Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global marketplace. As a result, there are more jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which has increased the need for people with skills in these areas. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in STEM fields are expected to grow by 10.5% through 2033. That is more than double the 4.2% growth rate for total wage and salary employment. Computer systems design in particular will see a growth rate of 19.5% in the same period due to heightened demand related to technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). 

STEM jobs offer strong pay and growth potential but also come with a lot of competition. Students can stay competitive in this growing field by starting their STEM education as early as possible. This is why STEM education has become a focus for many schools, even as early as elementary school. 

How STEM Education Prepares Students for Success

STEM education programs prepare students for success by helping them develop in-demand technology skills. These skills prepare students to enter top universities and give them a solid understanding of how technology works. They are also a key factor in helping U.S. students become more competitive in the global workforce. 

For example, data from the Pew Research Center shows that U.S. students score below the global average in math, but perform above average in science. This gap could lead to more technology jobs being outsourced to other countries in the future, which is why many U.S. education leaders are working to help the next generation of STEM students strengthen their technical skills.

Here are a few of the technology skills that STEM education programs help students develop:

• Critical thinking 
• Innovation
• Technology literacy
• Social skills
• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Media and communication

While most of these skills are related to science, many go beyond the scientific method. To help students develop creativity and social skills, which are both vital to the success of technology professionals, more STEM education programs have evolved to include arts education.

Including Arts Education in STEM Programs (STEAM)

Careers in STEM often focus on science and technology, but many tech roles also require visualization skills and creative thinking. For example, data storytelling helps technology professionals share key insights and findings from scientific research. This skill is essential for gaining support from business units and other stakeholders when presenting ideas. It can also help explain complex concepts to the public, improving transparency for an organization. For this reason, many STEM education programs have become STEAM education programs, adding an “A” for art into the acronym. 

The Best Universities for STEM Majors

At the university level, STEM programs create pathways of opportunity for students in the technology field. Top universities also provide access to valuable internships and partnerships for students to gain hands-on experience in the STEM field prior to graduation.

In their Guide to STEM Majors, U.S. News created a list of STEM majors, which can help determine the right college or university to attend if you are interested in a career in STEM. These majors include: 

• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Engineering
• Earth sciences
• Health sciences
• Information technology
• Mathematics
• Physics

After choosing a major, students exploring STEM jobs should also consider what else an institution has to offer them. Here are some resources to find universities for STEM students based on various factors:

• Top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for STEM Students 
• Best Colleges and Universities for Women in STEM
• Best Universities for STEM Majors by U.S. Region
• Most Affordable Colleges for a STEM Degree

Even though a career in STEM offers long-term career potential, choosing the right major requires careful thought and consideration. This can help you compete for the best STEM jobs based on growth and salary. 

STEM Jobs That Pay the Highest Wages

Choosing a STEM career with high earning potential can lead to greater financial security in the future. While income levels may change over time, many STEM jobs are expected to pay above the national average over the next decade. To help students explore different options, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics created the Periodic Table of STEM Occupations. 

Many STEM jobs pay salaries above the median annual wage for all occupations, which was $80,850 in 2023. That same year, the following STEM jobs paid over $125,000 in annual wages:

• Physicists

• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Sales Engineers
• Database Architects
• Computer Network Architects
• Aerospace Engineers
• Software Developers

Most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and some may also require a graduate degree. They also require hands-on experience, which is why educators encourage students to pursue their interests in STEM early in their education.

The Fastest-Growing STEM Jobs

Earning a high income is important, but choosing a career in a growing field can also help secure your success in the future. STEM jobs are some of the fastest-growing in today’s job market. Between 2023 to 2033, data scientists are forecasted to be the fastest-growing STEM occupation, with a growth rate twice the national average.

Other STEM jobs that show significant growth include:

• Information security analysts
• Medical and health services managers
• Computer and information research scientists
• Operations research analysts
• Actuaries
• Epidemiologists
• Logisticians
• Occupational health and safety specialists
• Health information technologists and medical registrars

Technology is evolving at an exponential rate every day, creating new jobs and reshaping industries in the process. Learning the skills necessary to succeed in STEM careers can provide job security and income in the future. That is why STEM careers and STEM education have become a focus of educators and leaders.

Stay up to date with the latest about STEM careers by following Robert F. Smith on LinkedIn.