STEM Education Jobs Outlook: A Guide to Future Career Paths

Are you contemplating a STEM career and wondering about its future prospects? Perhaps you're a student weighing your options and seeking clarity on the necessary degree for your chosen path? The STEM field is constantly evolving, making it crucial to understand the job outlook for various specializations. This article provides an overview of the projected job growth, required education, and earning potential for several key STEM careers, drawing on data from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and insights from labor trends and workforce studies experts at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

Understanding the Data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a valuable resource for anyone exploring career options. The handbook outlines the duties, education, training, earnings and outlook for hundreds of occupations.

Biological, Agricultural, and Biosystems Engineers

Biological, agricultural, and biosystems engineers integrate engineering principles with biological sciences to design solutions for agriculture, food processing, and environmental management. Many work in farming, aquaculture, forestry, and food processing. Others develop climate control systems for livestock or improve fertilizer application efficiency and harvesting system automation by integrating artificial intelligence and geospatial systems into agriculture. A bachelor’s degree is generally required for most positions in this field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights an increasing need to enhance the efficiency of agricultural production systems while minimizing environmental damage, driven by population growth and global competition. The annual median wage for biological, agricultural, and biosystems engineers was $80,720 in May 2019, exceeding the median wage for all occupations ($39,810).

Atmospheric Scientists

Atmospheric science involves the study of the physics and chemistry of clouds, gases, and airborne particles surrounding planetary bodies. A bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or a related field such as physics, chemistry, or geology, is typically required.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the accuracy of forecasts has greatly improved because of computer models, resulting in highly customized forecasts for specific purposes. The need for atmospheric scientists working in private industry is predicted to increase as businesses demand more specialized weather information for time-sensitive delivery logistics and ascertaining the impact of severe weather patterns on industrial operations. The demand for atmospheric scientists working for the federal government will be subject to future federal budget constraints. The BLS projects employment of atmospheric scientists to grow by 8 percent over the 2018 to 2028 period. The annual median wage for atmospheric scientists was $95,380 in May 2019, which is higher than the annual median wage for all physical scientists of $81,270 and significantly higher than all occupations in general ($39,810). Wages were higher for atmospheric scientists working for the federal government ($103,300) and working for research and development organizations in the physical, engineering, and life sciences ($113,130).

The Impact of Automation on STEM Careers

The effects of automation on employment have long been debated. But today, there is little doubt that automation and the increasing penetration of robotics in more economic sectors will alter the demand for labor and its occupational composition. As far back as 1984, a study sponsored by the National Science Foundation and conducted by Wassily Leontief and Faye Duchin (.PDF) projected that over time the use of automation would make it possible to use less labor than would normally be required to produce the same amount in the absence of automation. Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee (2014) in The Second Machine Age: Work, Progress, and Prosperity in a Time of Brilliant Technologies noted that technologies like big data and analytics, high-speed communications, and rapid prototyping are increasing the value of people with the right engineering, creative, or designing skills. The net effect has been to decrease demand for less skilled labor while increasing the demand for skilled labor. Skill-biased technical change results in different hiring patterns that increase the demand for highly educated workers.

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineering is a broad discipline applicable to diverse industries, from engine design to heating and cooling systems. The BLS projects employment of mechanical engineers to grow about as fast as the average for all engineering and as fast as the average for all occupations. However, according to the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, job prospects may be best for those who have knowledge of the most recent advances in technology and those with training in the latest software tools (such as computational design and simulation) and experience with three-dimensional printing.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists study the chemical structure of living matter and the chemical reactions in living cells. Biophysicists use physical science to study the structure and functions of macromolecules and solve problems at the intersection of biological and physical sciences. Biological systems are very complex and consist of layers made up of molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Employment is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to grow faster than for all occupations in general. The BLS projects employment of biochemists and biophysicists to grow by 6 percent over the 2018 to 2028 period. Aging populations will likely drive demand for biochemists and biophysicists involved in biomedical research. They will be needed to conduct genetic research and to develop new medicines and treatments to fight genetic disorders and cancers. Also, research and development in biotechnology outside of health and medicine are expected to provide employment growth for biochemists and biophysicists, according to the BLS. They will be needed to advance our capabilities in creating clean energy, producing food efficiently, and preventing environmental damage. Since much of the basic research in biochemistry and biophysics depends on federal government funding, changes in future federal funding will affect employment prospects.

Biomedical Engineers

Biomedical engineers integrate biological sciences with engineering principles to design equipment, computer systems, software, and medical devices for healthcare. They collaborate with life scientists, chemists, and medical scientists in research and design biomedical equipment like artificial organs and diagnostic machines. Biomedical engineers can work on projects spanning many professional fields, and biomedical engineers can be seen working in hospitals, universities, research facilities, and in other industries.

The number of jobs for biomedical engineers is projected by the BLS to grow slightly slower (4%) than the average for all engineering occupations in general (5%) but faster than some other engineering occupations such as electrical and electronics engineers (2%) and nuclear engineers (-1%). However, since biomedical engineering is a small occupation, 4% growth in employment is projected to result in fewer than 700 new jobs over the 2018-2028 period. The largest employers of biomedical engineers are medical equipment and supplies manufacturing firms; organizations involved in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences; navigational, measuring, electro-medical, and control systems manufacturers; and healthcare and social assistance organizations. The BLS indicates that the field of biomedical engineering will likely see employment growth “because of increasing possibilities brought by new technologies and increasing applications to medical equipment and devices. According to the BLS, the annual median wage for biomedical engineers was $91,410 in May 2019, which is lower than for all engineering occupations on average ($94,500) but significantly higher than for all occupations in general ($39,810). The median annual wages are higher for biomedical engineers working in navigational, measuring, electro-medical, and control instruments manufacturing ($105,730) and research & development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences ($92,230). Internships and educational research participation programs can provide students with training and experience in biomedical engineering design.

Chemical Engineers

According to the American Chemical Society, chemical engineers use math, chemistry, biology, and physics to design and create processes for the production of chemicals, fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, and numerous other goods. A sector of chemical engineers, known as process engineers, specialize in analyzing how oxygen reacts with other chemicals to make new substances, particularly though polymerization, which includes the making of plastics and resins. Most careers in the chemical engineering sector require at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Employment demand for chemical engineers is projected to grow six percent from 2018 to 2028, and this growth is largely contingent on the rise in demand for products of various manufacturing industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the ability to stay on the forefront of emerging technologies will sustain employment growth for chemical engineers. In particular, the increased availability of domestic natural gas is predicted to result in a demand spike for chemical engineers in the fossil-fuels industries, while paradoxically the rising need for cleaner, more renewable energy sources is also resulting in a widespread hiring of chemical engineers.

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Computer and information research scientists study and solve complex problems in computing for business, health, and science. Most jobs in this field require a graduate degree (often a Ph.D.), although a bachelor’s may be sufficient for some jobs. These scientists work with other scientists and engineers to solve complex computing and computational problems and are often involved in research and development projects in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Computer and information research scientists must have knowledge of advanced math and other technical topics such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. If they work in a specialized field, they may need knowledge of that field. For example, those working on biomedical applications may have to take some biology classes. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $111,840 in May 2016 and for those employed in research and development activities in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, the median wage was $123,180. By comparison, the median pay in May 2016 for all occupations was $37,040.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers plan and direct the work of Information Technology (IT) professionals, including systems analysts, software developers, and information security analysts. They often go by several titles including Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and IT security manager. Almost all jobs in this field require a bachelor’s degree in a computer or related field and most are required to have a graduate degree as well. Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow by 44,000 from 2016 to 2026, and demand for computer and information systems managers will continue to grow because these workers are helping organizations become more competitive by implementing digital platforms, overseeing network and data security, helping determine the business requirements for computer systems, as well as, the technology and information goals of their organizations. Most jobs in this field require several years of experience in a related job. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $139,220 in May 2017. By comparison, the median pay in May 2017 for all occupations was $37,690.

Data Scientists, Statisticians, and Operations Research Analysts

Technological advances have made it faster and easier for organizations to acquire data. When trying to answer the question “what is data science,” Investopedia defines it as providing “meaningful information based on large amounts of complex data or big data. The BLS projects the employment of statisticians and mathematicians to grow 30% from 2018-2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the source, organizations will increasingly need statisticians to organize and analyze data in order to help improve business processes, design and develop new products, and advertise products to potential customers. In addition, the large increase in available data from global internet use has created new areas for analysis such as examining internet search information and tracking the use of social media and smartphones. Along with that of statistician, the employment of operations research analysts is projected by the BLS to grow by 26% from 2018-2028, again much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS notes several reasons why this rapid growth is occurring. As organizations across all economic sectors look for efficiency and cost savings, they seek out operations research analysts to help them analyze and evaluate their current business practices, supply chains, and marketing strategies in order to improve their ability to make wise decisions moving forward.

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Workers in this large engineering occupation can be grouped into two large components-electrical engineers and electronics engineers. About 188,300 electrical engineers design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as power generation equipment, electrical motors, radar and navigation systems, communications, systems and the electrical systems of aircraft and automobiles. They also design new ways to use electricity to develop or improve products. Approximately 136,300 electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment such as broadcast and communications equipment, portable music players, and Global Positioning System devices

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