TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
72,000
80,000
52,000
48,000
70,000
50,000
55,000
57,000
48,000
60,000
72,000
76,000
59,000
51,000
70,000
80,000
85,000
55,000
52,000
70,000
62,000
65,000
54,000
49,000
60,000
65,000
70,000
47,000
42,000
65,000
72,000
80,000
46,000
43,000
70,000
45,000
40,000
55,000
40,000
52,000
69,000
72,000
53,000
42,000
68,000
80,000
85,000
52,000
45,000
70,000
52,000
55,000
42,000
45,000
52,000
56,000
60,000
46,000
42,000
60,000
63,000
72,000
46,000
44,000
62,000
43,000
40,000
55,000
40,000
52,000
60,000
60,000
50,000
42,000
63,000
77,000
80,000
50,000
44,000
65,000
48,000
48,000
42,000
45,000
50,000
52,000
54,000
46,000
41,000
56,000
55,000
64,000
44,000
44,000
59,000
47,000
45,000
55,000
42,000
45,000
56,000
57,000
53,000
48,000
60,000
56,000
60,000
47,000
18,000
56,000
48,000
48,000
46,000
S
51,000
Agricultural/food sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
49,000
45,000
50,000
38,000
54,000
55,000
54,000
50,000
D
61,000
46,000
47,000
64,000
34,000
S
50,000
48,000
53,000
48,000
52,000
46,000
49,000
55,000
D
D
40,000
39,000
48,000
6,000
51,000
Biological sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
52,000
55,000
46,000
42,000
58,000
55,000
65,000
43,000
42,000
56,000
48,000
45,000
55,000
42,000
48,000
60,000
60,000
55,000
47,000
62,000
60,000
64,000
47,000
D
63,000
50,000
50,000
46,000
37,000
51,000
Environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
53,000
54,000
40,000
36,000
56,000
56,000
65,000
36,000
38,000
55,000
44,000
D
45,000
41,000
48,000
55,000
55,000
46,000
40,000
60,000
56,000
68,000
32,000
D
56,000
45,000
49,000
S
D
44,000
Computer/mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
75,000
81,000
54,000
41,000
69,000
80,000
85,000
52,000
45,000
71,000
45,000
46,000
55,000
40,000
58,000
80,000
85,000
59,000
44,000
71,000
80,000
84,000
55,000
41,000
71,000
60,000
65,000
51,000
40,000
52,000
Computer/information sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
80,000
82,000
54,000
44,000
70,000
80,000
85,000
49,000
50,000
72,000
48,000
56,000
62,000
43,000
52,000
84,000
86,000
58,000
48,000
74,000
80,000
84,000
54,000
49,000
76,000
63,000
66,000
51,000
39,000
48,000
Mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
67,000
80,000
54,000
76,000
87,000
54,000
42,000
S
53,000
71,000
80,000
59,000
80,000
84,000
62,000
56,000
60,000
48,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
a
All degree levels and fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Biological/agricultural/environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
67,000
74,000
53,000
49,000
66,000
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
40,000
71,000
40,000
63,000
40,000
67,000
26,000
65,000
40,000
53,000
70,000
80,000
47,000
48,000
68,000
77,000
86,000
50,000
52,000
70,000
54,000
68,000
62,000
48,000
58,000
80,000
85,000
58,000
54,000
74,000
80,000
90,000
46,000
S
80,000
58,000
60,000
46,000
32,000
55,000
Chemistry, except biochemistry
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
68,000
77,000
43,000
46,000
65,000
77,000
86,000
38,000
54,000
65,000
52,000
S
54,000
46,000
47,000
75,000
79,000
58,000
61,000
66,000
80,000
85,000
43,000
45,000
57,000
57,000
59,000
45,000
S
58,000
Earth/atmospheric/ocean sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
70,000
76,000
60,000
51,000
67,000
74,000
79,000
64,000
49,000
74,000
60,000
68,000
69,000
50,000
57,000
78,000
80,000
68,000
57,000
73,000
74,000
75,000
52,000
D
74,000
55,000
59,000
45,000
D
54,000
Physics/astronomy
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
84,000
99,000
56,000
42,000
100,000
85,000
98,000
56,000
S
100,000
54,000
54,000
67,000
41,000
83,000
100,000
100,000
83,000
50,000
110,000
90,000
95,000
41,000
56,000
107,000
79,000
89,000
48,000
D
53,000
Other physical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
53,000
44,000
39,000
62,000
50,000
45,000
49,000
42,000
48,000
48,000
S
56,000
38,000
D
59,000
64,000
44,000
39,000
82,000
75,000
74,000
S
D
38,000
40,000
39,000
D
D
S
49,000
50,000
43,000
41,000
58,000
50,000
53,000
46,000
43,000
60,000
40,000
36,000
51,000
39,000
54,000
51,000
50,000
45,000
40,000
60,000
63,000
72,000
37,000
53,000
59,000
45,000
43,000
38,000
48,000
50,000
Economics
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
70,000
70,000
52,000
32,000
70,000
64,000
60,000
69,000
D
74,000
43,000
S
69,000
32,000
D
72,000
72,000
44,000
32,000
71,000
87,000
87,000
53,000
D
87,000
60,000
60,000
32,000
S
57,000
Political/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
60,000
60,000
42,000
39,000
65,000
54,000
58,000
54,000
40,000
61,000
43,000
39,000
53,000
41,000
57,000
64,000
65,000
43,000
46,000
72,000
72,000
81,000
S
D
55,000
52,000
51,000
36,000
S
59,000
Psychology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
45,000
43,000
41,000
45,000
50,000
48,000
50,000
38,000
46,000
55,000
40,000
34,000
50,000
40,000
43,000
47,000
45,000
48,000
44,000
56,000
56,000
59,000
49,000
40,000
51,000
45,000
41,000
30,000
51,000
45,000
Sociology/anthropology
Business/industry
43,000
40,000
49,000
47,000
40,000
40,000
44,000
40,000
48,000
55,000
40,000
36,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Other educational institution
Government
Physical/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Social/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
40,000
66,000
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
43,000
33,000
58,000
45,000
41,000
60,000
54,000
30,000
60,000
45,000
33,000
57,000
S
D
55,000
40,000
S
49,000
Other social sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
45,000
43,000
43,000
41,000
52,000
47,000
45,000
57,000
40,000
53,000
40,000
32,000
43,000
42,000
54,000
46,000
45,000
42,000
42,000
55,000
59,000
66,000
53,000
56,000
55,000
40,000
35,000
42,000
32,000
48,000
88,000
90,000
53,000
43,000
83,000
87,000
90,000
49,000
42,000
83,000
60,000
74,000
74,000
42,000
67,000
92,000
95,000
79,000
64,000
85,000
90,000
92,000
54,000
83,000
81,000
80,000
80,000
48,000
41,000
77,000
Aerospace/related engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
95,000
98,000
47,000
35,000
97,000
90,000
90,000
S
D
99,000
60,000
D
47,000
35,000
72,000
100,000
104,000
S
D
93,000
94,000
94,000
25,000
D
98,000
91,000
98,000
53,000
D
71,000
Chemical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
97,000
100,000
45,000
49,000
87,000
91,000
95,000
38,000
D
90,000
46,000
S
S
49,000
D
100,000
103,000
S
D
93,000
98,000
99,000
59,000
D
80,000
92,000
94,000
S
D
81,000
Civil/architectural engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
84,000
85,000
66,000
43,000
82,000
78,000
79,000
57,000
D
74,000
74,000
77,000
74,000
37,000
81,000
90,000
91,000
80,000
S
85,000
80,000
79,000
78,000
D
73,000
80,000
80,000
39,000
D
79,000
Electrical/computer engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
93,000
96,000
60,000
39,000
84,000
96,000
98,000
62,000
S
88,000
66,000
74,000
75,000
37,000
D
98,000
100,000
84,000
40,000
87,000
93,000
94,000
55,000
64,000
92,000
76,000
80,000
S
32,000
70,000
Industrial engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
80,000
82,000
59,000
33,000
76,000
80,000
80,000
58,000
D
80,000
50,000
77,000
59,000
33,000
D
81,000
83,000
70,000
32,000
77,000
84,000
87,000
47,000
D
S
78,000
78,000
56,000
D
D
Mechanical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
86,000
87,000
59,000
46,000
87,000
85,000
85,000
53,000
35,000
86,000
54,000
52,000
68,000
D
66,000
92,000
93,000
63,000
70,000
89,000
84,000
88,000
D
D
67,000
80,000
80,000
52,000
D
87,000
Other engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
81,000
85,000
42,000
53,000
80,000
81,000
85,000
40,000
D
78,000
58,000
44,000
72,000
43,000
60,000
88,000
90,000
91,000
83,000
83,000
83,000
89,000
50,000
D
65,000
75,000
77,000
48,000
D
75,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
67,000
72,000
64,000
50,000
66,000
68,000
73,000
62,000
49,000
69,000
57,000
60,000
64,000
50,000
63,000
72,000
76,000
69,000
52,000
70,000
74,000
79,000
56,000
56,000
60,000
70,000
72,000
69,000
46,000
66,000
Health
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
68,000
72,000
64,000
46,000
66,000
65,000
69,000
63,000
40,000
68,000
60,000
60,000
65,000
45,000
64,000
75,000
78,000
69,000
50,000
69,000
60,000
60,000
57,000
46,000
61,000
70,000
73,000
69,000
45,000
66,000
Science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
36,000
42,000
52,000
49,000
54,000
52,000
45,000
54,000
80,000
52,000
48,000
45,000
52,000
69,000
52,000
37,000
47,000
55,000
44,000
47,000
S
D
55,000
D
40,000
34,000
D
48,000
49,000
Technology/technical fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
78,000
80,000
64,000
52,000
65,000
83,000
84,000
60,000
44,000
94,000
59,000
81,000
60,000
S
D
76,000
80,000
77,000
55,000
62,000
84,000
87,000
62,000
D
59,000
70,000
70,000
D
D
44,000
Other S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
74,000
75,000
81,000
42,000
74,000
70,000
73,000
68,000
51,000
57,000
S
D
68,000
D
D
77,000
77,000
84,000
48,000
80,000
78,000
78,000
D
D
D
74,000
74,000
D
D
86,000
71,000
84,000
58,000
52,000
73,000
75,000
86,000
59,000
50,000
70,000
52,000
54,000
53,000
51,000
59,000
80,000
90,000
60,000
58,000
78,000
80,000
86,000
65,000
54,000
70,000
68,000
75,000
55,000
54,000
67,000
Arts/humanities
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
60,000
69,000
50,000
52,000
61,000
74,000
80,000
51,000
56,000
80,000
50,000
42,000
49,000
52,000
D
60,000
64,000
50,000
51,000
61,000
83,000
86,000
70,000
31,000
75,000
52,000
45,000
52,000
S
60,000
Education, except science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
53,000
50,000
53,000
53,000
57,000
52,000
53,000
55,000
51,000
61,000
51,000
49,000
49,000
52,000
45,000
57,000
54,000
57,000
59,000
60,000
54,000
70,000
59,000
50,000
64,000
53,000
45,000
55,000
55,000
51,000
Management/administration
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
95,000
75,000
50,000
83,000
92,000
95,000
83,000
41,000
81,000
61,000
70,000
67,000
46,000
40,000
96,000
100,000
75,000
60,000
85,000
87,000
89,000
80,000
56,000
70,000
80,000
83,000
58,000
46,000
69,000
Sales/marketing
Business/industry
4-year college/university
90,000
95,000
S
96,000
97,000
D
54,000
48,000
D
95,000
95,000
D
67,000
75,000
D
86,000
89,000
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
Other educational institution
Government
S
67,000
D
D
S
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Social services/related
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
47,000
54,000
50,000
61,000
46,000
39,000
48,000
44,000
57,000
46,000
42,000
46,000
44,000
59,000
55,000
50,000
60,000
50,000
65,000
72,000
63,000
58,000
D
61,000
49,000
46,000
58,000
53,000
53,000
Other non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
81,000
90,000
59,000
50,000
80,000
73,000
81,000
58,000
47,000
69,000
53,000
47,000
56,000
49,000
100,000
90,000
97,000
60,000
55,000
83,000
67,000
74,000
56,000
D
59,000
90,000
99,000
55,000
46,000
74,000
60,000
64,000
40,000
40,000
60,000
65,000
72,000
30,000
41,000
63,000
43,000
50,000
34,000
40,000
52,000
62,000
65,000
46,000
40,000
63,000
78,000
80,000
55,000
45,000
67,000
52,000
54,000
45,000
35,000
53,000
60,000
65,000
32,000
38,000
60,000
67,000
74,000
26,000
40,000
62,000
38,000
40,000
20,000
37,000
50,000
62,000
65,000
42,000
38,000
64,000
77,000
80,000
47,000
50,000
65,000
50,000
50,000
35,000
32,000
50,000
50,000
55,000
32,000
37,000
55,000
56,000
65,000
26,000
40,000
57,000
37,000
39,000
20,000
37,000
50,000
54,000
56,000
41,000
38,000
60,000
73,000
78,000
46,000
45,000
60,000
45,000
45,000
34,000
32,000
48,000
50,000
50,000
31,000
38,000
52,000
49,000
55,000
29,000
41,000
52,000
40,000
43,000
23,000
39,000
45,000
52,000
53,000
41,000
40,000
55,000
54,000
59,000
D
D
53,000
45,000
45,000
38,000
S
50,000
Agricultural/food sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
44,000
42,000
34,000
S
51,000
50,000
50,000
33,000
D
60,000
34,000
40,000
32,000
23,000
24,000
46,000
45,000
S
46,000
51,000
42,000
50,000
D
D
D
39,000
39,000
D
6,000
48,000
Biological sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
51,000
30,000
39,000
51,000
46,000
56,000
29,000
40,000
49,000
40,000
44,000
23,000
39,000
47,000
53,000
56,000
40,000
39,000
54,000
59,000
60,000
D
D
47,000
48,000
49,000
37,000
41,000
50,000
Environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
53,000
54,000
29,000
35,000
54,000
53,000
62,000
23,000
50,000
53,000
38,000
D
18,000
40,000
46,000
55,000
55,000
47,000
38,000
60,000
55,000
64,000
D
D
54,000
45,000
49,000
S
D
43,000
Computer/mathematical sciences
Business/industry
70,000
75,000
75,000
80,000
40,000
47,000
75,000
78,000
77,000
80,000
55,000
60,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Bachelor's degrees, all fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Biological/agricultural/environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
42,000
40,000
62,000
30,000
40,000
69,000
19,000
40,000
51,000
52,000
40,000
70,000
52,000
40,000
70,000
37,000
40,000
50,000
Computer/information sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
74,000
78,000
44,000
40,000
65,000
76,000
80,000
39,000
40,000
69,000
45,000
60,000
15,000
39,000
48,000
78,000
80,000
51,000
40,000
70,000
78,000
80,000
51,000
55,000
72,000
57,000
61,000
44,000
39,000
48,000
Mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
60,000
71,000
30,000
40,000
59,000
70,000
80,000
25,000
39,000
67,000
40,000
S
19,000
40,000
63,000
65,000
75,000
50,000
39,000
59,000
76,000
80,000
58,000
24,000
63,000
54,000
55,000
20,000
S
52,000
60,000
70,000
26,000
41,000
61,000
63,000
75,000
24,000
D
56,000
39,000
56,000
21,000
39,000
54,000
70,000
75,000
44,000
48,000
67,000
75,000
83,000
S
D
63,000
52,000
55,000
45,000
31,000
53,000
Chemistry, except biochemistry
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
60,000
65,000
25,000
40,000
64,000
64,000
75,000
24,000
43,000
50,000
39,000
64,000
22,000
40,000
D
65,000
65,000
43,000
D
64,000
75,000
81,000
38,000
D
50,000
50,000
50,000
43,000
D
57,000
Earth/atmospheric/ocean sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
61,000
71,000
S
44,000
57,000
61,000
68,000
22,000
D
64,000
49,000
68,000
17,000
47,000
54,000
71,000
79,000
44,000
48,000
59,000
75,000
74,000
D
D
67,000
54,000
56,000
D
S
50,000
Physics/astronomy
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
71,000
85,000
23,000
D
72,000
71,000
87,000
24,000
D
68,000
27,000
30,000
20,000
36,000
D
92,000
96,000
31,000
D
108,000
75,000
90,000
24,000
D
82,000
67,000
79,000
26,000
D
53,000
Other physical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
52,000
38,000
S
52,000
43,000
36,000
S
D
45,000
S
D
D
S
D
59,000
64,000
39,000
D
D
72,000
74,000
D
D
D
39,000
S
D
D
D
45,000
47,000
31,000
34,000
54,000
45,000
50,000
20,000
38,000
55,000
35,000
34,000
17,000
33,000
50,000
48,000
50,000
39,000
35,000
57,000
64,000
72,000
35,000
51,000
60,000
41,000
40,000
32,000
30,000
46,000
62,000
67,000
38,000
31,000
63,000
54,000
57,000
18,000
D
71,000
35,000
47,000
S
31,000
D
70,000
70,000
39,000
31,000
69,000
87,000
88,000
39,000
D
87,000
57,000
60,000
31,000
D
52,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Physical/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Social/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Economics
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
Political/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
55,000
60,000
32,000
30,000
59,000
50,000
58,000
22,000
36,000
49,000
36,000
37,000
7,000
34,000
55,000
60,000
60,000
35,000
37,000
61,000
75,000
81,000
D
D
54,000
49,000
49,000
32,000
S
51,000
Psychology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
40,000
40,000
25,000
34,000
46,000
42,000
48,000
19,000
42,000
42,000
32,000
30,000
16,000
32,000
42,000
41,000
40,000
32,000
33,000
51,000
59,000
59,000
S
40,000
61,000
36,000
35,000
26,000
36,000
43,000
Sociology/anthropology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
41,000
40,000
35,000
32,000
56,000
45,000
43,000
17,000
43,000
57,000
35,000
37,000
16,000
28,000
64,000
43,000
40,000
44,000
33,000
57,000
42,000
50,000
S
D
43,000
39,000
36,000
38,000
19,000
48,000
Other social sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
42,000
41,000
36,000
39,000
48,000
42,000
41,000
22,000
38,000
51,000
37,000
32,000
20,000
39,000
D
43,000
43,000
40,000
39,000
48,000
56,000
63,000
55,000
D
54,000
37,000
34,000
40,000
27,000
44,000
84,000
85,000
38,000
42,000
80,000
82,000
84,000
27,000
41,000
78,000
48,000
69,000
38,000
40,000
D
89,000
90,000
51,000
67,000
85,000
87,000
90,000
52,000
D
78,000
77,000
79,000
47,000
D
72,000
Aerospace/related engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
98,000
23,000
D
76,000
86,000
89,000
24,000
D
83,000
60,000
D
19,000
D
D
99,000
104,000
D
D
75,000
91,000
93,000
D
D
D
89,000
97,000
D
D
71,000
Chemical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
93,000
39,000
D
82,000
85,000
87,000
25,000
D
84,000
44,000
D
39,000
D
D
98,000
100,000
S
D
91,000
94,000
99,000
D
D
D
85,000
86,000
31,000
D
80,000
Civil/architectural engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
82,000
84,000
S
S
80,000
74,000
75,000
20,000
D
70,000
74,000
77,000
D
36,000
81,000
87,000
89,000
S
D
85,000
75,000
77,000
D
D
68,000
80,000
80,000
D
D
72,000
Electrical/computer engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
90,000
43,000
39,000
79,000
90,000
91,000
S
S
83,000
49,000
69,000
S
37,000
D
92,000
94,000
52,000
D
82,000
90,000
90,000
51,000
D
85,000
74,000
75,000
50,000
D
62,000
Industrial engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
78,000
80,000
S
73,000
75,000
21,000
42,000
76,000
D
80,000
81,000
D
80,000
92,000
D
70,000
70,000
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
Other educational institution
Government
34,000
57,000
D
79,000
34,000
D
33,000
57,000
D
D
D
D
Mechanical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
85,000
85,000
47,000
44,000
85,000
81,000
83,000
S
D
83,000
42,000
48,000
21,000
D
D
90,000
90,000
60,000
71,000
87,000
80,000
81,000
26,000
D
85,000
77,000
79,000
54,000
D
88,000
Other engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
78,000
80,000
30,000
59,000
73,000
74,000
79,000
28,000
D
62,000
40,000
40,000
D
S
51,000
80,000
80,000
S
S
82,000
80,000
85,000
D
D
56,000
74,000
74,000
D
D
74,000
58,000
60,000
52,000
41,000
58,000
60,000
64,000
53,000
40,000
61,000
50,000
54,000
53,000
41,000
54,000
62,000
65,000
55,000
45,000
60,000
71,000
73,000
56,000
44,000
60,000
57,000
58,000
55,000
38,000
58,000
Health
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
55,000
57,000
50,000
38,000
57,000
52,000
54,000
56,000
39,000
56,000
50,000
53,000
54,000
39,000
55,000
60,000
60,000
51,000
36,000
59,000
52,000
55,000
50,000
D
60,000
56,000
57,000
54,000
35,000
58,000
Science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
45,000
41,000
D
46,000
48,000
41,000
S
D
41,000
D
45,000
32,000
D
45,000
D
50,000
46,000
D
50,000
S
S
S
D
D
D
37,000
36,000
D
43,000
D
Technology/technical fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
74,000
77,000
65,000
43,000
61,000
80,000
82,000
55,000
S
93,000
54,000
79,000
D
31,000
D
74,000
77,000
D
D
57,000
82,000
83,000
64,000
D
59,000
69,000
69,000
D
D
42,000
Other S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
71,000
72,000
78,000
S
65,000
67,000
69,000
D
D
55,000
19,000
D
D
D
D
74,000
75,000
77,000
47,000
65,000
79,000
76,000
D
D
D
70,000
69,000
D
D
101,000
65,000
70,000
58,000
46,000
65,000
72,000
80,000
46,000
46,000
70,000
48,000
59,000
49,000
46,000
46,000
67,000
73,000
52,000
51,000
66,000
80,000
85,000
69,000
42,000
73,000
50,000
50,000
51,000
38,000
57,000
Arts/humanities
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
68,000
75,000
48,000
44,000
71,000
80,000
80,000
D
D
81,000
46,000
52,000
D
44,000
D
64,000
71,000
45,000
49,000
60,000
84,000
86,000
69,000
D
74,000
55,000
50,000
50,000
S
59,000
Education, except science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
47,000
44,000
52,000
55,000
46,000
56,000
48,000
43,000
62,000
62,000
49,000
44,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
46,000
46,000
46,000
D
47,000
D
D
46,000
D
D
50,000
44,000
D
D
63,000
49,000
39,000
D
Management/administration
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
74,000
79,000
65,000
33,000
68,000
80,000
82,000
62,000
D
72,000
59,000
66,000
D
32,000
D
75,000
80,000
66,000
S
69,000
84,000
85,000
82,000
57,000
70,000
54,000
51,000
55,000
D
54,000
Sales/marketing
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
71,000
75,000
D
D
61,000
84,000
87,000
D
D
D
54,000
D
D
D
D
78,000
78,000
D
D
D
59,000
73,000
D
D
D
43,000
41,000
D
D
D
Social services/related
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
45,000
39,000
D
D
46,000
36,000
D
D
D
D
21,000
D
D
D
D
48,000
33,000
D
D
S
72,000
59,000
D
D
D
40,000
39,000
D
D
39,000
Other non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
59,000
60,000
36,000
47,000
65,000
66,000
76,000
D
44,000
59,000
45,000
31,000
D
47,000
D
64,000
62,000
S
50,000
73,000
74,000
77,000
63,000
D
D
43,000
43,000
D
D
60,000
70,000
82,000
48,000
54,000
72,000
75,000
88,000
40,000
52,000
74,000
52,000
55,000
42,000
52,000
61,000
80,000
90,000
58,000
59,000
77,000
85,000
91,000
54,000
54,000
70,000
60,000
65,000
55,000
54,000
64,000
75,000
85,000
38,000
53,000
75,000
80,000
90,000
28,000
50,000
78,000
48,000
47,000
30,000
52,000
53,000
82,000
90,000
48,000
60,000
79,000
88,000
91,000
47,000
44,000
77,000
59,000
64,000
42,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
78,000
40,000
53,000
68,000
69,000
82,000
29,000
50,000
70,000
48,000
43,000
29,000
52,000
51,000
72,000
80,000
47,000
60,000
73,000
85,000
90,000
47,000
44,000
68,000
53,000
53,000
42,000
55,000
55,000
54,000
60,000
40,000
57,000
62,000
60,000
70,000
33,000
57,000
60,000
50,000
43,000
40,000
58,000
41,000
62,000
64,000
46,000
61,000
66,000
53,000
69,000
44,000
D
68,000
50,000
50,000
38,000
S
57,000
55,000
61,000
41,000
49,000
63,000
65,000
65,000
49,000
D
67,000
53,000
D
64,000
49,000
46,000
67,000
69,000
67,000
53,000
64,000
D
D
D
D
D
51,000
54,000
D
D
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Master's degrees, all fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Biological/agricultural/environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Agricultural/food sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
Biological sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
54,000
60,000
39,000
58,000
63,000
59,000
72,000
32,000
60,000
58,000
50,000
S
30,000
59,000
41,000
62,000
65,000
44,000
61,000
68,000
49,000
69,000
43,000
D
68,000
50,000
50,000
44,000
S
62,000
Environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
52,000
43,000
36,000
54,000
59,000
76,000
21,000
D
58,000
45,000
D
44,000
58,000
D
50,000
49,000
44,000
D
56,000
70,000
80,000
D
D
D
40,000
S
D
D
45,000
Computer/mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
89,000
95,000
49,000
52,000
77,000
90,000
95,000
35,000
54,000
79,000
46,000
40,000
37,000
52,000
63,000
99,000
104,000
60,000
72,000
77,000
90,000
92,000
59,000
D
75,000
76,000
81,000
55,000
82,000
56,000
Computer/information sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
95,000
59,000
52,000
78,000
90,000
95,000
48,000
77,000
79,000
53,000
53,000
48,000
53,000
D
100,000
104,000
82,000
84,000
77,000
90,000
92,000
59,000
D
78,000
74,000
80,000
58,000
D
D
Mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
73,000
98,000
38,000
52,000
74,000
82,000
97,000
23,000
48,000
D
43,000
D
36,000
51,000
D
85,000
105,000
44,000
61,000
75,000
88,000
94,000
59,000
48,000
D
80,000
98,000
D
77,000
80,000
74,000
84,000
25,000
51,000
75,000
76,000
86,000
25,000
45,000
73,000
51,000
D
25,000
52,000
62,000
82,000
89,000
S
62,000
84,000
80,000
92,000
27,000
D
72,000
61,000
70,000
20,000
D
57,000
Chemistry, except biochemistry
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
65,000
78,000
24,000
48,000
59,000
74,000
80,000
25,000
D
56,000
50,000
D
22,000
53,000
D
75,000
80,000
D
60,000
68,000
79,000
93,000
D
D
D
59,000
61,000
7,000
49,000
55,000
Earth/atmospheric/ocean sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
77,000
88,000
42,000
70,000
81,000
80,000
93,000
43,000
56,000
80,000
65,000
D
40,000
65,000
D
85,000
88,000
75,000
D
83,000
66,000
68,000
S
D
69,000
68,000
69,000
23,000
D
60,000
80,000
100,000
23,000
S
112,000
78,000
89,000
24,000
S
77,000
37,000
D
20,000
43,000
D
91,000
100,000
21,000
54,000
120,000
91,000
97,000
26,000
D
D
79,000
87,000
20,000
D
D
40,000
S
D
78,000
D
D
50,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Physical/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Physics/astronomy
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Other physical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
D
D
50,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
55,000
56,000
34,000
53,000
66,000
53,000
58,000
26,000
49,000
74,000
47,000
42,000
20,000
51,000
50,000
64,000
64,000
44,000
58,000
76,000
55,000
60,000
22,000
D
51,000
50,000
46,000
42,000
55,000
54,000
Economics
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
88,000
99,000
24,000
60,000
86,000
72,000
80,000
18,000
D
73,000
40,000
D
S
51,000
D
99,000
104,000
14,000
D
86,000
73,000
73,000
D
D
D
119,000
123,000
D
D
122,000
Political/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
77,000
77,000
39,000
54,000
104,000
59,000
53,000
S
49,000
102,000
53,000
70,000
19,000
60,000
79,000
86,000
80,000
39,000
57,000
107,000
43,000
40,000
D
D
D
78,000
78,000
37,000
D
104,000
Psychology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
48,000
29,000
54,000
53,000
48,000
49,000
24,000
49,000
65,000
46,000
39,000
20,000
49,000
46,000
56,000
51,000
52,000
58,000
63,000
40,000
S
21,000
D
46,000
49,000
45,000
S
55,000
47,000
Sociology/anthropology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
51,000
60,000
32,000
40,000
64,000
50,000
60,000
20,000
33,000
72,000
51,000
71,000
20,000
50,000
50,000
51,000
59,000
32,000
38,000
60,000
83,000
82,000
D
D
D
45,000
S
S
49,000
65,000
Other social sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
54,000
50,000
46,000
49,000
76,000
55,000
57,000
56,000
48,000
62,000
47,000
40,000
17,000
52,000
S
60,000
57,000
56,000
45,000
78,000
70,000
67,000
S
D
67,000
49,000
39,000
42,000
43,000
89,000
94,000
98,000
28,000
48,000
88,000
93,000
96,000
25,000
47,000
91,000
52,000
80,000
31,000
49,000
76,000
100,000
100,000
68,000
52,000
90,000
94,000
96,000
53,000
D
87,000
87,000
90,000
35,000
28,000
86,000
Aerospace/related engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
97,000
98,000
24,000
D
100,000
95,000
95,000
22,000
D
100,000
S
97,000
22,000
D
D
100,000
103,000
16,000
D
100,000
98,000
98,000
23,000
D
100,000
85,000
93,000
52,000
D
90,000
Chemical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
107,000
110,000
24,000
D
91,000
107,000
110,000
24,000
D
107,000
50,000
D
S
D
D
112,000
112,000
D
D
90,000
99,000
103,000
D
D
D
97,000
98,000
22,000
D
D
Civil/architectural engineering
Business/industry
86,000
90,000
84,000
89,000
S
D
91,000
94,000
80,000
80,000
85,000
85,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Other educational institution
Government
Social/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
D
D
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
24,000
D
84,000
21,000
D
79,000
17,000
D
D
65,000
D
85,000
D
D
82,000
D
D
87,000
Electrical/computer engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
100,000
101,000
27,000
34,000
97,000
100,000
101,000
24,000
D
97,000
47,000
76,000
S
29,000
D
106,000
107,000
76,000
D
98,000
98,000
99,000
60,000
D
102,000
91,000
94,000
S
D
96,000
Industrial engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
86,000
89,000
46,000
D
D
84,000
89,000
52,000
D
83,000
S
D
S
D
D
89,000
89,000
47,000
D
D
84,000
84,000
D
D
76,000
101,000
99,000
D
D
D
Mechanical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
94,000
36,000
54,000
97,000
90,000
92,000
S
D
98,000
55,000
D
51,000
56,000
D
100,000
100,000
51,000
D
99,000
89,000
93,000
D
D
S
81,000
81,000
17,000
D
82,000
Other engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
87,000
93,000
25,000
48,000
82,000
84,000
88,000
24,000
D
93,000
50,000
60,000
35,000
49,000
D
96,000
100,000
71,000
D
83,000
83,000
84,000
26,000
D
83,000
79,000
86,000
44,000
D
75,000
65,000
70,000
60,000
55,000
70,000
68,000
76,000
54,000
56,000
71,000
57,000
60,000
57,000
54,000
74,000
70,000
75,000
70,000
57,000
72,000
75,000
80,000
55,000
65,000
58,000
65,000
65,000
67,000
52,000
70,000
Health
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
65,000
70,000
60,000
53,000
70,000
67,000
72,000
54,000
42,000
72,000
59,000
62,000
58,000
52,000
72,000
71,000
74,000
71,000
56,000
70,000
63,000
66,000
S
D
60,000
65,000
65,000
69,000
53,000
70,000
Science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
52,000
20,000
40,000
55,000
57,000
57,000
51,000
D
57,000
80,000
55,000
54,000
42,000
55,000
72,000
53,000
19,000
S
56,000
D
48,000
S
D
62,000
D
38,000
18,000
D
48,000
64,000
Technology/technical fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
90,000
97,000
56,000
59,000
D
100,000
100,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
90,000
95,000
52,000
D
D
98,000
98,000
D
D
D
81,000
82,000
D
D
D
Other S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
77,000
79,000
68,000
D
78,000
70,000
75,000
D
D
61,000
50,000
D
68,000
D
D
79,000
79,000
D
D
85,000
D
D
D
D
D
77,000
74,000
D
D
81,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
70,000
87,000
53,000
54,000
70,000
74,000
91,000
49,000
51,000
70,000
51,000
49,000
41,000
52,000
59,000
80,000
95,000
60,000
60,000
74,000
83,000
92,000
57,000
54,000
70,000
60,000
65,000
55,000
54,000
61,000
Arts/humanities
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
53,000
57,000
44,000
57,000
56,000
61,000
72,000
41,000
57,000
57,000
51,000
17,000
S
56,000
D
51,000
49,000
47,000
52,000
61,000
75,000
79,000
D
D
D
48,000
43,000
49,000
D
59,000
Education, except science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
52,000
50,000
44,000
53,000
59,000
50,000
29,000
38,000
51,000
60,000
51,000
41,000
38,000
52,000
56,000
57,000
50,000
49,000
60,000
62,000
54,000
83,000
D
52,000
66,000
52,000
48,000
50,000
54,000
49,000
Management/administration
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
100,000
100,000
69,000
57,000
90,000
97,000
100,000
74,000
43,000
90,000
59,000
70,000
53,000
51,000
35,000
100,000
103,000
78,000
69,000
91,000
93,000
95,000
62,000
D
70,000
94,000
100,000
58,000
48,000
85,000
Sales/marketing
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
97,000
99,000
D
D
63,000
100,000
108,000
D
D
D
S
D
D
D
D
99,000
99,000
D
D
D
69,000
78,000
D
D
D
94,000
94,000
D
D
D
Social services/related
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
50,000
47,000
50,000
51,000
62,000
46,000
40,000
45,000
45,000
58,000
46,000
41,000
S
47,000
60,000
55,000
53,000
58,000
50,000
65,000
65,000
S
D
D
D
49,000
46,000
58,000
54,000
56,000
Other non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
66,000
68,000
56,000
52,000
72,000
65,000
71,000
56,000
48,000
68,000
56,000
87,000
55,000
55,000
D
68,000
72,000
59,000
49,000
73,000
57,000
56,000
40,000
D
S
62,000
64,000
56,000
43,000
62,000
90,000
102,000
75,000
72,000
95,000
92,000
110,000
76,000
60,000
96,000
72,000
70,000
75,000
60,000
98,000
100,000
112,000
85,000
91,000
99,000
98,000
104,000
68,000
S
92,000
80,000
85,000
70,000
72,000
90,000
91,000
105,000
77,000
60,000
97,000
95,000
109,000
78,000
69,000
99,000
75,000
73,000
76,000
57,000
87,000
102,000
117,000
86,000
67,000
100,000
100,000
104,000
67,000
9,000
100,000
84,000
90,000
70,000
64,000
85,000
87,000
102,000
75,000
90,000
108,000
75,000
72,000
73,000
74,000
100,000
110,000
84,000
95,000
104,000
67,000
80,000
90,000
70,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Doctoral degrees, all fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
70,000
96,000
57,000
86,000
67,000
100,000
9,000
92,000
66,000
85,000
85,000
104,000
73,000
53,000
92,000
85,000
104,000
74,000
66,000
88,000
73,000
85,000
75,000
52,000
99,000
99,000
116,000
82,000
59,000
98,000
76,000
93,000
65,000
D
82,000
94,000
107,000
71,000
52,000
92,000
Agricultural/food sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
85,000
94,000
79,000
49,000
84,000
85,000
94,000
79,000
D
83,000
75,000
D
79,000
47,000
D
94,000
97,000
87,000
52,000
92,000
86,000
97,000
79,000
D
D
74,000
84,000
72,000
D
64,000
Biological sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
86,000
108,000
72,000
53,000
93,000
86,000
108,000
73,000
66,000
88,000
74,000
85,000
75,000
52,000
108,000
100,000
119,000
83,000
60,000
100,000
76,000
91,000
62,000
D
86,000
100,000
116,000
70,000
53,000
96,000
Environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
77,000
84,000
65,000
54,000
90,000
79,000
84,000
66,000
D
90,000
62,000
64,000
61,000
S
78,000
86,000
108,000
61,000
D
94,000
D
D
D
D
D
72,000
62,000
72,000
D
84,000
Computer/mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
95,000
117,000
80,000
72,000
112,000
99,000
119,000
82,000
61,000
110,000
79,000
S
80,000
63,000
D
115,000
134,000
90,000
72,000
131,000
107,000
110,000
75,000
S
99,000
91,000
92,000
79,000
D
86,000
Computer/information sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
102,000
119,000
85,000
85,000
119,000
103,000
123,000
86,000
D
120,000
87,000
S
88,000
73,000
D
119,000
138,000
98,000
D
122,000
110,000
110,000
80,000
69,000
100,000
91,000
87,000
75,000
D
D
Mathematical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
91,000
116,000
78,000
63,000
107,000
95,000
116,000
80,000
60,000
105,000
75,000
S
75,000
60,000
D
112,000
132,000
86,000
S
138,000
99,000
106,000
73,000
D
96,000
88,000
98,000
79,000
D
79,000
99,000
110,000
75,000
58,000
102,000
100,000
110,000
76,000
74,000
107,000
73,000
76,000
76,000
57,000
81,000
113,000
120,000
87,000
57,000
108,000
96,000
104,000
61,000
53,000
105,000
95,000
107,000
66,000
60,000
82,000
100,000
110,000
72,000
60,000
95,000
100,000
110,000
74,000
79,000
98,000
68,000
70,000
72,000
59,000
D
112,000
119,000
79,000
58,000
101,000
94,000
98,000
76,000
D
D
100,000
105,000
62,000
60,000
83,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Other educational institution
Government
Biological/agricultural/environmental life sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Physical/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Chemistry, except biochemistry
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
60,000
94,000
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
85,000
99,000
78,000
56,000
97,000
90,000
100,000
79,000
58,000
109,000
76,000
S
78,000
56,000
D
91,000
110,000
83,000
D
94,000
85,000
100,000
55,000
D
105,000
69,000
67,000
75,000
D
64,000
Physics/astronomy
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
100,000
118,000
80,000
52,000
110,000
100,000
118,000
79,000
39,000
109,000
80,000
129,000
80,000
51,000
D
123,000
128,000
99,000
64,000
136,000
99,000
108,000
61,000
D
105,000
99,000
125,000
66,000
66,000
95,000
Other physical sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
80,000
95,000
70,000
D
93,000
82,000
96,000
74,000
D
101,000
65,000
D
65,000
D
D
74,000
95,000
64,000
D
74,000
84,000
D
D
D
D
64,000
45,000
D
D
D
79,000
84,000
73,000
67,000
90,000
81,000
100,000
75,000
68,000
95,000
70,000
66,000
70,000
60,000
83,000
88,000
90,000
83,000
74,000
96,000
88,000
98,000
72,000
S
87,000
75,000
75,000
69,000
68,000
83,000
Economics
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
105,000
133,000
95,000
60,000
115,000
109,000
140,000
96,000
78,000
117,000
90,000
D
91,000
57,000
D
126,000
145,000
113,000
64,000
117,000
99,000
108,000
91,000
D
98,000
103,000
123,000
81,000
D
101,000
Political/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
77,000
85,000
74,000
71,000
91,000
76,000
101,000
73,000
D
70,000
70,000
S
70,000
70,000
D
89,000
87,000
85,000
82,000
114,000
85,000
97,000
75,000
D
D
78,000
75,000
71,000
D
130,000
Psychology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
75,000
80,000
70,000
68,000
86,000
80,000
95,000
73,000
67,000
92,000
69,000
66,000
70,000
59,000
84,000
80,000
81,000
75,000
75,000
89,000
80,000
93,000
60,000
S
82,000
74,000
74,000
65,000
68,000
81,000
Sociology/anthropology
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
70,000
83,000
68,000
55,000
85,000
70,000
86,000
67,000
62,000
84,000
65,000
61,000
65,000
55,000
D
84,000
89,000
80,000
63,000
95,000
81,000
92,000
71,000
D
D
69,000
70,000
63,000
S
80,000
Other social sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
70,000
86,000
69,000
67,000
74,000
70,000
79,000
69,000
D
71,000
65,000
S
65,000
67,000
D
92,000
108,000
90,000
72,000
90,000
84,000
90,000
66,000
D
D
67,000
64,000
76,000
66,000
S
105,000
110,000
94,000
104,000
110,000
92,000
92,000
117,000
94,000
120,000
125,000
110,000
100,000
103,000
68,000
101,000
105,000
89,000
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Earth/atmospheric/ocean sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Social/related sciences
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
Engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
Other educational institution
Government
51,000
107,000
D
106,000
51,000
101,000
65,000
110,000
D
104,000
27,000
98,000
Aerospace/related engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
105,000
107,000
91,000
D
120,000
101,000
100,000
97,000
D
113,000
77,000
D
77,000
D
D
123,000
125,000
113,000
D
127,000
103,000
104,000
D
D
D
124,000
189,000
53,000
D
D
Chemical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
108,000
112,000
88,000
S
102,000
104,000
105,000
84,000
D
104,000
94,000
134,000
90,000
D
D
124,000
125,000
119,000
D
117,000
97,000
93,000
D
D
D
103,000
108,000
99,000
D
D
Civil/architectural engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
95,000
99,000
92,000
D
92,000
95,000
97,000
94,000
D
83,000
94,000
D
95,000
D
D
102,000
104,000
98,000
D
102,000
80,000
85,000
S
D
D
89,000
92,000
D
D
75,000
Electrical/computer engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
113,000
120,000
97,000
S
115,000
115,000
119,000
97,000
D
115,000
95,000
123,000
97,000
S
D
125,000
129,000
109,000
D
127,000
108,000
109,000
74,000
D
110,000
103,000
106,000
98,000
D
D
Industrial engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
100,000
108,000
91,000
D
107,000
98,000
106,000
91,000
D
D
84,000
D
84,000
D
D
120,000
131,000
100,000
D
109,000
94,000
93,000
D
D
D
88,000
S
77,000
D
D
Mechanical engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
101,000
102,000
98,000
S
108,000
100,000
100,000
99,000
D
108,000
88,000
D
91,000
S
D
119,000
120,000
108,000
D
114,000
99,000
100,000
53,000
D
77,000
111,000
114,000
90,000
D
101,000
Other engineering
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
104,000
110,000
91,000
48,000
106,000
100,000
105,000
90,000
D
104,000
92,000
80,000
94,000
48,000
D
119,000
122,000
113,000
71,000
108,000
99,000
101,000
49,000
D
104,000
100,000
104,000
84,000
D
79,000
80,000
100,000
74,000
63,000
95,000
80,000
100,000
74,000
44,000
93,000
70,000
65,000
72,000
53,000
112,000
95,000
105,000
84,000
95,000
94,000
98,000
99,000
45,000
D
103,000
80,000
65,000
77,000
97,000
115,000
Health
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
80,000
80,000
78,000
53,000
95,000
80,000
86,000
76,000
52,000
91,000
75,000
59,000
76,000
52,000
112,000
95,000
108,000
87,000
78,000
94,000
103,000
104,000
47,000
D
103,000
70,000
61,000
79,000
83,000
115,000
Science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
61,000
D
52,000
D
59,000
D
79,000
D
D
D
D
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
59,000
64,000
D
57,000
D
D
59,000
53,000
D
64,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Technology/technical fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
100,000
93,000
67,000
D
D
100,000
94,000
67,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
93,000
D
D
D
D
87,000
90,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Other S&E-related fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
D
D
93,000
D
D
D
D
108,000
D
D
73,000
D
73,000
D
D
110,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
74,000
75,000
70,000
79,000
53,000
74,000
108,000
70,000
64,000
D
69,000
62,000
69,000
69,000
D
90,000
85,000
84,000
98,000
S
66,000
94,000
D
D
37,000
70,000
57,000
61,000
72,000
D
Arts/humanities
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
56,000
S
59,000
S
D
58,000
S
58,000
D
D
60,000
D
59,000
S
D
62,000
77,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
34,000
S
D
D
D
Education, except science/mathematics teacher education
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
75,000
75,000
69,000
87,000
D
74,000
127,000
69,000
73,000
D
67,000
53,000
63,000
71,000
D
93,000
95,000
79,000
99,000
D
S
D
D
D
D
71,000
S
63,000
72,000
D
Management/administration
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
123,000
112,000
125,000
D
D
127,000
110,000
126,000
D
D
124,000
D
123,000
D
D
111,000
110,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
110,000
D
D
D
D
Sales/marketing
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
113,000
D
113,000
D
D
113,000
D
113,000
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
Social services/related
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
60,000
62,000
63,000
39,000
D
45,000
D
49,000
D
D
55,000
63,000
57,000
39,000
D
68,000
62,000
79,000
D
D
59,000
D
D
D
D
56,000
47,000
D
D
D
Other non-S&E fields
Business/industry
83,000
98,000
76,000
94,000
69,000
D
99,000
100,000
D
D
D
D
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Non-S&E fields
Business/industry
4-year college/university
Other educational institution
Government
TABLE 12. Median annual salaries of employed U.S. scientists and engineers, by level and broad field of highest degree, employment sector, and
primary/secondary work activity: 2008
(Dollars)
Primary/secondary work activity
Level and field of highest degree and employment sector
Employed
scientists and
engineers
Research and
development
Teaching
Management,
sales,
administration
Computer
applications
Other
D
D
D
D
D
D
4-year college/university
69,000
69,000
69,000
92,000
Other educational institution
D
D
D
D
Government
D
D
D
D
D = suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information. S = suppressed for reliability; coefficient of variation exceeds publication standards.
S&E = science and engineering.
a
Total includes professional degrees not broken out separately.
NOTES: Scientists and engineers include any person who has ever received bachelor's or higher degree in S&E or S&E-related field through 30 June 2007, plus any person
holding non-S&E bachelor's or higher degree who was employed in S&E or S&E-related occupation on 1 October 2003. See http://sestat.nsf.gov/docs/ed03maj.html for detailed
description of educational field classification, and see http://sestat.nsf.gov/docs/occ03maj.html for detailed description of occupational classification. Business/industry includes selfemployed individuals, nonprofit organizations, and other unspecified types of employers. Four-year college/university includes medical schools and university-affiliated research
institutes. Other educational institution includes 2-year colleges, precollege institutions, and other educational institutions. Government includes federal (civilian), military, state, and
local employers. Salaries are for principal job and rounded to nearest thousand.
SOURCE: National Science Foundation/National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT): 2008.