Science

Is Einstein your idol? Are you cooking up a cure for cancer? Science is a field filled with possibilities. If you're interested in experimenting and understanding more about the universe around you, a career in chemistry or physics could be incredibly rewarding. But remember: A career in science will also require you to be good at math. So keep hitting the books!

CHEMIST

In a Nutshell

If you think you might like to learn about and work with the actual building blocks of nature, you might be a good chemist. Our world is composed of chemicals, and chemists find ways to make them useful to us — to develop new medicines, improve commercial products, save energy and fight pollution. Chemists usually work 40 hours a week in offices, laboratories or factories. Their work also may take them into the field to gather samples, monitor pollution or perform other tasks.

Chemistry jobs can include:

Research Chemist — conduct experiments and develop and test new products such as drugs, synthetic fibers and plastics.
Materials Scientist — create and test new materials to make manufactured products stronger, safer, cheaper and more effective.

Get Ahead

In public school, get a strong background in math and science.
Earn a college degree or degrees in chemistry or a related subject, such as physics or materials science.
Learn to work hard, think independently and focus on details.
Fine-tune your reading, writing and speaking skills.

Earning Power (2008)

Half of all chemists nationally earned between $47,050 and $85,960 a year.
In Texas they earned $39,490-$77,710.

They Did It

Marie Curie — pioneer of radioactivity
Shannon Lucid — biochemist and astronaut
Ernest Rutherford — founder of modern nuclear physics
Richard E. Smalley — nanotechnologist and Nobel Prize winner

PHARMACIST

In a Nutshell

Pharmacists must become experts on medicines and their effects on the human body. They work with doctors to ensure that people get the right medicines in the right amount. They also must help people avoid taking medicines in combinations or amounts that could be harmful. They work in drug stores and hospitals, generally for 40 hours a week, but sometimes longer. A pharmacist's work hours can vary.

Get Ahead

In public school, get a strong background in math and science.
Become comfortable working and speaking with people from all walks of life.
Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from a college of pharmacy.
Pass examinations to become a licensed pharmacist.

Earning Power (2008)

The middle half of pharmacists nationally earned between $88,060 and $115,030 a year.
In Texas they earned $93,270 to $118,150.

They Did It

Hubert Humphrey — pharmacist and vice-president of the U.S.
John Pemberton — inventor of Coca-Cola
Charles Rudolph Walgreen — founder of Walgreens drugstores

PILOT

In a Nutshell

Pilots fly, of course. Airliners, cargo aircraft, private jets and helicopters all need a competent pilot in the cockpit. Pilots must have a thorough knowledge of their craft and the technologies that they use. They often work unusual hours. Airline pilots typically fly about 65 to 75 hours a month, and spend another 75 hours on other aspects of their jobs. Pilots are often called upon to sleep away from home.

Pilot jobs include:

Airline Pilot — fly regular routes for a major or regional passenger airline.
Air Freight/Cargo Pilot — fly mail, packages, perishable items and other cargo for companies such as UPS and FedEx, as well as the U.S. Postal Service.
Helicopter Pilot — make short-duration flights for emergency medical services, oil-rig operations, forest firefighters and others.
Corporate Pilot — fly company personnel to business meetings and other events.

Get Ahead

Most pilots hired today have a college degree. Engineering, aeronautics and other technical topics are useful majors.
Attend flight school or pursue flying in the military.
Become licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Earning Power (2008)

Median earnings for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers nationally were $103,590.
In Texas they earned $117,160.

They Did It

Amelia Earhart — pioneering aviator
Chesley Sullenberger — US Airways pilot, hero of the "miracle on the Hudson River"
Charles A. Tamburro — helicopter pilot for the movies
Charles "Chuck" Yeager — famed test pilot
Jeana Yeager — co-pilot on the first nonstop flight around the world

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

In a Nutshell

Engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists with technical and experimental work. They set up and conduct experiments, test and operate specialized equipment, record data and participate in the development of new and improved products. Engineering technicians generally work 40-hour weeks in a laboratory, factory or office.

Technician jobs can include:

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician — design, develop and test electronic devices.
Civil Engineering Technician — assist in the development of traffic data and the design and construction of roads, bridges, railroad crossings and other roadway features.

Get Ahead

In public school, get a solid background in math and science.
Learn to work as a member of a team.
Pursue a two-year degree in engineering technology at a community college or technical institute.

Earning Power (2008)

The middle half of all electrical and electronics engineering technicians nationally earned between $40,590 and $62,350 a year.
In Texas, they earned $42,190 to $63,980.
Civil engineering technicians nationally earned $32,540 to $54,370.
In Texas, they earned $23,400 to $46,100.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

In a Nutshell

Environmental scientists work to protect the environment and to prevent or clean up pollution. Their work can involve chemistry, biology and physics. They work in laboratories, offices and in the field. Their jobs may involve travel and odd work hours.

Get Ahead

In public school, get a solid background in math and science.
Learn to work hard, think independently and focus on details.
Fine-tune your reading, writing and speaking skills.
Pursue a bachelor's degree and advanced degrees in environmental science, biology, geology or related fields.

Earning Power (2008)

Nationally, half of all environmental scientists earned between $44,410 and $77,630 a year.
In Texas they earned $37,570 to $76,720.

They Did It

Rachel Carson — author of Silent Spring
Barry Commoner — scientist and environmental activist
David Suzuki — zoologist, author and broadcaster

Based on material developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.