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Top STEM Careers by Salary
The 25 highest-paying careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics based on BLS median salary data.
25
Careers
$130,382
Avg Salary
+6.7%
Avg Growth
Bachelor's Degree
Most Common Ed.
1
Physicists
Related Work Experience
$166,290+4%
2
Computer Hardware Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$155,020+7.3%
3
Petroleum Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$141,280+1.3%
4
$140,910+19.7%
5
Political Scientists
Related Work Experience
$139,380-3.1%
$135,980+8.7%
7
Database Architects
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Paying Office & Remote-Friendly Careers
$135,980+8.7%
8
Aerospace Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$134,830+6.1%
9
$133,080+15.8%
10
Astronomers
Related Work Experience
$132,170+2.2%
11
$130,390+11.9%
12
$130,390+11.9%
13
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Bachelor's Degree
$127,590+6.2%
14
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Bachelor's Degree
$127,590+6.2%
15
Nuclear Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$127,520-1.1%
16
$125,770+21.8%
17
$124,910+28.5%
18
Chemical Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$121,860+2.6%
19
Mathematicians
Related Work ExperienceHighest Paying Office & Remote-Friendly Careers
$121,680-0.7%
20
Physical Scientists, All Other
Bachelor's Degree
$117,960+0.6%
21
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Bachelor's Degree
$117,960+0.6%
22
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Bachelor's Degree
$117,750+2.1%
23
Engineers, All Other
Bachelor's Degree
$117,750+2.1%
24
Mechatronics Engineers
Bachelor's Degree
$117,750+2.1%
25
Microsystems Engineers
Master's Degree
$117,750+2.1%
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree19 of 25
Related Work Experience4 of 25
Some College1 of 25
Master's Degree1 of 25
Compare Careers in This Guide
Physicists vs Computer Hardware EngineersPhysicists vs Petroleum EngineersComputer Hardware Engineers vs Petroleum EngineersComputer Hardware Engineers vs Computer and Information Research ScientistsPetroleum Engineers vs Computer and Information Research ScientistsPetroleum Engineers vs Political ScientistsComputer and Information Research Scientists vs Political ScientistsComputer and Information Research Scientists vs Data Warehousing SpecialistsPolitical Scientists vs Data Warehousing SpecialistsPolitical Scientists vs Database ArchitectsData Warehousing Specialists vs Database ArchitectsData Warehousing Specialists vs Aerospace Engineers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many careers are in the Top STEM Careers by Salary guide?
- This guide covers 25 occupations, including Physicists, Computer Hardware Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, and 22 more.
- What is the salary range for careers in this guide?
- Salaries range from $117,750 (Microsystems Engineers) to $166,290 (Physicists) median annual wage, based on BLS data.
- Which careers in this guide are growing fastest?
- The fastest-growing careers include Computer and Information Research Scientists (+19.7%), Data Warehousing Specialists (+8.7%), Database Architects (+8.7%). Growth rates are projected from 2024 to 2034 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- What education is typically needed for these careers?
- The most common entry-level requirement is a Bachelor's Degree (19 of 25 careers). Education requirements vary across the guide.
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