You feel inspired by science, and envision your entire life connected to it. When you think of a future career, you know that it will have something to do with science. But passion is not the only thing that drives careers forward. Smart people choose lucrative careers. They will still love their jobs, but they will also make more than enough money to support a comfortable lifestyle.
If you're still having doubts about a specialization, you'll benefit from this info: how much money do scientists in certain professors make?
We'll give you a list of top-paying jobs related to science. Some of them might get your focus!
Top 5 High-Paying Science Jobs
1. Animal Scientist
You love science and animals? By combining these two interests, you get an interesting profession that's lucrative at the same time. As an animal scientist, you will conduct research in the development, growth, reproduction, nutrition, and genetics of domestic farm animals. You will study the effects of different processing methods, environmental circumstances, and food on the quality of animals' life, as well as the quantity and quality of animal products.
According to PayScale, the average salary for an animal scientist in the USA is $49,920. However, 90% of the experienced scientists in this profession make over $77K.
2. Geoscientist
The Earth is our home... but we still know so little about it. Scientists have been researching our planet for centuries, but there are many things they have yet to discover. The discipline of geosciences covers several specialties, including engineering geology, paleontology, oceanography, seismology, petroleum geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and geology.
The average salary depends on the field of specialization. As an example, geologists make $58,722 on average per year. But a petroleum geologist makes more money: the average salary is $107,432 per year in the USA. An engineering geologist is somewhere in the middle: they make an average yearly salary of $83,981.
3. Physicist
Many students aren't inspired to study physics. They find it too abstract, mostly because their professors fail to help them see the practical side to it. If you want to get inspired to study physics, you can find more essay samples on professions. You'll see that this is one of the most interesting careers you could focus on. You won't only bother with theoretical knowledge; you'll apply it into practical research that answers complex questions on the universe, Earth, and life in general.
According to PayScale, physicists in the USA make an average of $95,380 per year. Many reach salaries close to $150K.
4. Food Scientist
A food scientist relies on engineering, microbiology, chemistry, and other fields in science to achieve several goals: determine the ideal way for processing, preserving, packaging, storing, and distributing food; ensure the safety of processed foods; determine and analyze the ideal levels of nutrients in products; study the way food deteriorates, and more.
These professionals are highly requested by labs and major food producers. Their job includes field work, so it's always interesting. The average salary of $64,332 is already decent, but it gets much higher as you progress in this career. It's a promising profession, as the overall employment is expected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029.
5. Astronomer
This may be ambitious, but who forbids ambition? Everyone who loves science has dreamed about becoming an astronomer one day. This profession is related to studying planets, stars, galaxies, and all other structures in space. As a student, you'll be required to learn complex math, and learn how to use ground-based equipment for space research.
If that didn't inspire you, maybe the salary will. The average yearly pay of an astronomer in the USA is $86,901. It's not an easy career to build, but you can achieve any goal with enough commitment and passion.
It's Not Just about the Money
Many scientists have died poor, but made immense contributions to humanity. Nicola Tesla did not live a glamorous life. But let's be honest: who wants to suffer for basic comfort? If you can love your profession and make enough money with it, you shouldn't feel guilty about choosing it.
Students, who want to focus on a career in science, have countless options. If you're having doubts between a few specializations, maybe their money-making potential will help you make a decision.
Always start from your interests, but don't stay limited to one of them. Explore them all, and choose a career that's productive, personally fulfilling, and financially rewarding.
BIO: Judy Nelson is known for giving the right professional advice at the right time. Many students turn to her when they try to choose a focus for their studies. With her blog posts, Judy tries to make students feel confident when choosing a future career.
