What Can You Earn With a STEM Degree in 2024?

 To learn more about scientist salary, STEM degrees and how you can jumpstart your career in the field, download the free guide today! 

Your Future in STEM: What Can You Earn? 

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) predicts the number of jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields will grow nearly 10% between 2019 and 2029.

If you’re looking forward to a career in STEM, there’s good news. Of the 20 fastest-growing occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2022 and 2032, most fall in the STEM industries and include:

• Wind turbine service technicians (45% growth rate)
• Nurse practitioners (45% growth rate)
• Data scientists (35% growth rate)
• Statisticians and information security analysts (32% growth rate)
• Medical and health services managers (28% growth rate)
• Epidemiologists and physician assistants (27% growth rate)
• Physical therapist assistants and software developers (26%)

Computer and information technology occupations are expected to continue their rapid growth for the next eight years. According to BLS, this group's median annual wage was over $104,000 in May 2023 — significantly higher than the $48,000 median average wage for other occupations. The median annual salary for workers in engineering and architecture was $91,420.  

Currently, only one qualified professional is available for every two open STEM jobs. They're growing at double the rate of non-STEM positions, with over 11 million open positions expected by 2030.

Many of these new positions will be in the robotics industry, as more and more parts of the industrial economy become automated or machine-aided. Over the next decade, the U.S. anticipates needing at least 12,500 robotics engineers.

Rapid job growth is also expected in other STEM fields like oil and gas extraction, cloud computing and information security. In other words: there's far worse things than a scientist salary. 

Take a look at the selected jobs below, and see what you could earn in STEM! 

Aerospace Engineers

Job Description: Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. 

Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $130,720

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Agricultural Engineers

Job Description: Agricultural engineers solve problems concerning power supplies, machine efficiency, the use of structures and facilities, pollution and environmental issues, and the storage and processing of agricultural products. 

Entry Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $88,750

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Biomedical Engineers

Job Description: Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $100,730

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Chemical Engineers

Job Description: Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the use of fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $112,100

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Computer Hardware Engineers

Job Description: Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $138,080

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Drafters

Job Description: Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.

Entry Level Education: Associate’s Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $62,530

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Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Job Description: Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and oversee the production of electrical equipment.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $109,010

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Industrial Engineers

Job Description: Industrial engineers design efficient systems to integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to produce products or provide services.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $99,380

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Nurse Practitioners

Job Description:  Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced training who can diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions, often working in primary care or urgent care settings.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $106,511

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Nuclear Engineers

Job Description: Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $125,460

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Petroleum Engineers

Job Description: Petroleum engineers conceptualize and develop solutions to extract oil and gas from sub-surface deposits.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $135,690

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Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Job Description: Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface.

Entry Level Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

Median 2023 Pay: $48,940

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Web Developers and Digital Designers

Job Description: Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2023 Pay: $84,960

These are just a few of the many different career opportunities in STEM that are out there! Can you picture yourself in any of these occupations? Does an scientist salary interest you? If so, check out the Guide to Your Future in STEM today!