What Can You Earn With a STEM Degree in 2022?

This article was originally published in TeenLife's Guide to Your Future in STEM. 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? 

Every year, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes data related to job trends across a number of different industries. This data includes information on occupation growth, the minimum level of education required for certain jobs and the annual median earnings for workers in a specific field. 

If you’re looking forward to a career in STEM, there’s good news. According to the latest Labor Statistics report, jobs in computer and information technology are expected to grow 13% between 2020 to 2030, one of the fastest rates of growth across all industries. Employment in engineering fields is also expected to grow, at a slower rate of 6% over the next ten years. Even at this average growth rate however, nearly 150,000 jobs are expected to be added in the engineering industry in the next decade. 

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. 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. 

As of May 2020, the median annual salary for workers in the computer and information technology industry was $91,250. The median annual wage in the engineering and architecture industry was $83,160. Both of these figures are significantly higher than the overall median wage across all industries, which comes in at $41,950. 

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 2020 Pay: $118,610

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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 2020 Pay: $84,410

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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 2020 Pay: $92,620

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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 2020 Pay: $108,540

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Computer Network Architects

Job Description: Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $116,780

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Computer Programmers

Job Description: Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $89,190

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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 2020 Pay: $57,960

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Information Security Analyst

Job Description: Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems

Entry Level Education: Bachelor's Degree

Median 2020 Pay: $103,590

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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 2020 Pay: $116,140

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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 2020 Pay: $46,200

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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 2020 Pay: $77,200

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!