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Table 36. U.S. residing doctoral scientists and engineers employed as postdocs, by occupation: 2015

Occupation Number SE
All occupations 26,750 650
Science occupations 22,950 625
Biological/agricultural/other life scientists 16,700 525
Agricultural/food scientists 650 100
Biochemists/biophysicists 3,400 250
Biological scientists 4,750 300
Forestry/conservation scientists 100 25
Medical scientists 4,250 275
Postsecondary teachers, agricultural/other natural sciences S S
Postsecondary teachers, biological sciences 150 50
Other biological/agricultural/life scientists 3,400 275
Computer/information scientists 450 125
Computer/information scientists 450 100
Postsecondary teachers, computer science D D
Mathematical scientists 700 125
Mathematical scientists 450 125
Postsecondary teachers, mathematics/statistics 250 75
Physical scientists 3,800 225
Chemists, except biochemists 1,200 125
Earth/atmospheric/ocean scientists 650 75
Physicists/astronomers 1,350 150
Postsecondary teachers, chemistry 100 50
Postsecondary teachers, physics D D
Postsecondary teachers, other physical sciences D D
Other physical scientists 450 100
Psychologists 700 125
Psychologists 650 100
Postsecondary teachers, psychology S S
Social scientists 550 100
Economists 100 50
Political scientists D D
Postsecondary teachers, economics D D
Postsecondary teachers, political science D D
Postsecondary teachers, sociology D D
Postsecondary teachers, other social sciences D D
Sociologists/anthropologists 150 50
Other social scientists 250 75
Engineering occupations 2,100 225
Aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineers S S
Chemical engineers 150 75
Civil/architectural/sanitary engineers 150 75
Electrical engineers 200 75
Industrial engineers D D
Mechanical engineers 350 100
Postsecondary teachers, engineering 100 50
Other engineers 1,000 150
S&E-related occupations 1,300 175
Health occupations, except postsecondary teachers and managers 950 175
Postsecondary teachers, health and related sciences 100 50
S&E managers, including health 200 75
S&E precollege teachers D D
S&E technicians and technologists D D
Other S&E-related occupations D D
Non-S&E occupations 450 125
Arts/humanities-related occupations D D
Management-related occupations 100 75
Non-S&E managers D D
Non-S&E postsecondary teachers * *
Non-S&E precollege/other teachers 50 50
Sales/marketing occupations D D
Social service–related occupations D D
Other non-S&E occupations S S
Codes used in data tables: * = suppressed when population estimate < 25. D = suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information. S = suppressed for reliability; coefficient of variation exceeds publication standards.
S&E = science and engineering; SE = standard error.
NOTES: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 50. Standard errors are rounded up to the nearest 25. Detail may not add to total because of rounding. A postdoc is a temporary position awarded in academe, industry, nonprofit organizations, or government primarily for gaining additional education and training in research. Postdoc status is reported for principal job as of survey reference date (1 February 2015). Residence location is based on reported living location on 1 February 2015.
SOURCE: National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Doctorate Recipients, 2015.