STEM graduates are always in demand. Whether they studied science, technology, engineering or mathematics, these bright prospects have the potential to tackle some of the world's major problems – and grab the attention of any employer. In this broad field, you could study climate change, healthcare, or even aerospace. Whichever path you take, there will be top jobs ahead of you. Want proof? Here are the 10 top STEM careers, according to US News and World Report.
1) Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse practitioners do some of the same work as general nurses, but also have extra responsibilities and authority. For example, NPs can perform physical exams, analyse lab results, offer medical advice and provide treatment. While general nurses cannot prescribe medication, NPs can.
With this greater responsibility comes greater pay. However, you will also need to complete more training. To become an NP, you need to first become a registered nurse, which requires a bachelor’s or associate degree. In addition, you will need a master’s degree, plus additional certifications that will depend on where you are based.
Median salary: USD 121,610
2) Software Developer
We see the work of software developers every day on apps, social media and websites. People with this job build computer programmes for many purposes, using both technical and creative skills. To make it your profession, you need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM subject such as computer science. This will teach you all about computers and programming.
You do not necessarily need a master’s degree to work as a software developer, but some employers prefer to hire graduates with greater expertise. Regardless, anyone who gets a developer job will be set for a long and important career in our constantly evolving technological world.
Median salary: USD 127,260
3) IT Manager
IT managers are responsible for the performance of an organisation’s computer and information systems. This includes data and network security, and the maintenance of computer programmes and software. It is the responsibility of IT managers to make sure all of these things perform optimally, so that overall productivity and efficiency is maximised.
If you like the sound of becoming an IT manager, you usually need a bachelor’s degree in one of the following STEM subjects: computer science, IT or mathematics. Some companies may prefer to hire someone with a master’s degree, but this is not always compulsory.
Median salary: USD 164,070
4) Physician Assistant (PA)
The role of a PA involves diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, supporting surgeons and performing procedures. To qualify as a PA, you will usually need a bachelor’s degree in a science or healthcare field. After this, you will also need to study an accredited physician assistant degree at master’s level.
Don’t be fooled by the term ‘assistant’, as this top STEM career requires a great deal of education and commitment. You will also be required to gain work experience, with many graduates choosing to work as a registered nurse, emergency medical technician or paramedic before their master’s course.
Median salary: USD 126,010
5) Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are responsible for the direction and co-ordination of a hospital, care home or other healthcare service. This job involves working closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth running of these facilities.
To qualify, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health. To improve your employment prospects, you might also want to consider an MBA (a master's in business administration) or a master's in public administration. You may even start out as a nurse or doctor, before moving into this profession.
Median salary: USD 104,830
6) Information security analyst
Information security analysts are concerned with the safety of information systems. This involves planning and initiating security measures to protect computer systems from hackers and cyber attacks. These IT professionals can be employed by all kinds of organisations, from big businesses to small charities.
The role is becoming increasingly important, as security breaches are becoming more and more sophisticated. For that reason, there are specialist information security courses that you could study to prepare yourself for it. However, if you would prefer a broader education, an undergraduate computer science degree would also put you in a strong position for getting the job.
Median salary: USD 112,000
7) Data Scientist
Put simply, data scientists analyse large data sets. However, this can require a wide range of skills and knowledge within computer science, analytics, statistics, mathematics and business. Applying those to complex data can help inform the strategies of companies and other organisations all around the world.
As a data scientist, you must be comfortable interpreting data and extracting meaning from numbers. To begin a career in the role, you may want to gain a qualification in data science or mathematics.
Median salary: USD 103,500
8) Actuary
There is not much risk in pursuing a career as an actuary. In fact, calculating risk so that it can be avoided is exactly what an actuary does. This makes it an in-demand role, and particularly for organisations where a lot of money is at stake. Financial services companies will always need actuaries, as they seek to assess the safest way to operate.
Graduates who become actuaries have often studied mathematics, or a closely related discipline such as statistics. Taking a course which involves finance will also boost your chances of employment, but it should not be necessary to stay in education beyond your bachelor's degree.
Median salary: USD 113,990
9) Statistician
If you have an analytical mind and a flair for sorting data, a career as a statistician could be perfect for you. In this line of work, you will collect data, conduct experiments, and analyse and report on the outcomes. With people who can do this needed across all areas of employment, your career prospects will be strong.
To qualify, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in statistics, or another relevant STEM subject. This could be economics, finance or mathematics – basically, any degree that has a large statistical or quantitative element.
Median salary: USD 98,920
10) Operations research analyst
This job involves solving all kinds of problems for complex organisations. As an operations research analyst you could be using data to to recommend business investments, evaluating the effectiveness of a company's services, or even helping to work out the best treatment plans for medical patients. If a business wants to assess and improve its process, it may want analysts to do it.
As this is a more varied job role, you can obtain it through a range of routes. STEM graduates of all kinds will find a way in to the position, but especially those who have worked closely with numbers. Data processing is often important in operations research, as well as sharp logical thinking.
Median salary: USD 85,720
We hope that you come away from this article feeling inspired! If you'd still like to know more about starting a top STEM career, take a look at our list of the best STEM degrees for employment. Alternatively, you might want to head straight to our advice on how to find a graduate job.
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