STEM Careers: Everything You Need to Know

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals continually push the boundaries of innovation, shaping advancements in everything from healthcare to aerospace.

Because these careers are often technically complex and require many years of training, they’re often well-compensated.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what STEM careers involve, what kinds of jobs you can pursue, and how to take the first steps toward entering the field.

STEM careers are jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics — the areas represented by the acronym.

STEM roles span many industries and settings. For example, you can work in the public sector as a civil engineer for a government agency. You could also be a scientific researcher at a public university. Additionally, there are many STEM career opportunities in the private sector, such as a computer programmer for a technology company or an actuary for a life insurance company.

Which skills you’ll need to succeed in a STEM career depends on your specific role and industry. However, these careers typically require strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and collaboration skills.

STEM is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide array of careers in public health, software development, electrical engineering, and many other fields. Below you’ll find some of the most popular STEM jobs along with their salary and job growth data:

Science is perhaps the STEM category with the widest array of potential career paths.

Many jobs in science fields take place in a laboratory setting or healthcare facilities and involve empirical research.

However, that’s not always the case, as many science careers may require you to collect data or record firsthand analysis in the field.

Jobs in science often require a minimum of a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree.

Technology careers usually focus on developing and maintaining computer, software, and network systems.

These roles are among the highest-paying in the STEM fields, and many don’t require a college degree. For instance, software developers can land high-paying jobs with a certificate from a bootcamp or being self-taught with a solid portfolio.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s in computer science or a related field.

Engineering careers focus on designing, building, and maintaining systems to streamline complex processes.

This can take many forms. For example, electrical or aerospace engineers focus on mechanical systems, while civil and environmental engineers work on large-scale projects like roads, bridges, or water systems.

Most engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and some may also require a master’s degree and/or professional licensure.

Careers in math focus heavily on working with numbers and data. Day-to-day tasks often involve collecting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative information.

These professionals are especially valuable in industries like finance, insurance, and tech, where data-driven strategies are key to improving performance.

These roles often require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, though some positions may call for a graduate degree, depending on the level of specialization.

There is no uniform way to enter a STEM career, but following these steps can help lead you along the right path:

There are hundreds of career possibilities under the umbrella of STEM. With that in mind, it’s important to narrow down which field you want to pursue based on your personal interests. With this in mind, think about what you would find most fulfilling and consider which profession leans on your strengths.

Keep in mind that most STEM careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. However, some roles, such as scientific researcher, require a master’s or doctoral degree. Knowing this, look into degree programs that meet industry expectations early on.

Internships, apprenticeships, and postdoctoral research are common ways to get practical experience, depending on the STEM career you’re pursuing. Many engineering professions, for example, require that you work under professional supervision before becoming certified.

Continuing education programs can set you up for career advancement opportunities. Certificate programs, microcredentials, and bootcamps are just a few ways you can improve your skill set and keep up with new technologies.