STEM careers are in high demand today as our industries become more computerized and technology-based. STEM is a curriculum based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It’s used in many academic programs to prepare students for careers that keep up with our technology-based world. STEM jobs can be found in most fields but are most common in the fields of:
- engineering
- life and physical science
- computer science
- healthcare
Here are some STEM careers that are in high demand.
Software Developer, all applications
Software developers have the task of creating, developing and modifying computer applications software. They’re a vital part of any industry. Their job is to create software applications. They also ensure the software performs all its functions so the company may operate at maximum efficiency. As of May 2017, software developers earned wages ranging from $58,300 to $157,590 with the average yearly wage at $104,300. This is according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Individuals in this STEM career are expected to see job growth of 30.7 percent between the years 2016 and 2026. A bachelor’s degree is typically required for this position.
Electrical Engineer
Working as an electrical engineer is often ideal for individuals who excel at the STEM curriculum. It’s also a STEM career in high demand. Becoming an electrical engineer requires completing at least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and passing engineering exams. The BLS states that electrical engineers should experience an employment growth of 9 percent from 2016 to 2026, which should result in the creation of 16,200 new electrical engineering jobs. Electrical engineers earned an average annual wage of $99,580 in 2016.
Family/General Practitioner
Family and general practitioners have been around for many years. They continue to be very high in demand. The aging population continues to be in need of healthcare to treat health problems and maintain better health and live longer. As this trend continues, family and general practitioners will be in demand to provide patient care. An individual should have a doctoral degree to work in this capacity. They are expected to see job growth of 14.3 percent during the 2016-2026 decade. As of May 2017, family and general practitioners earned an average annual wage of $208,560.
Wind Turbine Service Technician,
The increasing number of people utilizing solar energy has put wind turbine service technicians very much in demand. As of May 2017, wind service technicians earned wages ranging from $37,850 to $80,170 with the average wage at $56,680. While the wages for this STEM career occupation isn’t as high as many of the other STEM jobs, the job growth more than makes up it. The BLS predicts wind turbine service technicians should see job growth of 96 percent between 2016 and 2026. Right now this is a small profession with only about 11,300 workers. This potential growth spurt should result in about 5,600 new jobs created by 2026. A postsecondary certificate is all that’s required for this position. Choosing a STEM career can be a difficult choice because there are so many available today. They all appear to offer good job growth and excellent wages. Education Week states that although the educational requirements and wages may vary, all of the STEM careers have good job growth. Matching educational goals with your area of interest can enable you to choose a STEM career that’s exciting, rewarding and in high demand.
Related Resources: