The STEM field is arguably a lucrative career path in the 21st century. STEM majors go on to high-end paying jobs. Even statistic-wise, we will see the most high-paying unities remain in the STEM field. While it is not necessary for every student to lead into the STEM field, honing STEM-related skills will add leverage to their career and employability as the current job market seeks innovation and collaboration.
Here are some occupations that are gaining popularity right now.
Data Scientist
Data scientist is among the fastest-growing careers today. If subjects like programming, machine learning, statistics, maths fascinate you, you should think about a career in data science. You will need a bachelor’s degree in data science or any computer-related field. Honing your skills precisely Python is the key aspect in this field. Most data scientists go on to pursue their master’s degrees.
The annual average salary for a data scientist stands at $100,560. With the increased importance of data, demands for jobs like this are growing. The future for this field is extremely promising. 
UX designer
User Experience (UX) designer, a job is gaining much popularity recently. UX designer works with product research, creating personas, information architecture (IA), wireframes, prototyping, product testing. It is a fascinating job that involves designing a product. You will be the voice of the product and create an experience for the people. How exciting is that!
As a UX designer, you must be skilled in UX research, UI prototyping, wireframing, visual communication, coding, analytics, and communication skills. These are regarded as must-have skills in every UX designer. For acing in your career, you must work on developing these skills. According to Glassdoor’s data, UX designers make $80,928 annually at an entry-level. This increases as your expertise and abilities increase.
Software developer
If computer science and creative innovation fascinate you, you might want to look into a software developer. Software developers work on designing computer applications for companies. Their job combines technicality and creativity. They are responsible for creating the most innovative tech. Software developers need to have exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills. These soft skills will increase their efficiency and employability. Other required technical skills are programming, algorithm, databases, IDEs, knowledge of testing methods, encryption, SDLC (Software development life cycle). Mastering these skills will make you a good developer.
They are well for their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the median salary for a software developer is $103,620 with an entry-level education. The job outlook is likely to increase 22% over ten years.
Environmental engineer
If saving the climate is what you want to do, then environment engineering is your calling. Environmental engineers work towards finding a solution to various environmental issues using engineering expertise. For working as an environmental engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related chemical, civil, or general engineering field. Environmental engineers need to have excellent interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Environmental engineers get to work in different fields, and there is always room for innovation. The median pay for this job is $92,120 annually, as stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The employment scenario is changing, albeit slowly. With the current situation of climate change, the demand for this job will increase.
3D printing engineer
3D Printing engineers work on developing new prototypes using 3D printing. They work with complex geometries and internal structures and look for solutions. You will need a bachelor’s degree in fields like engineering or computer science. You must be well equipped to operate the 3D software. An ideal 3D printing skill set includes – designing, fixing, modifying 3D CAD data, scheduling and maintaining machines and orders, material handling, and assembling 3D models.
3D printing engineering is gaining popularity as more industries are emerging with their work around 3D printing. The average salary for 3D printing engineers is $68,750. The pay will increase as the demand for skilled engineers in operating 3D printers will likely increase.
Statistician
The demand for statisticians has increased with the proliferation of data generation in industries. More and more businesses are adapting to data-driven decision-making. Now let’s look at the requirements you will need to walk on this path. For becoming a statistician, you will need to have a bachelor’s in statistics or mathematics. Employers do prefer a master’s degree at an entry-level job. People from majors like economics, computer science, biology with proficiency in the statistical analysis also have a chance in employment as a statistician.
As a statistician, you will get to work in diverse fields, starting from education to forensic to transportation. Employment is stated to grow 30 percent in the next ten years. The median salary is $49,000 annually. Pretty great, right?
These careers are among the most popular and lucrative paths in the 21st century. With data adapting into a form of currency, the importance of these STEM field jobs will continue to increase.
