The demand for professionals with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills is soaring. The demand is so significant that employers are paying the highest salaries to hire individuals with STEM skills. If you’ve found yourself reading this blog post, chances are you’re considering a career in STEM. So today we’re going to be exploring some of the highest-paid STEM-based careers.
Current High-Paying STEM Careers
Software Development
It should be no surprise that software development would appear on this list. Coding has become such a popular skill that most schools are beginning to offer intro coding classes. Whether through our phones or computers, software is increasingly entwined with our way of life. Those that can push the envelope in the field only stand to gain. With the highest median salary and a low rate of unemployment, software development is an excellent career choice for STEM-minded students.
- Median Salary: $120K a year
- Common Major: Computer Science
Nurse Practitioner
STEM skills are absolutely essential in the healthcare field. One position that benefits the most from having skills in STEM is Nurse Practitioner. Becoming a nurse involves learning a variety of sciences that include biology, physics, chemistry, and math. Nurse practitioners begin as registered nurses and then acquire a postgraduate degree (usually a master’s or doctorate) and additional certifications. Nurse Practitioners enjoy a low unemployment rate (less than 1%).
- Median Salary: $120K a year
- Common Major: Nursing
Hospital Director or Coordinator
STEM skills are not only used to administer patient care but, run the establishments as well. These medical professionals utilize analytical math skills as they make choices that directly impact a healthcare organization’s ability to run efficiently. These individuals may work in healthcare but usually come from a business background to work in this STEM career.
- Median Salary: $101K a year
- Common Majors: Health Administration, Business Administration, or Public Administration
Data Science
Data scientists are both scientists as well as business-savvy professionals. They utilize a variety of STEM skills including statistics and computer programming to gather and analyze data. They then use the insights from their data to address and solve problems facing a company or organization. With artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and technology becoming a larger part of our everyday lives these professionals are absolutely necessary for driving results.
- Median Salary: $100K+ a year
- Common Majors: Engineering, Business, Math,
Developing your STEM Skills
Developing your STEM skills requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Driven students should begin learning and refining their skillset early into their academic journey to break into a STEM career. Even if you don’t find yourself pursuing one of the positions, having STEM skills can help make you more valuable in the job market.
With the right skills and training, you can build a successful career in STEM and make a positive impact on the world. A great place to both acquire and refine STEM skills is right here on Numerade. Our mission is to make STEM education more accessible to students everywhere utilizing our unique study features. Through our AI tutor (the world’s first!) and our team of 50K+ expert educators, we’ve helped millions of students build a firm foundation for their future careers. Check out our features today with a free 7-day trial.
