STEM Careers: Everything You Need to Know
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STEM entails all types of engineering roles, tech jobs, and scientific research opportunities. STEM professionals can explore diverse fields like aeronautic engineering and biochemistry. Some STEM students also apply their math and tech knowledge in non-STEM areas like law, politics, and education.
Read on to learn more about STEM careers and whether they may be right for you.
What Is a STEM Career?
STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEM careers entail the use of science, tech, engineering, and/or math. Examples of STEM jobs include mechanical engineer, math teacher, biologist, and computer programmer.
As a group of academic subjects, STEM aims to foster essential hard and soft skills, such as computer skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Featured Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Benefits of Pursuing a STEM Career
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Many STEM jobs boast above-average median salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all computer and information technology jobs was over $100,000 in 2023. -
Demand for STEM professionals is rising
The BLS projects 11% growth in STEM jobs between 2022 and 2032. This need for more STEM workers is primarily fueled by ongoing tech advancements and the growing use of artificial intelligence. -
A STEM job can put you at the forefront of scientific innovation
For example, you could help create a new technology or contribute to a medical advancement.
Popular STEM Careers
STEM offers an array of career paths, each with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. Here are some tech, science, engineering, and math careers you might consider.
Science Careers
Science involves understanding and analyzing the natural and physical world around us. As a science major, you can pursue jobs in fields like biology, astronomy, environmental science, physics, and so on. Some science fields may require you to earn a graduate degree.
As of May 2023, science professionals earn a median salary of $78,280, according to the BLS.
| Job | Minimum Degree Required | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and Food Scientist | Bachelor's degree | $76,400 | 6% |
| Astronomer | Doctoral degree | $127,930 | 5% |
| Atmospheric Scientist | Bachelor's degree | $92,860 | 4% |
| Chemical Technician | Associate degree | $56,750 | 3% |
| Environmental Scientist | Bachelor's degree | $78,980 | 6% |
| Epidemiologist | Master's degree | $81,390 | 27% |
| Medical Scientist | Doctoral degree | $100,890 | 10% |
| Nuclear Technician | Associate degree | $101,740 | -1% |
| Physicist | Doctoral degree | $155,680 | 5% |
| Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist | Bachelor's degree | $70,600 | 3% |
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Technology Careers
Technology careers offer the chance to work at the cutting edge of innovation. According to the BLS, jobs for computer and technology professionals are projected to grow far faster than the average for all jobs between 2022 and 2032.
In this STEM field, you could design and build software as a software developer. Or, you could protect computer systems from cyber threats as a cybersecurity analyst.
Here are some popular computer and tech roles to consider.
| Job | Minimum Degree Required | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master's degree | $145,080 | 23% |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor's degree | $129,840 | 4% |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor's degree | $99,700 | -11% |
| Computer Support Specialist | High school diploma or associate degree | $60,810 | 5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor's degree | $103,800 | 10% |
| Database Administrator | Bachelor's degree | $101,510 | 7% |
| Database Architect | Bachelor's degree | $134,700 | 10% |
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor's degree | $120,360 | 32% |
| Software Developer | Bachelor's degree | $132,270 | 26% |
| Web Developer | Bachelor's degree | $84,960 | 17% |
Engineering Careers
Engineering is all about using math and science to build computers, machines, buildings, and other structures. Popular engineering specializations include civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
And what's great is that you typically only need a bachelor's to become an engineer.
According to the BLS, architecture and engineering professionals earned a median salary of $91,420 in 2023 — that's over $40,000 more than the median salary for all jobs.
| Job | Minimum Degree Required | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $130,720 | 6% |
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $112,100 | 8% |
| Civil Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $95,890 | 5% |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $106,950 | 4% |
| Environmental Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $100,090 | 6% |
| Industrial Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $99,380 | 12% |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architect | Bachelor's degree | $100,270 | 1% |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $99,510 | 10% |
| Nuclear Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $125,460 | 1% |
| Petroleum Engineer | Bachelor's degree | $135,690 | 2% |
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Math Careers
Math jobs generally entail using math fundamentals to analyze, calculate, and interpret data. You could become an actuary for a company to analyze cost and risk. Or, you could teach math as a secondary or postsecondary educator.
You'll need at least a master's degree to become a mathematician or statistician.
According to the BLS, math professionals earned a median salary of $101,460 in 2023.
| Job | Minimum Degree Required | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuary | Bachelor's degree | $120,000 | 23% |
| Data Scientist | Bachelor's degree | $108,020 | 35% |
| High School Math Teacher | Bachelor's degree | $65,220 (all teachers) | 1% (all teachers) |
| Math Professor | Doctoral degree | $81,020 | 3% |
| Mathematician | Master's degree | $116,440 | 2% |
| Operations Research Analyst | Bachelor's degree | $83,640 | 23% |
| Statistician | Master's degree | $104,110 | 32% |
4 Steps to Start a Career in STEM
Follow these steps to kickstart your STEM career today.
1. Identify Your Interests and Goals
The first step is to figure out what kind of STEM field interests you the most and what you hope to do in it. For example, do you have a passion for science? Do you enjoy toying around with computers?
Taking a career quiz could help you discover which STEM area best aligns with your strengths and professional goals.
You could also explore STEM career paths by researching roles and talking to people already working in the field.
2. Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Once you've identified the STEM career that's right for you, the next step is to earn a degree. Most STEM jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, so it's best to start here.
With a bachelor's, you'll develop a deep understanding of your chosen STEM field and hone essential hard and soft skills.
A STEM major is also a great opportunity to research and gain practical experience through internships and part-time jobs.
3. Consider Graduate School
While a bachelor's degree suffices for many STEM jobs, you might need to get a master's or doctoral degree if you want an advanced position or hope to work in a specialized sector.
For instance, if you want to become a physicist, you'll likely need a doctorate in physics. Or, if you want to become a statistician, you'll need at least a master's degree in statistics.
Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of grad school before you apply, and consider factors such as cost, time commitment, and potential return on investment.
4. Apply for STEM Jobs
With your qualifications in hand, you're ready to apply for STEM jobs.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your hard and soft skills, education, relevant work experience, and accomplishments.
Make use of online job boards, networking events, and career fairs. You should also leverage your connections — reach out to former professors, classmates, and internship supervisors who can provide valuable leads or references.
STEM Resources
The following STEM resources not only provide valuable information and opportunities for professional development but also offer platforms for networking and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions About STEM Careers
Is a career in STEM worth it?
A STEM career is often worth it if one of your primary goals is to earn an above-average salary shortly after graduating college. For example, actuaries earn an average salary of around $88,000 with just 1-4 years of experience, according to Payscale.
Ultimately, whether you'll feel professionally satisfied with a STEM degree will depend on your goals and interests.
What careers are considered STEM?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains a list of all fields of study it considers to be STEM. These include anything related to the natural and physical sciences, computers and technology, engineering, and math.
It also counts certain social sciences, health, and education subjects as STEM, such as psychology, veterinary medicine, environmental health, and EdTech.
As such, any jobs that align with these fields can be considered STEM careers.
How long does it take to get a STEM degree?
A bachelor's degree in STEM usually takes four years, but AP credits and accelerated programs can let you earn your degree in less time.
A master's degree in STEM typically takes an additional 1-2 years to complete, while a doctorate can take anywhere from 3-7 years, depending on your field of study.
What is the highest-paying STEM job?
According to 2023 BLS data, the highest-paying STEM jobs include physicist (median salary of $155,680), computer scientist ($145,080), and petroleum engineer ($135,6900). Many STEM jobs boast median annual salaries in the six figures, making them generally lucrative career paths.
What is the most popular STEM field?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the most popular STEM majors are biological sciences and engineering. In 2022, biological sciences and engineering majors accounted for 13% of all bachelor's degrees awarded.
