10. Epidemiologists
Employment change, 2012–22: 500 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 5,100 jobs
Job outlook, 2012–22: 10%
Median pay, 2012: $65,270 per year
About the position : Epidemiologists compile data to try and understand the causes of diseases, improve public health issues, and prevent future problems. They do this by conducting various experiments, surveys, and interviews and studying the data they compiled. Being highly observant is a requirement in this field due to the constant demand for them to analyze data and plan studies in order to find new statistics about diseases, and then report those findings to others in the medical and public health field.
9. Genetic Counselors
Employment change, 2012–22: 900 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 2,100 jobs
Job outlook, 2012–22: 41%
Median pay, 2012: $56,800 per year
About the position : Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and advice to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.
8. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Employment change, 2012–22: 1,000 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 20,100 jobs
Job outlook, 2012–22: 5%
Median pay, 2012: $57,710 per year
About the position : Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
7. Microbiologists
Employment change, 2012–22: 1,400 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 20,100 jobs
Job outlook, 2012–22: 7%
Median pay, 2012: $66,260 per year
About the position : Microbiologists focus primarily on the classification and functions of microorganisms found in humans, plants, water, etc. They organize, conduct, and supervise complex research on these microscopic organisms. Through analysis of their findings, microbiologists obtain new knowledge about these organisms and translate that into ways to develop new drugs to combat diseases.
6. Biomedical Engineers
Employment change, 2012–22: 5,200 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 19,400
Job outlook, 2012–22: 27%
Median pay, 2012: $86,960 per year
About the position : Biomedical engineers use their knowledge of engineering to design and construct systems and products for medical usage. The products that biomedical engineers create and produce are essential to the diagnosis of medical ailments. They are responsible for the reparation of the devices they build, the assurance of their functionality and safety, and work very closely with scientists, doctors, and others in the medical field to observe the engineering components of biological processes and systems to plan their developments accordingly. Some products that biomedical engineers provide include prostheses, such as artificial organs, and devices such as MRIs and CAT Scans.
5. Biochemists and Biophysicists
Employment change, 2012–22: 5,400 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 29,200
Job outlook, 2012–22: 19%
Median pay, 2012: $81,480 per year
About the position : Biochemists and biophysicists design and perform various complex tests for their research. Their job spans from studying proteins, DNA, RNA, and several other molecules to studying and testing already developed drugs and the effects that they have on biological systems and more.
4. Chemical Technicians
Employment change, 2012–22: 6,000 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 63,600
Job outlook, 2012–22: 9%
Median pay, 2012: $42,920 per year
About the position : Chemical technicians use special Instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers research, develop, and produce chemical products and processes.
3. Biological Technicians
Employment change, 2012–22: 8,000 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 80,200
Job outlook, 2012–22: 10%
Median pay, 2012: $39,750 per year
About the position : Biological technicians help biological and medical scientists carry out their research and experiments. They are responsible for the set-up and maintenance of labs, and the cleaning of lab Instruments and equipment to ensure they are ready for use. They prepare samples in the lab for analysis, conduct their own tests and experiments, compile data, and record their findings.
2. Regulatory QA/QC Biomanufacturing Specialists
Employment change, 2012–22: 13,700 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 103,100
Job outlook, 2012–22: 13%
Median pay, 2012: $76,980 per year
About the position : Order is the priority for a regulatory QA/QC biomanufacturing specialist. They are responsible for supervising a project or job and guaranteeing that all criteria and requirements are met. In order to manage as a QA/QC director, one must have a thorough understanding of the products and services being produced and manufactured. They regulate production including import/export and product registration, manufacturing, data collection and management, and safety.
1. Medical and Clinical Lab Technologists & Technicians
Employment change, 2012–22: 70,600 more jobs
Number of jobs, 2012: 325,800
Job outlook, 2012–22: 22%
Median pay, 2012: $47,820 per year
About the position : Medical and clinical lab technologists and technicians work in either labs or health care facilities and perform tests studying blood, fluids, organs, tissue, and other substances they have collected in order to analyze. The technologists usually perform the more difficult tasks and supervise the technicians. The two work together to operate lab Instruments and equipment. Technologists and technicians can either be general or specialize in a particular field, which include but are not limited to clinical chemistry, blood banks, immunology, and molecular biology.