The space race gave federal science funding new impetus. According to a 1970 Library of Congress document [pdf]:

“Professional scientific and technical personnel in Federal Government numbered 204,200 in October 1967- 5% increase over October 1966. Engineers, numbering 81,200, were largest of [the] three major groups-scientists, engineers, and health professionals- comprising 40% of 1967 total. DOD [Department of Defence] continued as major Government employer, with 76,900 scientific and technical employees, of which 9392 were engineers and scientists.”

A 2009 National Science Foundation report covering the period from 2003-2005 found about 200,000 scientists and engineers in federal employment (Federal Employment of Scientists and Engineers Remained Steady from 2003 to 2005).

The space race gave federal science funding new impetus. According to a 1970 Library of Congress document [pdf]:

“Professional scientific and technical personnel in Federal Government numbered 204,200 in October 1967- 5% increase over October 1966. Engineers, numbering 81,200, were largest of [the] three major groups-scientists, engineers, and health professionals- comprising 40% of 1967 total. DOD [Department of Defence] continued as major Government employer, with 76,900 scientific and technical employees, of which 9392 were engineers and scientists.”

A 2009 National Science Foundation report covering the period from 2003-2005 found about 200,000 scientists and engineers in federal employment (Federal Employment of Scientists and Engineers Remained Steady from 2003 to 2005).