STEM careers are one of the highest paying on the job market. Working in STEM can also bring lots of opportunities for career development and growth, benefits, flexible work options, and other perks. It’s also fast-growing, expected to grow by 7.7% by 2030.
This is a great career field to be in for people who want to work in science and technology-related jobs. You’ll be challenged in your work and be introduced to new technologies that are discovered. There are also many diverse industries you can work in like healthcare, business, tech, and more.
In this article, we’re going to cover the best STEM careers to consider this year.
Quickstart Guide To Landing A STEM Career
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- Use ZipRecruiter for job searching. If you want to land a STEM career, start your job search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can easily apply for jobs with a single click. You can also upload your resume to ZipRecruiter’s resume database so that recruiters and employers can reach out to you!
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23 Of Best STEM Careers
These are some of the best STEM careers to get into.
1. Petroleum Engineer
Median National Salary: $135,690/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 20,800
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 2% (Slower than average)
Job Duties: Petroleum engineers work to create and develop systems for extracting oil and gas from the earth (including land and sea). Petroleum engineers develop systems and methods for extracting oil and gas from the ground, design and monitor new and existing wells and review economic value of gas and oil wells.
2. Physicist
Median National Salary: $149,530/year
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of Jobs: 23,500
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Physicists study matter and energy. They conduct experiments to test theories. Physicists conduct experiments to prove or disprove theories in science. They may work independently or within a team of other scientists to develop scientific theories.
3. Aerospace Engineer
Median National Salary: $130,720/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 68,900
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Aerospace engineers work to design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. The job duties of aerospace engineers include designing and maintaining aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles and developing prototypes.
If you want to work as an aerospace engineer, you might need to update your resume. Check out our guide to creating an aerospace engineer resume.
4. Computer Hardware Engineer
Median National Salary: $138,080/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 84,100
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Computer hardware engineers develop and maintain computer hardware like circuit boards, computer memory, etc. The job duties of computer hardware engineers include designing, researching, and testing computer hardware components, monitoring and testing computer hardware and software to ensure compatibility and building, installing or removing computer hardware.
5. Cartographer
Median National Salary: $76,210/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 12,900
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 6% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Cartographers measure and interpret geographic information to develop and update maps. Cartography is about mapping. The job duties of a cartographer include developing and updating maps and analysis and compilation of geographic information.
6. Computer Network Architect
Median National Salary: $129,840/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 177,800
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 13% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: A computer network architect works on the planning of computer networks, showing how the network operates. The job duties of a computer network architect include creating comprehensive network plans and building and maintaining data communication networks.
7. Operations Research Analyst
Median National Salary: $83,640/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 123,300
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 23% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: An operations research analyst reviews and evaluates data to solve problems within the organization using math and logic. The role of an operations research analyst is to ensure the organization is running as effectively and efficiently as possible. They use advanced data analysis and problem-solving tools for this, like data mining and statistical analysis.
8. Software Developer
Median National Salary: $130,160/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 1,897,100
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 17% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Software developers build, manage, and maintain computer software for companies. Software developers work with computer software programs. The role of their job is to design and manage computer programs that can help users.
Do you want a career as a software developer? Take a look at our guide to learn how to write a software developer resume.
9. Chemical Engineer
Median National Salary: $112,100/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 21,400
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 10% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Chemical engineers work with chemical manufacturing processes. They apply sciences like psychics, chemistry, biology and others for problem-solving which can include developing and testing production processes. Chemical engineering is a very important field, responsible for the safety measures put behind everyday products the general public uses like food products and more.
If you are curious about working as a chemical engineer, take time to update your resume. Explore our guide to crafting a chemical engineer resume.
10. Psychiatrist
Median National Salary: $256,930/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 24,830
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat patients for physical and mental psychiatrist illnesses. Psychiatrists help patients with psychiatric conditions like mental health disorders and/or substance abuse.
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11. Pilot
Median National Salary: $171,210/year
Education Required: Flight training
Number of Jobs: 152,800
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 5% (As fast as average)
Job Duties: A pilot is responsible for operating aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and cargo, and following air traffic control instructions and safety procedures. They use their expertise in aviation, navigation, and aircraft systems to fly and navigate aircraft, while also managing crew and communicating with air traffic control to ensure safe and efficient flights.
Learn what to include on a pilot resume.
12. Computer and Information Systems Managers
Median National Salary: $169,510/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 613,500
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 17% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Computer and information system managers are the tech professionals who plan, direct, and manage the computer systems-related projects for the organization. CIS (Computer and Information Systems) managers lead the organization’s computer-related strategy.
13. Financial Advisor
Median National Salary: $99,580/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 321,000
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 17% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial advisors help people with their personal finances. They’ll help clients plan their money and finances for the future. Financial advisors provide financial guidance to their clients on topics like saving, investing, and wealth-building.
Do you want to work as a financial advisor? Take the first step by updating your resume. Learn how to write a financial advisor resume.
14. Mechanical Engineer
Median National Salary: $99,510/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 291,900
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 11% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Mechanical engineers develop and test products and systems from engine parts, control parts, and semiconductor tools to prosthetic devices. Mechanical engineers can work on a variety of different products that are mechanical in nature. They build and test these devices and it can include things like: robotics, semiconductor tools and thermal sensors.
If you want to explore working as a mechanical engineer, learn everything you need to know about crafting a mechanical engineer resume.
15. Financial Manager
Median National Salary: $156,100year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 837,100
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 17% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial managers develop long-term financial plans for organizations. Financial managers have job duties like:
- Creating financial reports
- Developing long-term financial strategies
- Data analysis
- Advising senior management
For more information about working as a financial manager, check out our financial manager job description and financial manager resume.
16. Physical Therapist
Median National Salary: $99,710/year
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree
Number of Jobs: 259,200
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 14% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Physical therapists help people regain movement, strength, and mobility including pain management through physical therapy. Some of the job duties of physical therapists can include: patient consult and diagnosis, leading and guiding therapy exercise, massage and helping patients use assistive equipment like wheelchairs.
Start your physical therapist career by updating your resume. Learn how to write a physical therapist resume.
17. Occupational Therapist
Median National Salary: $96,370/year
Education Required: Master’s degree
Number of Jobs: 150,500
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 11% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Occupational therapists use therapy to help patients to perform daily activities that have suffered physical illness, injury, or developmental deficits. Occupational therapy helps patients improve their motor function so they can perform everyday activities like self-feeding, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and other daily activities.
To start your career as an occupational therapist, we recommend updating your resume. Learn everything you need to know about writing an occupational therapist resume.
18. Health Services Manager
Median National Salary: $110,680/year
Education Required: Master’s degree
Number of Jobs: 562,700
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 29% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Health service managers work in the healthcare industry. They plan and manage the business activities of the healthcare organization. Medical and health service management is one of the fastest growing industries. Health service managers are office workers that help manage the business of healthcare facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practices.
19. Nurse Practitioner
Median National Salary: $129,480/year
Education Required: Master’s degree
Number of Jobs: 349,600
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 40% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Nurse practitioner was ranked #2 in the best STEM careers in U.S. News Money. Nurse practitioners perform a lot of the same work as doctors like ordering lab work, physical exams, etc. Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients.
For more information, check out our guide on how to become a nurse and what to include on a nursing resume.
20. Physician Assistant
Median National Salary: $130,020/year
Education Required: Master’s degree
Number of Jobs: 153,400
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 28% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Physician assistants diagnose and treat patients for illness, under the supervision of a physician. Physician assistants provide healthcare to patients within a team, in various disciplines like family medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and more.
Are you curious about working as a physician assistant? Start by updating your resume. Learn how to write a physician assistant resume.
21. Ecologist
Median National Salary: $78,980/year
Education Required: Bachelors degree
Number of Jobs: 84,600
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 7% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: Ecologists study environment and relationship between organisms and the environment. They conduct research, collect data, and develop models to understand and predict ecological patterns and processes, and provide recommendations for conservation and management of natural resources.
22. Financial Analyst
Median National Salary: $99,890/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 404,800
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 9% (Much faster than average)
Job Duties: Financial analysts provide guidance to people and company’s in their financial decision making. This includes money-making decisions, investment advice, and related financial decisions.
23. UX/UI Designer
Median National Salary: $92,750/year
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs: 222,600
Job Growth 2023 – 2033: 8% (Faster than average)
Job Duties: UX/UI designers work to improve the user’s experience on websites, mobile apps, and applications. The goal is to ensure the user’s experience is seamless, intuitive ,accessible, and user-friendly.
For more information, check out our UI/UX job description and learn how to write a UI/UX resume.
What Are STEM Careers?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM careers cover a wide array of disciplines, careers, industries, and requirements. Some STEM careers require no college degree. Others require graduate-level education with skills and experience to match.
Requirements And Skills To Work In STEM
The requirements and skills needed to work in STEM (Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics) are:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: You should have a 4-year degree in a STEM-related field.
- Technical skills: This includes critical thinking and problem-solving skills which is an essential part of the STEM industry. You should also be technically proficient in computer programming languages, which is often a requirement for many STEM careers.
- Creativity: Having a curious mind can help in the problem-solving process. It’s about thinking outside the box and coming up with creative problems to solve and finding creatives solutions.
- Adaptability: Being flexible and adapting to new situations. STEM is an industry that’s continuously evolving so being flexible and adaptable enough to move along with these changes is critical.
- Attention to detail: Having a critical eye and strong attention to detail is an essential part of the observation, study, and research process in STEM.
- Continuous learning: Having the drive and self-motivation to continue to learn and evolve your skills your time.
How Do You Get A Good Paying STEM Career?
Getting a good paying STEM career takes the right blend of skills, education, and a true passion for this field. It’s great for people who are inquisitive, curious, and creative. Analytical and critical thinkers do well in STEM. And, people who are strong in math and research would thrive in this field.
You’ll find that most STEM jobs require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related career. Meeting the minimum educational requirements and having technical proficiencies lay the groundwork.
This, coupled with soft skills like strong communication, collaboration, adaptability and flexibility can help you land a good paying STEM career that you’ll be happy with.
Pros and Cons of STEM Careers
The pros of working in STEM careers are:
- Competitive salary: STEM careers are among some of the highest-paying careers compared to other industries.
- Job opportunities: STEM is a growing, evolving field with a high demand for skilled workers. The growth potential and career advancement potential is strong.
- Intellectually stimulating work: Do work that will stimulate your mind and keep you engaged. You won’t get bored in many STEM jobs where you’ll constantly be pushed.
- Continuous learning: Opportunities to advance your skills and development are present.
The cons of working in STEM careers are:
- Competitive: A competitive job market.
- Working in a high pressure environment: It’s common to have a demanding workload, which can lead to long hours and poor work-life balance.
- Work-life balance: Long hours and heavy workloads can impact work-life balance.
Best Places To Find STEM Careers
You can find STEM careers by searching online in job banks or job search websites. Here are some of the best places to find STEM careers online:
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is one of the top job search websites online. They’ve featured millions of job postings, allowing jobseekers to easily search for jobs, review salaries, and read jobseeker reviews. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers!
To learn more, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
Discover Your Dream Job Find jobs near you and apply with 1 click! New jobs posted daily.
Indeed
Indeed is one of the most popular job search websites. They have a simple setup that allows you to search for jobs by keyword and location. Indeed also shares company reviews and salary information so you can learn more about the prospective employer and job you’re applying to.
To learn more, check out our Indeed review.
Dice
Dice is a job search website geared toward helping candidates find tech jobs. It’s perfect for finding STEM careers. You can search tech careers, check out career events, look into their career development resources, and more.
Visit Dice to get started.
The Bottom Line
STEM careers are on the rise. There are many open positions on the job market with a lack of talent available to fill those positions. That’s to the advantage of job seekers looking to break into a STEM career.
Before you start your job search, make sure to check out our roundup of the best resume writing services so you can arm yourself with a professional, polished resume. To begin your job hunt, visit ZipRecruiter!
