The amount of STEM job opportunities has been on the rise in recent years with no signs of slowing. Technology is advancing rapidly and is opening up more science, technology, engineering and math jobs to the next generation of workers.
The U.S News & World Report published an article with a list of high paying STEM jobs that have high growth potential by 2026:
Computer Network Architect
Description: Computer network architects design and create data communication networks such as Intranets, local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $104,650
Expected growth by 2026: 6%
Web Developer
Description: Web developers are responsible for making the code that makes websites and applications function properly. They typically use HTML, CSS and Javascript to create the codes.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $67,990
Expected growth by 2026: 15%
Database Administrator
Description: Database administrators work according to what their specific company needs. Their main job is to make sure that everything is working efficiently. They test the company database and fine-tune it to optimize its function.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $87,020
Expected growth by 2026: 11%
Political Scientist
Description: Political scientists study and analyze the origin, development and operation of political systems. They research the trends in these political systems, public policies and other issues related to politics.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $117,570
Expected growth by 2026: 3%
Psychologist
Description: Psychologists study cognitive, social and emotional process of people. They watch human behavior and analyze the way that they act in different environments.
Average entry-level education: Ph.D
Median Salary: $100,770
Expected growth by 2026: 11%
School Psychologist
Description: School psychologist’s are a more specialized type of psychologist. They help students work through tough situations and identify behavioral issues that they then work to fix.
Average entry-level education: Ph.D
Median Salary: $76,990
Expected growth by 2026: 14%
Mechanical Engineer
Description: Mechanical engineer’s design and build tools, engines and machines. They are responsible for the safety and functionality of all their projects.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $85,880
Expected growth by 2026: 9%
Civil Engineer
Description: Civil engineers work on infrastructure projects from start to finish. These projects include building roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, bridges and dams.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $84,700
Expected growth by 2026: 11%
Information Security Analyst
Description: Information security analysts focus on keeping a companies network and systems secure. They are responsible for stopping cyberattacks and have to alter the security if the company continues to get them. Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $95,510
Expected growth by 2026: 28%
Operations Research Analyst
Description: Operation research analysts use complex mathematical methods in order to identify problems and solve them. They also investigate these issues and find ways to improve them.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $83,390
Expected growth by 2026: 27%
Actuary
Description: Actuaries are responsible for analyzing the financial risk of different events. They use mathematics, statistics and financial theory in order to find ways to minimize the financial risk of events and help companies create policies to lower this.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $102,880
Expected growth by 2026: 22%
Medical and Health Services Manager
Description: Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives/administrators, plan, direct and coordinate health services in order to optimize function. They could oversee the whole facility or a specific unit. Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $99,730
Expected growth by 2026: 20%
IT Manager
Description: Information technology managers are responsible for implementing computer systems at a company that help them meet their goals.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $139,220
Expected growth by 2026: 12%
Computer Systems Analyst
Description: Computer systems analysts, also referred to systems architects, study a company’s computer systems and design solutions to help the company run smoother.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $88,270
Expected growth by 2026: 9%
Cartographer
Description: Cartographers are responsible for creating and updating maps and charts. They collect, measure and interpret geographical information in order to make maps and charts accurate and up to date.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $63,990
Expected growth by 2026: 19%
Mathematician
Description: Mathematicians apply mathematical techniques that help businesses, in all fields, solve problems.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $101,900
Expected growth by 2026: 30%
Pediatrician
Description: Pediatricians are doctors that specialize in child healthcare.
Average entry-level education: M.D
Median Salary: $183,240
Expected growth by 2026: 15%
Nurse Practitioner
Description: Nurse practitioners are often known as advanced nurses. They provide primary and specialty healthcare to their patients.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $103,880
Expected growth by 2026: 36%
Orthodontist
Description: Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth, stopping overcrowding and fixing jaw alignment.
Entry-level education: D.D.S, D.M.D, M.S
Median Salary: > $208,000
Expected growth by 2026: 19%
Nurse Anesthetist
Description: Nurse anesthetists are advanced nurses that give anesthesia to patients prior to going into surgery. They work alongside surgeons, dentists and other medical professionals.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $165,120
Expected growth by 2026: 16%
Dentist
Description: Dentists focus on patients gum and tooth health. They help solve current oral issues and give advice on how a patient can better their oral health.
Average entry-level education: D.D.S
Median Salary: $158,120
Expected growth by 2026: 19%
Physician Assistant
Description: Physician Assistants, PAs, are able to examine and treat their patients. They often work alongside doctors and surgeons.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $104,860
Expected growth by 2026: 37%
Statistician
Description: Statisticians use statistical methods to help businesses solve issues within their company.
Average entry-level education: Master’s degree
Median Salary: $87,780
Expected growth by 2026: 34%
Software Developer
Description: Software developers create computer programs and applications. They are responsible for the consumer usability of the application and the underlying systems that make the program run efficiently.
Average entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree
Median Salary: $103,560
Expected growth by 2026: 24%
This list shows the job potential for people looking to join the STEM workforce in the future. Not only are these jobs stable and high-paying, they have the potential to grow exponentially in the years to come.
Sharing this kind of information with students and young adults is essential when they are thinking about their own futures. This will allow them to see why their STEM education is important and shows them all of the doors that it can open up for them.
