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Table 1. U.S. scientists and engineers, by degree background and labor force status: 2013
 

Degree background                In labor force   
All scientists and engineers Employed, by occupation     
Total Total S&E S&E-related Non-S&E Unemployeda Not in labor forceb
Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE Number SE
Scientists and engineers 28,950,000 358,000 23,557,000 336,000 5,749,000 112,000 7,439,000 126,500 10,368,000 180,500 930,000 31,000 4,463,000 71,000
Educated in S&E (holds at least one S&E degree) 21,121,000 242,000 16,841,000 225,000 4,718,000 88,500 3,146,000 59,000 8,977,000 144,000 774,000 27,000 3,505,000 60,000
Highest degree in S&E field 15,811,000 199,500 12,446,000 183,500 4,341,000 80,500 1,760,000 39,000 6,345,000 123,500 628,000 25,000 2,737,000 53,000
Highest degree in S&E-related field 1,639,000 39,500 1,416,000 37,500 90,000 6,000 1,118,000 35,500 207,000 12,000 41,000 6,500 183,000 13,500
Highest degree in non-S&E field 3,670,000 65,000 2,979,000 59,000 287,000 14,000 267,000 15,500 2,425,000 52,500 106,000 8,500 585,000 24,000
No S&E degree but holds at least one S&E-related degree 5,852,000 110,500 4,738,000 100,500 245,000 12,500 3,101,000 67,000 1,391,000 55,500 156,000 13,500 958,000 33,500
Highest degree in S&E-related field 5,354,000 101,500 4,364,000 95,500 229,000 12,000 2,991,000 66,000 1,144,000 51,500 137,000 12,000 853,000 31,000
Highest degree in non-S&E field 497,000 24,500 374,000 19,500 16,000 3,000 110,000 8,500 248,000 15,500 18,000 4,500 105,000 11,500
Non-S&E degree only 1,978,000 74,500 1,978,000 74,500 786,000 36,000 1,192,000 59,000 ne ne ne ne ne ne

Data codes used in these tables: * = value < 500. D = suppressed to avoid disclosure of confidential information. ne = not eligible; does not meet SESTAT population criteria. S = suppressed for reliability; coefficient of variation exceeds publication standards.
Abbreviations used in these tables: S&E = science and engineering; SE = standard error.
a Unemployed includes individuals who were not working during the survey reference week but had been seeking work in the prior 4 weeks or who were on layoff from job.
b Not in labor force includes individuals who were not working during the survey reference week and had not been seeking work in the prior 4 weeks because of retirement, family responsibilities, chronic illness, or other reasons.
NOTES: Numbers are rounded to the nearest 1,000. Standard errors for numbers are rounded up to the nearest 500. Detail may not add to total because of rounding. Scientists and engineers are bachelor's and higher degreed individuals living in the United States with an S&E or S&E-related degree or occupation. See appendix for additional details on coverage, eligibility, educational field classification, and occupational classification.
SOURCE: National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT): 2013.
Data from survey cycle 2013, as of 24 February 2015.