STEM Careers in High Demand for 2024 and Beyond

We live in a world where technology and automation are changing the way we live, work and operate STEM jobs and careers are now taking centre stage. As industries innovate and technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields continues to grow at impressive speeds. If you’re considering a career in a STEM field or probably a student trying to decide on the ideal career path, I’m sure you’d want to know what STEM careers are in high demand.
 
Not to worry in this guide we’ll cover high-demand STEM jobs, Median Annual Salary, outline necessary education and skills, and provide tips for breaking into these fields.
 
The Importance of STEM Careers.
 
STEM careers are crucial  drivers of innovation, economic growth, and solving global challenges. From developing cutting-edge technology to advancing healthcare and addressing climate change, STEM professionals play a pivotal role in shaping our future. Engineers, scientists, and technologists are constantly developing new products and solutions that boost productivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth. STEM professionals tackle pressing global issues. For example, environmental scientists work on sustainability, while biomedical engineers develop life-saving medical devices. The rapid pace of technological change means that industries constantly need skilled professionals to develop, implement, and maintain new technologies.
 
High-Demand STEM Careers.
 
Now let’s take a look at the top STEM careers currently in high demand. These professions offer excellent job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for growth.
 
Software Developers.
 
Software developers design, code, and maintain applications and systems that we use daily, from game apps and general applications to software used in consumer goods, software developers are more like the architects of the digital world.
 
Employment outlook:
 
The demand for software developers is skyrocketing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030,  which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
 
Key Skills:
 
To excel in software development you need to demonstrate Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++) and possess Problem-solving and analytical skills. Some employers require a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or statistics.
 
Median salary: $127,260, £50,000
 
Career Paths: Some career paths you can specialize in  as a software developer include
 
* Front-End Developer: Specializes in the user interface and experience of applications.
* Back-End Developer: Focuses on server-side logic and database management.
* Full-Stack Developer: Combines front-end and back-end development skills.
 
Data Scientists:
 
Data scientists analyze and interpret complex  data to provide insights that drive business decisions. The demand for data scientists has increased  no thanks  to the high amount of data generated by businesses and organizations.
 
Employment outlook:
 
The BLS projects a 15% growth in employment for computer and information research scientists, which includes data scientists, from 2020 to 2030.
 
Key skills:
 
Data scientists need expertise in statistics, mathematics, and programming languages such as Python and R. A strong understanding of machine learning, data visualization, and data wrangling is also crucial. A bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, or a related field is typically required, although many data scientists hold advanced degrees.
 
Median salary: $78,334, £50,000
 
Career Paths: Data scientists can work in various industries, including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. Career paths include roles such as data analyst, machine learning engineer, business intelligence analyst, and chief data officer (CDO).
 
Clinical Researchers:
 
If you enjoy researching potential cures for diseases, and tracking data, this just might be a great fit for you. Clinical researchers work in the health sector to investigate develop and oversee new medication, treatments and technology. Clinical researchers supervise clinical trials to investigate the causes of diseases and test medical inventions and processes, and use the data gathered to advice medical professionals on the best approach with regards treatment.
 
Employment outlook:
 
According to a research by Zippier.com, the expected growth rate for clinical researchers is put at 6% from 2018-2028, with 4,600 new job openings expected over the next ten years.
 
Key Skills:
 
To be effective, potential clinical researchers need to have the following skills, Data Analysis, Observation, attention to detail, Writing skills, public speaking, and an undergraduate degree.
 
Median salary: $80,000, £37,000
 
Career Path: If you’re interested in pursuing a career in clinical research you have a wide range of career paths to choose from, each with its unique requirements and challenges, they include but are not limited to,
Clinical Trials Management, Clinical Research Monitoring, Clinical Research Coordination, Biostatistics, Drug safety, Clinical research assistant and a host of others.
 
Biomedical Engineers.
 
Biomedical engineers fuse together Biology, engineering and technology to create innovations that benefit human health, from artificial organs to hospital equipment, they play a crucial role in healthcare. They can be found in many industries, from carrying out research to determine the most suitable materials for transplant to working on large scale drug manufacturing, biomedical engineering provides a wide range of career paths for those willing to carve a niche in that field.
 
Employment outlook:
 
According to the Bureau of Labour statistics, the demand for Biomedical engineers is expected to grow by 5% from 2022-2032 with about 1,100 new job openings Every month.
 
Key Skills:
 
Biomedical engineers are expected to be competent in a wide range of areas including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, mathematics, statistics, materials science, and engineering, aspiring biomedical engineers also should have a degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited university.
 
Median salary: The BLS puts the median salary for biomedical engineers at $99, 550. £40,000
 
Career Paths: Choosing a career in biomedical engineering offers you a variety of interesting career paths including, Manufacturing Engineer, Rehabilitation Engineer, Medical Technology Developer, Independent Consultant, amongst others.
 
Actuarial Science:
 
Do you love numbers and are you looking for a profession that puts your flair for numbers to great use then a career as an actuary is right up your alley. Actuarial Science employs the use of mathematical and statistical methodologies to ascertain risks and the resultant financial implications of such risks. They function in a wide range of industries such as Finance, Health, insurance, manufacturing and a long list of industries.
 
Employment outlook:
 
Employment of actuaries is expected to grow by 23 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster when placed side by side with the average of other occupations. It is also projected that about 2,300 openings for actuaries are anticipated each year, on average, over the next 10 years.
 
Key Skills:
 
To pursue a career as an actuary, a specific degree in actuarial science is not a requirement however A degree in math, statistics, or business is more pronounced among actuaries. You’d be expected to take courses in economics, corporate finance, applied statistics, business, calculus, accounting, and management to ensure you have the needed skills to excel in the profession. You will also need to develop Computer skills , Problem Solving, Communication, Mathematics and Management skills.
 
Median salary: The median salary for an actuary according to BLS is $113,992, £55,000
 
Information and Security Analysts.
 
information security analyst secure and protect an organization’s computer networks, systems, and databases from breaches and malicious cyber attacks. They monitor, detect and oversee varying levels and aspects of security both physical and digital such as network security, software security while implementing best practices.
 
Employment outlook:
 
BLS is of the opinion that the demand for information and security analysts is expected to grow by 32% over the next 10 years.
 
Key Skills:
 
in addition to a strong technical skillset, Information and Security Analysts need to possess skills in Controls and frameworks, Network security control, DevOps, Threat knowledge and Scripting.
 
Median salary: According to pay scale the median salary for an information security analyst stands at $ 78,538. £45,000
 
Career Paths: Internet security specialists, Computer systems security analysts, Network security analysts, Computer security specialists. And a long list of others.
 
Cyber security Expert.
 
Cyber security experts are crucial in protecting data and computer systems from cyber threats. The increasing number of cyber attacks and the need for robust security measures are driving the demand for these professionals. It is a subset of information security however owing to the ever growing need for data protection by organizations and individuals alike this subset is has a spot on our list.
 
Employment outlook:
 
The BLS projects a 33% growth in demand from 2020 to 2032.
 
Key Skills:
 
Cyber security experts need a strong understanding of computer networks, security protocols, and threat detection. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security, computer science, or a related field is typically required. Key skills include problem-solving, analytical thinking, and proficiency in security software and tools.
 
Career paths:
 
Cyber security offers diverse career paths, including roles such as information security analyst, cyber security consultant, ethical hacker, and chief information security officer (CISO). These roles can lead to senior positions such as security operations centre (SOC) manager or cyber security director.
 
Median salary: The median annual salary for a cyber security expert ranges from $75,000 – $122,000. £55,000
 
 
Education and Skills Needed for STEM Careers.
 
To succeed in high-demand STEM careers, individuals need the right education and skills. Here are some essential educational pathways and qualifications:
 
Educational Pathways.
 
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is typically required for most STEM careers. Common majors include computer science, engineering, mathematics, data science, and health sciences.
 
 Advanced Degrees: Many high-demand STEM careers require advanced degrees, such as a master’s or Ph.D. For example, data scientists, biomedical engineers, and clinical researchers often hold advanced degrees.
 
Certifications: Professional certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Examples include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for cyber security experts and Project Management Professional (PMP) for engineers.
 
Online Courses: Online courses and boot camps offer flexible learning options for acquiring new skills or transitioning into STEM careers. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity provide courses in programming, data science, and more.
 
Conclusion.
 
STEM careers are more than just job opportunities they are pathways to shaping the future, solving critical problems, and driving innovation across various sectors.
 
From software developers and data scientists to engineers and healthcare professionals, the demand for skilled individuals in these fields is growing on a year to year basis, presenting numerous opportunities for those equipped with the right skills and knowledge. If you are considering a career in STEM, now is the perfect time to take action. The journey will require dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability, but the rewards are immense. Start by exploring educational opportunities, connect with industry professionals and seek out mentorship opportunities.
 
 
  • Share this post

Leave a Comment

 
Required 'Candidate' login to applying this job. Click here to logout And try again
 
 

Job Alerts

 

Account Activation

Before you can login, you must activate your account with the code sent to your email address. If you did not receive this email, please check your junk/spam folder. Click here to resend the activation email. If you entered an incorrect email address, you will need to re-register with the correct email address.