Analysis
NAICS 5417 is the 2022 industry group for scientific research and development services, part of 541 (Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). Census lists 69 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 22,403 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 1,003,975 people at an average annual payroll of $153,460 per employee (97th percentile of national industries). 51% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 19% and employment rose 30%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
By establishments it ranks 9th of the 9 codes at this level within Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, with 2.3% of them.
Across its national industries Census lists 69 index entries; typical ones are nanobiotechnologies research and experimental development…, biotechnology research and development laboratories or…, aerospace research and development (except prototype… and archeological research and development services.
It splits into 2 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 54171 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) with 20,321.
Official definition
This industry group comprises establishments engaged in conducting original investigation undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge (research) and/or the application of research findings or other scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products or processes (experimental development). Techniques may include modeling and simulation. The industries within this industry group are defined on the basis of the domain of research; that is, on the scientific expertise of the establishment.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (69)
- Nanobiotechnologies research and experimental development laboratories
- Biotechnology research and development laboratories or services (except nanobiotechnology research and development)
- Aerospace research and development (except prototype production)
- Archeological research and development services