Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Employment and Wages in 2023

In 2023, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry employed over 10.7 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.6% from 2022. The annual mean wage in 2023 was $102,670, and the median wage was $80,850. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 56.8%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among the industry sub-groups, Computer Systems Design and Related Services held the largest number of jobs within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry, employing over 2.5 million people in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $117,100, with a median wage of $103,720. There was a decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from 79.1% to 78.9%, indicating industry wages lagged national wage trends.

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services accounted for a substantial employment share, with 1.8 million people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $100,050, and the median wage was $78,680. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was a decrease compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from 54.9% to 52.8%.

The sub-group of Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 1.6 million people employed in 2023. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $95,040 and the median wage was $80,590. The wage variance to the national average experienced a decrease compared to 2022, with the variance shifting from 46.3% to 45.2%.

Highest Employment Occupations

When we examine the top occupations in terms of employment within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry, we find that Lawyers had the highest annual mean wage in 2023, at $183,390, and a median wage of $142,150. The industry variance to the national average was 3.9%. General and Operations Managers had an annual mean wage of $162,270 and a median wage of $134,880. The industry variance to the national average was 25.5%. Management Analysts had an annual mean wage of $134,770 and a median wage of $104,400. The industry variance to the national average was 16.7%.

Conversely, notable occupations with lower wages within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry included Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks, with an annual mean wage of $51,470 and a median wage of $48,960. The industry variance to the national average was 3.8%. Paralegals and Legal Assistants had an annual mean wage of $64,570 and a median wage of $59,770. The industry variance to the national average was -2.8%. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists had an annual mean wage of $82,730 and a median wage of $74,780. The industry variance to the national average was -0.6%.

Summary

In 2023, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry in the U.S. employed over 10.7 million people, a 3.6% increase from 2022. The annual mean wage was $102,670, and the median wage was $80,850, making wages in this industry 56.8% higher than the national average. The largest sub-group, Computer Systems Design and Related Services, employed 2.5 million people, with an annual mean wage of $117,100, though its wage variance slightly decreased to 78.9% above the national average. Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services employed 1.8 million, with a mean wage of $100,050, but saw a decline in wage competitiveness. Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services employed 1.6 million, offering a mean wage of $95,040. High-paying roles like Lawyers and General Managers earned mean wages of $183,390 and $162,270, respectively, while lower-paying roles, such as Bookkeeping Clerks and Paralegals, earned mean wages of $51,470 and $64,570. Overall, the industry remains a high-wage sector with varied pay across sub-groups and occupations, though some areas saw a slight decline in wage competitiveness.

For more detailed industry insights, consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2023 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Industry Report.