Science Jobs in the United States

Science Jobs Overview

Science jobs are critical for our societal survival, prosperity, and future development. Science is important to finding solutions to everyday issues, but also to solving the greatest mysteries of the universe. A job in science means you’re first in line to support human advancement by researching or even discovering.

Science is everywhere. It’s behind the medicine we take, the technologies we use, the food we eat, the transportation we ride and much more. If you’re naturally curious and persistent, a job in science is for you. Here are some common options:

• Biologist: studies living organisms such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. A biologist’s purpose is to understand their behavior, physiology, and ecological interactions.
• Chemist: investigates the properties, composition, and reactions of substances to develop new materials, chemicals, and processes for various applications.
• Physicist: explores the fundamentals principles of the universe. They study matter and energies and forces that govern the behavior of particles and systems.
• Environmental scientist: examines the environment and its components to assess and determine the impact of human activities on ecosystems and natural resources.
• Medical scientist: conducts research to advance our understanding of diseases, develop new treatments and improve healthcare practices.
• Geologist: studies the Earth’s structure, composition, and processes to better understand geological phenomena and natural resources like minerals and fossils.
• Astronomer: observes and analyze celestial objects and phenomena such as starts, planets, and galaxies to expand our knowledge of the cosmos.
• Biochemist: investigates the chemical processes and molecules within living organisms to uncover underlying mechanisms of life. They also develop applications in fields like medicine and biotechnology.
• Meteorologist: studies the Earth’s atmosphere to predict and understand weather and climate patterns, helping with forecasting and climate research.
• Genetic counselor: works with individuals and families to assess the risk of inherited genetic disorders. They provide information and support for informed decision-making regarding genetics testing, family planning and healthcare options.

Most science jobs work in offices or laboratories. Their roles usually require at least a 40-hour per week commitment.

Salaries for Science Jobs

The salary you can make in science jobs depends first on your specific job title. Below are some of the most common professions in science and their average salary ranges per year:

• research scientist: $47,887 to $111,614
• medical research scientist: $34,486 to $94,860
• physicist: $49,707 to $125,171
• pharmacology research scientist: $51,233 to $130,944

The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Check out the annual median wages of the industries that pay the most for science jobs:

• aerospace product and parts manufacturing: $203,790
• communications equipment manufacturing: $187,070
• management of companies and enterprises: $178,120
• scientific research and development services: $140,240
• computer systems design and related services: $138,240

Looking at locations, here are the top-paying states for jobs in science:

• District of Columbia: $142,690
• Virginia: $140,140
• Alabama: $135,320
• California: $133,890
• Maryland: $132,660

If you’d like to see how much you could make in your own city, check out Monster’s Salary Tool. You’ll also find salaries for similar professions and ideas for skills to help you progress in your career.

How to Find the Best Science Jobs

Job hunting doesn’t have to be stressful. All you need is a clear strategy. Check out our suggestions.

Identify Your Strengths and Passions in Your Science Field

Before starting to browse through all the jobs available in your science field, take a moment to understand what you’re looking for in a role. Make sure to:

• Reflect on your strongest skills in your specific science discipline. Think about what comes easy to you in your role. Maybe you’re an ecologist and you excel at data analysis or field research.
• Name your passions. Consider which aspects of your work bring you the most satisfaction. Identify past projects that ignited your passion in your job.

Spot Good Job Openings

When analyzing job openings, scrutinize the job descriptions for roles that align with your strengths and passions. Make sure you meet the requirements but don’t be too rigid about them. While reading the job listing’s text also pay attention to how the company describes the ideal candidate and the work environment.

Research Companies

Look up prospective employers before applying to their vacancies to determine if you could thrive with them. Investigate missions and values, work environments and what previous employees think of them.

How to Apply to Science Jobs

Learn how to write a resume and cover letter that highlight your experiences and catch attention:

Update Your Resume for Jobs in Science

One of the ten worst resume mistakes that can cost you a callback is applying to every company with the same generic resume. Instead, always adapt it to the specific job you’re applying for. This means going over the job listing to find the right keywords to include. Some of the most sought-after in science jobs include:

• communication
• critical thinking
• teamwork
• time management
• problem-solving
• data analysis and interpretation
• adaptability
• technical writing

When compiling your experience section, make sure to list only the most relevant roles to the job you’re applying for. It’s also important that you quantify your achievements rather than simply describing what you did. Refer to KPIs such as:

• received grants and fundings
• citation indexes
• product performance
• patent applications
• resource efficiency
• project timelines

If you’re about to write your first science resume and you feel a little lost, have a look at our samples for more resume writing tips. Or to ensure a stand-out application, reach out to Monster’s Resume Writing Services.

Cover Letter Tips for Jobs in Science

Did you know that preparing a cover letter can help you get recruiters’ attention and boost your chances of selection? Be sure to take this opportunity. Here is a simple yet effective structure to follow:

• Introduction. Begin with a compelling opening paragraph that highlights your enthusiasm for the science job you’re applying to.
• Highlight your qualifications. Tailor the cover letter to the specific job you're applying for to emphasize your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Use specific examples to show how you achieved your results or acquired certain skills.
• Show enthusiasm. Expressed genuine interest in the company or institution and its work. Mention how your values align with their mission.
• Close and present a call to action. Sum up your qualifications and express your interest in meeting the company in an interview.

Want to speed up your search for science jobs? Upload your resume and cover letter to your free Monster candidate account. We’ll promote your profile to partner companies and recruiters. Plus, we’ll keep you updated with the latest job listings matching your profile.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

If after applying for a few jobs in science you have yet to hear anything back, follow-up. Here’s how to do it professionally:

• Have patience. Give the employer some time to review applications before following up. Typically, a week or two is appropriate.
• Go for an e-mail. A concise and polite follow-up e-mail is the perfect medium at this stage of recruitment.
• Reach out to the right contact. Address the recruiter or hiring manager by name. You can find their contact on the job opening or by calling and asking. No luck? Use a simple “Dear Hiring Manager”.
• Mention the role. State which role you applied for and when.
• Reiterate your fit. Briefly bring up why you’re the ideal candidate. Highlight your relevant qualifications and skills.
• Ask for a timeline. Politely inquire about the expected timeline for the hiring process and attach your resume to the e-mail.

Interview Tips for Science Jobs

To land jobs in science, you’ll need to face one or more job interviews. Some interview questions will be very specific about the science field you’re going to work in. For example:

• Can you describe your experience in the fieldwork and laboratory research in biology?
• Describe a complex chemical analysis you conducted. What methods and instruments did you use?
• How do you approach solving a physics problem when faced with limited data?

Many questions, however, will be somewhat predictable. Most recruiters tend to focus the questions on your education, skills, experience, and management of hypothetical scenarios.

They might ask you to describe yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, or why you left your previous job. Other common interview questions include:

• Why do you want to work here?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• Why should we hire you?

You can easily spot situational or behavioral questions because they usually start with “Tell me about a time…” or “If you…”. Answer them like a pro by following the STAR method. These are useful to grasp your personality and assess if you are fit for the role responsibilities and company culture.

Finally, remember to send a quick thank-you note after the job interview. It will help solidify your positive impression on recruiters.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

There’s so much preparation leading to a job offer, but what should you do when you get one?

1. Say thank you. Respond promptly to the job offer with a quick email or phone call to express gratitude. Show appreciation for the opportunity and enthusiasm about the offer.
2. Request a reasonable timeline. Agree with the company on the timing to provide an answer. A job can be a life-changing event, so you need to carefully evaluate your options.
3. Assess the offer. Compare the total compensation package. This means looking at pay and benefits such as insurance coverage, retirement plans, equity in the company and more.
4. Finally, negotiate if necessary. If you think your experience and skills can get a better offer, don’t be afraid to ask. Be polite and professional and come with a strong case.

Science Job Career Paths

After gaining experience in science jobs, aim for senior roles with more responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the direction of your field. Four of the most common senior positions in science include:

• Senior research scientist: in this role, you’d lead research teams, design and execute complex experiments and manage various research projects. You’d play a pivotal role in setting research priorities and developing new methodologies, contributing to the advancement of your field.
• Principal investigator: interested in securing funds, designing, managing research projects and mentoring junior researchers? The role of principal investigator (PI) could be for you. PIs are experts in their domain and drive innovative research agendas.
• Director of research and development (R&D): in the corporate sector, as a senior scientist you could eventually progress to the role of Director of R&D. You’d guide the strategic direction of the company’s research efforts, manage R&D teams, and ensure development of technologies.
• Chief scientific officer (CSO): this is the highest-ranking scientific executive in a company or organization. In this position, you’d manage the entire department of science, set the company’s vision, and make critical decisions about R&D initiatives.

Similar Occupations

Not sure which science job suits you best? Investigate all your options. Some popular ones include:

• climatologist jobs
• nuclear chemist jobs
• plasma physicist jobs
• toxicologist jobs