21 Science Careers In Demand

Science careers are not limited to laboratory research. They include modeling climate risk, analyzing disease patterns, protecting digital systems, developing medical treatments and improving agricultural production. Many roles combine scientific knowledge with computation, engineering, communication or regulation.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects STEM employment to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, compared with 2.7% for non-STEM occupations. Growth varies by occupation, and openings also result when experienced workers change careers or retire. 

The careers below represent fields with projected growth, substantial replacement needs or demand connected to health, data, security, research and environmental priorities. “In demand” does not mean hiring is equally strong in every location or specialty.

21 science careers in demand

1. Data scientist

Data scientists use statistics, programming and subject knowledge to identify patterns and build models. They may forecast demand, detect risk, evaluate experiments or improve products. Employers often seek a bachelor's or master's degree in data science, statistics, computer science or a related quantitative field.

The BLS projects data-scientist employment to grow 33.5% from 2024 to 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. Demand extends across technology, finance, healthcare, consulting and government.

2. Information security analyst

Information security analysts monitor systems, investigate threats and help organizations reduce cyber risk. The role uses computer science, risk analysis and knowledge of attacker behavior. A bachelor's degree and relevant technical experience are common, although pathways vary.

As organizations depend on more connected data and infrastructure, security expertise remains important. The BLS projects 28.5% employment growth from 2024 to 2034.

3. Computer and information research scientist

These scientists develop new computing methods and solve complex problems in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, distributed systems and human-computer interaction. Many positions require at least a master's degree in computer science or a related field; research-intensive roles may prefer a doctorate.

Demand is supported by the adoption of AI, advanced computing and data-intensive systems. Work appears in universities, government laboratories and technology companies.

4. Operations research analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical models to improve decisions about logistics, pricing, staffing, supply chains and resource allocation. They translate an ambiguous business problem into measurable variables and evaluate alternatives.

A bachelor's degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, computer science or economics may provide entry, while advanced roles may prefer graduate study.

5. Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to estimate risk. They work in insurance, consulting, government and enterprise risk functions. In addition to a bachelor's degree, candidates normally progress through a professional examination process.

Demand is connected to insurance pricing, retirement programs, healthcare costs, climate exposure and new forms of business risk.

6. Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and causes of disease and injury in populations. They design studies, analyze health data and communicate findings to public-health leaders, clinicians and communities.

The occupation typically requires a master's degree in epidemiology, public health or a related field. BLS projects 16% growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average.

7. Medical scientist

Medical scientists research human disease, treatments, diagnostics and prevention. They may design laboratory studies, clinical research or translational programs that move discoveries toward patient use.

Many research roles require a Ph.D. or medical degree, although bachelor's- and master's-level positions support clinical and laboratory work. BLS projects 9% growth from 2024 to 2034 for medical scientists excluding epidemiologists.

8. Biochemist or biophysicist

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical processes of living organisms. Their work supports biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and basic research.

Independent research positions commonly require a doctorate. Bachelor's and master's graduates may enter laboratory, manufacturing or research-support roles. BLS expects faster-than-average growth over the 2024–34 period.

9. Microbiologist

Microbiologists study organisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. They may work on infectious disease, food safety, industrial processes, environmental monitoring or product quality.

A bachelor's degree can qualify candidates for some roles, while research leadership often requires graduate education. Laboratory technique, biosafety and accurate documentation are central skills.

10. Chemist

Chemists analyze substances and develop materials, medicines, formulations and manufacturing processes. Work may involve analytical instruments, synthesis, quality testing or regulatory documentation.

Many positions require a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Research roles can require a master's degree or doctorate. BLS projects employment of chemists and materials scientists to grow faster than the all-occupation average from 2024 to 2034.

11. Materials scientist

Materials scientists investigate how structure and composition affect the performance of metals, polymers, ceramics, semiconductors and composites. They develop or test materials for energy, electronics, transportation and healthcare.

Entry may require a bachelor's degree in materials science, chemistry, physics or engineering. Advanced research frequently requires graduate study.

12. Forensic science technician

Forensic science technicians collect, preserve and analyze evidence for criminal investigations. Some work at scenes, while others specialize in laboratory disciplines such as toxicology, biology or chemistry.

A bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry or a related field is common. The work requires strict procedures, objective reporting and the ability to explain methods in court.

13. Environmental scientist

Environmental scientists collect and interpret data about air, water, soil, ecosystems and human exposure. They help organizations assess sites, comply with environmental requirements and manage risk.

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geoscience or a related field is a common entry point. Fieldwork, geographic information systems and technical writing can strengthen employability.

14. Occupational health and safety specialist

These specialists analyze workplace conditions and help prevent injury, illness and harmful exposure. They inspect operations, evaluate controls, investigate incidents and develop training or compliance programs.

Many positions require a bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety, science or engineering. Demand spans manufacturing, construction, healthcare, government and consulting.

15. Agricultural and food scientist

Agricultural and food scientists improve crop production, animal health, food safety, processing and nutrition. They may conduct research, analyze samples or help producers adopt new methods.

A bachelor's degree in agricultural science, food science, biology or chemistry may support entry. Advanced research and university roles often require graduate education.

16. Geoscientist

Geoscientists study Earth's materials, structure and processes. Applications include water resources, natural hazards, energy, environmental consulting and site assessment.

A bachelor's degree is typical, but some roles prefer a master's degree. Many geoscientists need a state-issued license depending on their duties and location.

17. Atmospheric scientist

Atmospheric scientists study weather, climate and atmospheric processes. They develop forecasts, interpret models and analyze risks for government, media, transportation, agriculture and energy.

A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is common for entry. Research roles may require graduate education and strong programming or modeling skills.

18. Biomedical engineer

Biomedical engineers combine biology, medicine and engineering to develop devices, software, prosthetics and diagnostic systems. They also test performance, investigate failures and work with regulatory or clinical teams.

A bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering or a related engineering discipline is common. Some research and leadership roles require graduate study.

19. Genetic counselor

Genetic counselors assess family and medical histories, explain genetic testing and help patients understand possible results. The work combines genetics, probability, communication and ethics.

In the United States, entry typically requires a master's degree from an accredited genetic-counseling program and may involve certification or state licensing.

20. Nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners assess, diagnose and treat patients within the authority of their license and state practice rules. The profession applies advanced clinical science and is among the fastest-growing occupations in current BLS projections.

Candidates first become registered nurses and then complete graduate-level advanced practice education, national certification and state licensure. BLS projects 40.1% growth from 2024 to 2034.

21. Physician assistant

Physician assistants examine, diagnose and treat patients as part of healthcare teams, with scope and collaboration requirements defined by state law. They may specialize in primary care, surgery, emergency medicine or other fields.

Entry requires a master's degree from an accredited program, clinical training, national certification and state licensure. Healthcare demand continues to support substantial openings.

How to choose a science career

Identify the work you enjoy

Consider whether you prefer experiments, field observation, computation, patient interaction, engineering design or policy. Two careers can use similar science but offer very different daily work.

Compare education requirements

Some roles are accessible with a bachelor's degree; others require graduate study, clinical education or professional exams. Estimate the time, cost and admission requirements before committing.

Review local demand

National growth does not guarantee openings in a specific city. Search recent job postings, identify major employers and review state or regional occupational data.

Examine working conditions

Science careers may involve laboratories, outdoor sites, hospitals, offices or secure facilities. Consider schedules, travel, exposure controls, physical demands and the availability of remote work.

Test the field

Use internships, research projects, volunteer work, informational interviews and job shadowing to see the real work. A small project can reveal whether you enjoy the methods, not just the subject.

Skills for science careers

• Research design and scientific reasoning

• Statistics and data interpretation

• Laboratory or field methods

• Programming and computational tools

• Documentation and reproducibility

• Safety and ethical judgment

• Technical writing

• Presentation and stakeholder communication

• Collaboration across disciplines

• Project and time management

Not every role requires all of these skills. Build the combination most relevant to the target occupation and support it with projects or experience.

How to prepare for an in-demand science role

Choose coursework that matches actual job descriptions, not only a broad major. Develop evidence through research, internships, capstone projects or open datasets. Learn the standards used in the target environment, such as laboratory quality systems, clinical ethics, coding practices or field-safety procedures.

Create a resume that explains methods and outcomes. Instead of writing “assisted with research,” identify the question, technique, scale and contribution. Protect restricted data and do not claim authorship or results that belong to the wider team.

Dokie can help science students and professionals turn research, methods, findings and career evidence into an organized presentation. Users can structure a project from the research question through methodology, results, limitations and implications, or create a portfolio deck that connects technical experience to a target role.

Dokie also supports slide-level revisions and PowerPoint export for classroom, conference and interview presentations. Verify every scientific claim, chart and citation, protect confidential or sensitive data and follow laboratory, institutional and publication rules before sharing.

Frequently asked questions

Which science careers are growing fastest?

Current BLS projections show particularly strong growth for data scientists, nurse practitioners, information security analysts and computer and information research scientists. Projections can change with new data.

Can you start a science career with a bachelor's degree?

Yes. Many laboratory, environmental, computing and analyst roles accept a bachelor's degree. Independent research, clinical practice and university careers may require advanced education or licensing.

Are computer careers considered science careers?

Computer and information science are included in many STEM definitions. These careers use scientific and mathematical methods to study computation and build systems.

Do all science jobs involve laboratory work?

No. Scientists and analysts also work in offices, hospitals, field sites, manufacturing facilities, government agencies and technology companies.

What science skills are most transferable?

Experimental reasoning, statistics, data management, documentation, programming, technical writing and clear communication transfer across many fields.

How reliable are job-growth projections?

They are evidence-based estimates, not guarantees. Use them with local job postings, employer research and information about replacement openings and education requirements.