12 awesome jobs for people who love science

"Importance" rating: 81

Average annual salary: $79,140

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 27,800

Chemists conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Common tasks include: preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, analyzing chemical compounds or substances, monitoring operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards, collaborating on research activities with scientists or technical specialists, and maintaining laboratory or technical equipment.

"Importance" rating: 81

Average annual salary: $72,590

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 1,200

Animal scientists conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

Common tasks include: preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, researching genetic characteristics or expression, researching livestock management methods, and developing agricultural methods.

"Importance" rating: 81

Average annual salary: $103,590

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 9,200

Chemical engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Common tasks include: operational reports, evaluating characteristics of equipment or systems, developing technical methods or processes, determining causes of operational problems or failures, and designing industrial processing systems.

"Importance" rating: 81

Average annual salary: $98,230

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 31,000

Veterinarians diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.

Common tasks include: prescribing medications, examining patients to assess general physical condition, analyzing test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment, operating diagnostic imaging equipment, and developing medical treatment plans.

"Importance" rating: 85

Average annual salary: $190,530

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 20,100

General internists are physicians who diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems.

Common tasks include: collecting medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals, treating chronic diseases or disorders, recording patient medical histories, diagnosing medical conditions, and monitoring patient progress or responses to treatments.

"Importance" rating: 85

Average annual salary: $74,120

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 1,600

Epidemiologists investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control.

Common tasks include: planning biological research, preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, communicating with government agencies, directing medical science or healthcare programs, and researching diseases or parasites.

"Importance" rating: 88

Average annual salary: $76,530

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 7,100

Microbiologists investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.

Common tasks include: researching microbiological or chemical processes or structures, preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, cultivating micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations, analyzing chemical compounds or substances, and researching diseases or parasites.

"Importance" rating: 88

Average annual salary: $79,200

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 37,400

Biologists research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Common tasks include: planning biological research, preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, providing technical information or assistance to public, analyzing chemical compounds or substances, and communicating with government agencies.

"Importance" rating: 88

Average annual salary: $117,300

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 7,200

Physicists conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Common tasks include: preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, analyzing geological or geographical data, collaborating on research activities with scientists or technical specialists, developing theories or models of physical phenomena, and instructing college students in physical or life sciences.

"Importance" rating: 91

Average annual salary: $77,920

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 9,800

Molecular and cellular biologists research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Common tasks include: recording research or operational data, planning biological research, researching microbiological or chemical processes or structures, preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, and inspecting equipment to ensure proper functioning.

"Importance" rating: 91

Average annual salary: $91,960

Projected job openings (2012-2022): 13,700

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena.

Common tasks include: researching microbiological or chemical processes or structures, preparing scientific or technical reports or presentations, researching diseases or parasites, researching genetic characteristics or expression, and supervising scientific or technical personnel.