Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations: A Guide to Pursuing a Career in Science
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the sciences but don’t know where to start? Look no further than life, physical, and social science occupations. These jobs offer a range of exciting opportunities for people who are passionate about scientific research and discovery.
What are Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
Life, physical, and social science occupations encompass a broad range of jobs that involve scientific research, development, and experimentation. These jobs can be found in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and more.
Examples of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
- Biomedical Engineer – develops medical devices and equipment to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and disease.
- Epidemiologist – studies patterns and causes of diseases in populations.
- Environmental Scientist – studies the natural environment, including air, water, and soil, and how human activities impact it.
- Chemist – studies the properties and behavior of materials and substances.
- Social Psychologist – studies human behavior and interactions in social situations.
Education and Training Required
The amount of education and training required to enter a life, physical, or social science occupation can vary depending on the specific job and industry. Most positions in these fields require at least a bachelor’s degree, often in a field related to the specific job, such as chemistry or biology. Many jobs also require postgraduate degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D.
Career Progression
As with most fields, the path to career progression in life, physical, and social science occupations can vary. Many individuals start in entry-level positions and work their way up, gaining experience and acquiring new skills along the way.
Getting Started in the Field
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in life, physical, or social science occupations, there are several steps you can take to get started. Consider starting with an undergraduate degree in a field related to the job you’re interested in. Joining scientific research or STEM-related organizations and participating in research projects or internships can also help you gain valuable experience.
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in life, physical, and social science occupations can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you’re interested in biomedical engineering or environmental science, there are a variety of opportunities to explore. By pursuing the education and training required for these jobs and gaining valuable experience, you can achieve your career goals and make a significant contribution to scientific research and discovery.
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary – National Average | Salary – Best Paid Area | Salary – Least Paid Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 04 | $39,894.40 | $39,894.40 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 05 | $49,358.40 | $115,211.20 (Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 06 | $54,267.20 | $54,267.20 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 07 | $59,675.20 | $59,675.20 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 08 | $79,019.20 | $115,211.20 (Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 09 | $86,798.40 | $86,798.40 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 10 | $88,004.80 | $88,004.80 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 11 | $109,553.60 | $116,729.60 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Level 12 | $143,332.80 | $142,937.60 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Not able to be leveled | $85,321.60 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Union, All levels | $91,353.60 | $115,211.20 (Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Nonunion, All levels | $81,099.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, All levels | $83,782.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 04 | $39,811.20 | $39,811.20 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 05 | $50,086.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 06 | $54,995.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 07 | $60,819.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 08 | $80,163.20 | $115,211.20 (Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 09 | $86,382.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 10 | $87,630.40 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 11 | $108,264.00 | $116,729.60 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Level 12 | $142,937.60 | $142,937.60 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Full-time, Not able to be leveled | $86,195.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Part-time, All levels | $73,112.00 | $50,419.20 (Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Part-time, Level 11 | $116,729.60 | $116,729.60 (US) | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Part-time, Not able to be leveled | $76,939.20 | N/A | N/A |
| Life, physical, and social science occupations | Time-based pay, All levels | $82,680.00 | N/A | N/A |
Life, physical, and social science occupations encompass a wide range of careers related to scientific research and understanding of the natural and social world. The US National Average salary for this occupation, across all job levels, is $39,894.40 to $143,332.80, with the highest paid positions being level 11 and 12, and the lowest paid being level 4.
The effects of union on this job show that unionized workers in this field earn an average salary of $91,353.60, compared to $81,099.20 for non-unionized workers. This suggests that unions can have a positive impact on salaries within this field.
The best-paid area for this occupation is Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT, where the unionized salary for all levels is $115,211.20. On the other hand, the least paid area for this occupation is in the Northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area, where the part-time salary for all levels is $50,419.20.
Overall, salaries within the life, physical, and social science occupations vary greatly according to job level, unionization, and geographic location. However, the occupation as a whole offers competitive salaries and opportunities for growth and advancement.
