541715 — Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development (except nanotechnology and biotechnology research and experimental development) in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, such as agriculture, electronics, environmental, biology, botany, computers, chemistry, food, fisheries, forests, geology, health, mathematics, medicine, oceanography, pharmacy, physics, veterinary, and other allied subjects.
Overview Facts
| NAICS Code | 541715 |
|---|---|
| Industry Title | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) |
| SBA Size Standard | 1,000 employees |
| U.S. Establishments | 12,929 (Census CBP, 2023) |
| IRS PBA Code | 541700 (rolled-up match) |
| Sectors Hierarchy | Sector 54 → 541 → 5417 |
| Source / Verified | US Census 2022 NAICS Manual, Census CBP / 2026-06-28 |
Legacy SIC Concordance
Trace the historical mapping chain from the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) to the modern 2022 NAICS code format.
- SIC 3721 - Aircraft (via SIC1987:3721→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 3724 - Aircraft Engines and Engine Parts (via SIC1987:3724→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 3728 - Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, NEC (via SIC1987:3728→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 3761 - Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles (via SIC1987:3761→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 3764 - Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Units and Propulsion Unit Parts (via SIC1987:3764→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 3769 - Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, NEC (via SIC1987:3769→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 8731 - Commercial Physical and Biological Research (via SIC1987:8731→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
- SIC 8733 - Noncommercial Research Organizations (via SIC1987:8733→NAICS1997:54171→2002:541710→2007:541712→2012:541712→2017:541715→2022:541715)
Suggested Product Service Codes (Advisory)
The following Product Service Codes (PSCs) are advisory suggestions aligned with this NAICS code. Note: NAICS and PSC codes map to different dimensions of procurement (industry vs. product/service). There is no official binding 1:1 crosswalk.
- PSC AJ12 — GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH
Source: DoD DPCAP PSC Selection Tool (Ingested: 2026-06-29)
Related Resources & Compliance Guides
Further regulatory reference links for NAICS code 541715:
- Sector 54 Directory Hub — List of related industries in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector.
- SIC ↔ NAICS Crosswalk Tool — Look up mappings between legacy SIC codes and modern classifications.
- SBA Size Standards Guide — Complete rules and averaging periods for small business classifications.
- Calculating Annual Receipts Guide — Detailed worked example of revenue calculation rules.
- IRS Principal Business Activity Guide — How NAICS codes map to corporate and entity tax filings.
Related Industries in 5417
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 541715 a valid 2022 NAICS code?
NAICS 541715 is 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)', a 2022 U.S. national industry under Sector 54 (Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services); the SBA small-business size standard is 1,000 employees.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 541715?
The SBA small business size standard for NAICS 541715 is 1,000 employees (based on employees).
What is the legacy SIC code mapping for 541715?
NAICS code 541715 maps to the legacy 1987 SIC codes: 3721 - Aircraft, 3724 - Aircraft Engines and Engine Parts, 3728 - Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, NEC, 3761 - Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles, 3764 - Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Units and Propulsion Unit Parts, 3769 - Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, NEC, 8731 - Commercial Physical and Biological Research, 8733 - Noncommercial Research Organizations.