Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Employment and Wages in 2024

In 2024, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry employed over 10.8 million people in the United States, reflecting an increase of 0.4% from 2023. The annual mean wage in 2024 was $106,030, and the median wage was $83,060. Compared to the national average, the wages in this industry group were higher by 56.1%.

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 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $120,610, with a median wage of $106,270. There was a decrease in wage variance to the national average compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 78.9% to 77.6%, indicating industry wages lagged national wage trends.

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services accounted for a substantial employment share, with 1.9 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $104,630, and the median wage was $80,570. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 52.8% to 54%.

The sub-group of Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 1.7 million people employed in 2024. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $99,130 and the median wage was $83,690. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2023, with the variance shifting from 45.2% to 46%.

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 2024, at $191,920, and a median wage of $150,110. The industry variance to the national average was 5%. General and Operations Managers had an annual mean wage of $171,290 and a median wage of $149,090. The industry variance to the national average was 28.7%. Management Analysts had an annual mean wage of $129,000 and a median wage of $107,790. The industry variance to the national average was 12.5%.

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 $53,910 and a median wage of $50,180. The industry variance to the national average was 3.6%. Paralegals and Legal Assistants had an annual mean wage of $64,220 and a median wage of $59,890. The industry variance to the national average was -3.4%. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists had an annual mean wage of $87,430 and a median wage of $78,030. The industry variance to the national average was 1.1%.

Summary

In 2024, the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry employed over 10.8 million people in the U.S., growing modestly by 0.4% from the previous year. This sector continues to offer some of the highest compensation in the economy, with an annual mean wage of $106,030 and a median wage of $83,060—56.1% above the national average. Sub-industries such as Computer Systems Design, Consulting Services, and Architectural and Engineering Services contributed significantly to both employment and earnings. While high-wage occupations like Lawyers and General and Operations Managers led compensation, mid-level roles such as Market Research Analysts and Paralegals also offered competitive pay. The industry remains a vital driver of innovation and economic productivity, attracting talent with its high pay potential and professional career paths.