STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, is often referred to as the jobs of the future. Science and technology are advancing at a record-setting pace. For the workforce to remain relevant for the future, they will need to have some STEM knowledge.
STEM jobs will have a leg-up against the competition, with the sector expected to grow faster than many other industries. In fact, in the future, more and more jobs are likely to be in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics profession.
Technology is becoming increasingly prevalent and more advanced. Eventually, occupations within the field of STEM will replace some of the more traditional professions. Here are the top-paying STEM jobs for the future.
Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering
While being an astronaut is probably one of the ultimate STEM jobs, aerospace, and astronautical engineering is a close second. Astronautical engineers design, develop and manufacture spacecraft. In addition to space vehicles, astronautical engineers help in the manufacture or design of satellites, space capsules, planetary probes, missiles, and rockets.
Astronautical engineering is a derivative of aerospace engineering. In other words, aerospace is more of an umbrella term, whereas astronautical is a specialty. Those with aerospace engineering backgrounds usually have expertise in one of two engineering disciplines: aeronautical or astronautical.
Medical Doctors
A doctor is a fail-safe career, as the world’s population continues to grow, there will always be a need for doctors. The earning potential is high, especially if you decide to branch into a field such as surgery or emergency medicine. However, it is not an easy career to get into. Medical schools are highly competitive and academic rigor difficult. But once qualified and saving people’s lives daily, it is more than worth it.
Registered Nurses
Nurses make up the biggest health care occupation in the United States. There is a wide variety of specialties a nurse can go into. Nursing job duties include communicating between patients and doctors, caring for patients, administering medicine and supervising nurses’ aides.
They can work with the elderly, children, those with different health problems, and can perform medical procedures and administer medicine. The need for nurses is growing considerably, with many, such as nurse practitioners being able to prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much like physicians do.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers keep the world running. An electrical engineer is someone who designs and develops electrical systems, solves problems, maintains systems, and tests equipment. They study and apply the physics and mathematics of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics to both large and small scale systems to process information and transmit energy.
The good thing with training as an electrical engineer is that there is a need for them in a wide variety of industries. Not being tied to a particular sector is a big pull for many people who like the flexibility of being able to experience work in different areas.
Cybersecurity expert
This is becoming a role with increasing importance. As technology develops, so does would-be cybercriminals tactics. Businesses, organizations, and even governments have to be one step ahead at all times. This is where a cybersecurity expert comes in. The role can be very diverse. It may include penetration testing (seeing how easy it is to get into a system), digital forensics, and building digital security walls to keep hackers out.
Software Engineer
As the name suggests, a software engineer works with and develops software. It is an excellent career field to get into. Some of the best ones go on to work with massive companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple. They work to develop the apps, tools, and programs that we use every single day.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are particularly sought after in the field of manufacturing and processing. They develop and fix the machines used to create products. Without them, the world of production will stop turning, so they are always in high demand! To get into this field, you need an understanding and enthusiasm for how machinery works.
Actuary
Most actuaries have a background in maths and sciences, which allows them to combine the use of statistics and mathematical models to predict the consequences of a risk. While it is not seen as the most exciting of STEM jobs, it is an important one. It also can pay a lot of money! Many banks and insurance companies take on actuaries.
Data Scientist
This is becoming an increasingly popular career path. These days, companies and governments have more access to big data than ever before. They obviously want to know how to make the most of it. This is where a data scientist comes in. They will crunch through the numbers and sort out swathes of information to make sense of it. This information is then used to inform policies and make decisions that can affect all of us. The majority of data scientists have a degree in maths or statistics, although this is not essential.
Systems Architect
A systems architects act as a sort of bridge between business and technology. It is one of the best-paid positions in IT. Their role is to design, coordinate, and implement an entire IT system to the specifications of their clients. To be able to do this job, you need to know about networks and software, as well as understanding their importance in the role of commercial business.
As you can see from this list of career paths, STEM is a lucrative and in-demand concept. This is only the very start of it as well. As technology continues to develop, new roles will develop. It is a path that will stretch and stretch, with no end in sight. You never know, you might be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates!