This survey was conducted by the Census Bureau under a contract with the National Science Foundation to measure the number of persons working as scientists, engineers, and technicians in the private business sector. A sample was drawn from all active employer establishments in the United States excluding colleges, universities, and governments. The purpose of this study was to provide the necessary information needed to make intelligent policy decisions on the education and supply of these highly trained scientific and technical personnel. Assessment highlights include: (1) employment of scientists and engineers (S/Es) in private industry dropped 6% between 1970 and 1975; (2) a shift in demand for S/E employment from manufacturing to non-manufacturing industries has occurred; and (3) employment of S/Es in research and development was 12% lower in 1975 than in 1970. More detailed discussions of employment patterns by industry, research and development employment, and employment in energy-related activities are among the other sub-topics presented in the report. (MR)