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72. Research Scientist

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Research Scientist
Median pay: $81,800
Top pay: $121,000
10-year job growth: 15.5%
Total jobs*: 1,228,800
What they do all day? Research scientists investigate everything from chemical reactions to aging. They conduct experiments and publish the findings -- both in academic journals, as well as popular media. One of the trickiest parts of the job: In order to get their research funded, they typically have to write grant proposals and dig up funding. --J.A.

Quality of life ratings:
Personal satisfaction Low stress Benefit to society Flexibility
B C B B
Published: October 29, 2012
Notes: All pay data from PayScale.com. Median pay is for an experienced worker (at least five or seven years in the field). Top pay represents the 90th percentile. Job growth is estimated for 2010-20, and based on people working in broader 'job family' from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
*Total jobs is estimated number of people working in broader BLS 'job family.'

Sources: PayScale.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNNMoney research
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