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Family and Consumer Scientists


Overview

Family and Consumer Scientists

Introduction

Family and consumer scientists, also called home economists, improve and help others to improve products, services, and practices that affect the comfort and well-being of the home and family. Family and consumer science covers a range of subjects from nutrition, food preparation, and meal planning to household economics and the psychology of family relations. All the aspects of household and home management are part of this broad field.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$58,230

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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Earnings

Earnings of family and consumer scientists vary a great deal, depending on their experience, education, and area of work. Those in entry-level positions, such as salespeople and child-care workers, may have annual earnings of well below $20,000. But teachers and those in upper-level sales and marketing jobs can earn considerably more. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the May 2018 mean...

Work Environment

Family and consumer scientists generally work in generally pleasant conditions regardless of their employer. Teachers often work extra hours assisting students and sponsoring home economics clubs, as well as teaching adult education classes, for which they are often paid extra. Extension workers, too, work long hours. Those in business and other areas generally work a 40-hour week. Family and c...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts average employment growth for high school teachers through 2028. Slower-than-average growth is expected for elementary and middle school teachers, but there will continue to be good opportunities. Much-faster-than-average employment growth is predicted for postsecondary teachers. Job opportunities for food technologists are expected to grow about as fast as...