Physical Scientists, All Other
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Research happens in a physical-science area that does not have its own listed occupation. Analyzing data, testing theories or models, and preparing reports or talks make up the shared core. Collaboration with other scientists is typical, and staying current with methods in the relevant discipline is part of the job. The exact subject is not fixed here. A reasonable path for people who want research in the physical sciences and can set methods when the role is not a named specialty.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$122'570
Median Wage Market Position
$122'570
What you might do
- Conduct research across physical science topics
- Analyze measurements and interpret the results
- Build and test theories or scientific models
- Write reports and present what you found
- Work with other scientists on shared studies
- Keep up with new work in physical science
Skills that matter
- Research across physical science disciplines
- Interpreting data and scientific results
- Tests of theories and scientific models
- Reports on physical science findings
- Collaboration with other researchers
- Study of new physical science work
AI & the future of this role
Much of the screening, literature synthesis, and routine quantitative analysis in physical science could shift toward AI tools. Hands-on experimentation, novel instrument work, and accountable scientific judgment still matter, though demand for purely analytical roles may soften.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details