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Scientific Researcher Income
Industry earnings. In
2006, nonsupervisory workers in scientific research and development services
earned $1,136 per week on average, substantially higher than the $568 average
for all industries. The earnings of those engaged in research and development in
the physical, engineering, and life sciences differ markedly from the earnings
of those in research and development in the social sciences and humanities, with
respective averages of $1,175 and $818.
Earnings also varied considerably by
occupation, with workers in management and professional occupations earning
more. This was similar to other industries. Occupations in the industry with
higher earnings typically require higher levels of education and experience.
Hourly wages for specific occupations in the industry are shown in table 2.
Table 2.
Median hourly earnings of the largest occupations in scientific research and
development services, May 2006
|
Occupation |
Scientific research and
development services |
All industries |
|
General and
operations managers |
$59.80 |
$40.97 |
|
Computer software
engineers, systems software |
46.72 |
41.04 |
|
Computer software
engineers, applications |
41.97 |
38.36 |
|
Medical
scientists, except epidemiologists |
34.32 |
29.66 |
|
Business
operations specialists, all other |
33.25 |
26.76 |
|
Chemists |
33.06 |
28.78 |
|
Executive
secretaries and administrative assistants |
20.66 |
17.90 |
|
Biological
technicians |
19.14 |
17.17 |
|
Secretaries,
except legal, medical, and executive |
16.20 |
13.20 |
|
Office clerks,
general |
13.70 |
11.40 |
Benefits and union membership.
Workers in scientific research and development services generally receive
standard benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and
pension plans.
In 2006, only 4 percent of all workers
in the scientific research and development industry were union members or
covered by union contracts, compared with about 13 percent of all workers
throughout private industry.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
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