Science · All physical scientists not listed separately.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$47–57k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$62–73k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
+0.6% · Slower than average
Projected growth of 0.6% from 2024 to 2034; about 2 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
2–4 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Research Assistant
Physical Scientists, All Other
Experienced Physical Scientists, All Other
Senior Physical Scientists, All Other
Research Director / Chief Scientist
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