people and serves customers in over 80 countries.

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5. Novartis

Based in Switzerland, Novartis is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, operating in more than 140 countries. Novartis produces a wide range of drugs and treatments for various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurological disorders, and ophthalmic diseases.

About 108,000 people work for Novartis worldwide.

Find Novartis jobs on Monster.

6. Amgen Inc.

Amgen is a multinational biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures drugs to treat a variety of serious and life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

Amgen’s most well-known products include Enbrel, Neulasta, and Prolia. It employs nearly 23,000 people and operates in approximately 100 countries.

Find Amgen jobs on Monster.

7. Pfizer

Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company that researches, develops, manufactures, and markets medications and vaccines for humans and animals.

Pfizer is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, with a presence in more than 175 countries and over 80,000 employees.

Find Pfizer jobs on Monster.

8. Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories is a healthcare company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostic tests, and nutritional products.

Abbott Laboratories operates in over 160 countries and has more than 100,000 employees globally.

Find Abbott Laboratories jobs on Monster.

Science Career Paths

Your career path through the sciences will depend on the specific scientific field you choose and your career goals. However, here is what a typical career path in the sciences looks like:

• Research Assistant or Lab Tech: Most scientists start as research assistants and laboratory technicians to gain experience before advancing to high-paying science jobs. Research assistants and lab techs assist with lab experiments, data collection and analysis, laboratory equipment assembly and maintenance, and administrative tasks such as maintaining records and filing paperwork.
• Research Associate or Process Engineer: As scientists gain experience, they can move to higher-level positions such as research associate or process engineer and take on more advanced responsibilities. For example, research associates conduct lab experiments, collect data, analyze lab results, and present their findings. Process engineers design, implement, and optimize industrial processes often used in manufacturing and agriculture.
• Scientist: Scientists may choose to specialize in a specific area, such as molecular biology, physics, or chemistry. Some specialized scientist job titles include microbiologist, forensic chemist, and astronomer.
• Director of Research or Chief Scientist: Experienced scientists may move into leadership positions, such as department head, director of research, or chief scientist. In a scientific leadership position, you’ll oversee research activities and scientific policies, lead research teams, and develop new research methodologies.

How to Pursue a Career in Science

Follow the five steps outlined below to embark on your path to a career in science.

1. Obtain a Degree in a Scientific Field

Many entry-level science jobs require a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field. More advanced positions typically require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

2. Develop Skills That You’ll Need for a Career in Science

The skills you typically need before you apply to the highest-paying science jobs include:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to operate technical and laboratory equipment.
• Creative and critical thinking skills.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience in the Lab

If you want to land one of the highest-paying science jobs, a lab internship is a great place to start. This will give you a chance to work alongside experienced professionals and gain valuable hard and soft skills as well as practical knowledge about how to do lab work and compile and report on data. It may also give you the opportunity to get published.

You can find plenty of science internship opportunities within your college’s labs. To get your foot in the door, reach out to professors in your college’s science department and ask if they have any internship opportunities available. If any internships are available, you’ll likely need to:

• Fill out an application with your college’s internship office.
• Create an internship resume that demonstrates your education, experience, and interest in science.
• Answer internship interview questions.

4. Create a Science Resume

To land one of the highest-paying science jobs, it’s essential to craft a science resume that showcases your skills and experience. An effective science resume should highlight any laboratory, technical, and research experience you have. Do you have any academic or professional awards, publications, or presentations? Be sure to list those on your resume as well.

Also, include a cover letter that provides evidence of your qualifications and scientific accomplishments. It’s always best practice to send a cover letter, even if a potential employer doesn’t ask for one. It gives employers a great first impression of you and demonstrates your passion for your research.

5. Prepare for Your Interview

Interviewing for high-paying science jobs can be exciting, but nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help ace an upcoming interview for a job in the sciences:

• Research the company: Take some time to learn about the company you’re interviewing with and familiarize yourself with their products, services, and mission statement.
• Review the job description: Make sure you understand the requirements of the job you’re interviewing for. Look for specific skills or qualifications an employer seeks in candidates so you can highlight them during your interview.
• Practice your answers in advance: Think about the questions an employer might ask you during your interview and practice them ahead of time. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when it comes time to meet with the hiring manager. These sample computer science and pharmacist interview questions and answers can help you formulate and refine your responses.
• Ask your own questions: Finally, make a list of questions you would like to ask about a company and the job you’re applying for. This will show that you’re engaged and interested in the opportunity.

Channel Your Inner Einstein

Are you ready to put on your lab coat and make the next great discovery? Create your profile at Monster and begin applying for science jobs that interest you. We’ll keep you updated on the highest-paying science jobs by sending free notifications to your inbox. Plus, we’ll get your resume in front of job recruiters looking to discover new science talent like you.