What’s a STEM degree?
A STEM degree is a major in one of these four fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Fields of study such as biology, chemistry, nursing, computer science, statistics, electrical engineering and more all fall under the umbrella of STEM programs.
The value of a STEM degree
Data has consistently shown: STEM majors are in demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth for STEM occupations to increase by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033. That’s much higher than the projected 3.6% growth for all non-STEM occupations.
BLS data also shows there’s much more earning potential in STEM roles. The median annual wage for STEM occupations in 2023 was $101,650, more than double that of the median wage for non-STEM roles.
And according to the BLS, a majority of the 20 occupations projected to have the most job growth between 2023 and 2033 require STEM skills and education. Some of these jobs, and their projected growth and median annual wage as of 2023, include:
Wind turbine technicians
- 60% projected growth
- $61,770
Nurse practitioners
- 46% projected growth
- $126,260
Data scientists
- 36% projected growth
- $108,020
Information security analysts
- 33% projected growth
- $120,360 per year
Medical and health services managers
- 29% projected growth
- $110,680
Computer and information research scientists
- 26% projected growth
- $145,080
Operations research analysts
- 23% projected growth
- $83,640
