Leading STEM Careers Beyond Engineering: Discover Unique Opportunities

In today’s changing job market, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers offer financial stability and long-term growth. With 3.5 million STEM jobs expected by 2025, recent data shows that STEM salaries are double those of non-STEM fields. While engineering often grabs the spotlight in STEM fields, there are several other interesting opportunities in biology, physics, computer science, and math. This blog will explore the career paths STEM graduates can pursue beyond engineering.

1) Environmental Science: 

Environmental scientists are leaders in tackling environmental issues, from reducing pollution to developing sustainable solutions. According to a recent Bloomberg report, a record $501.3 billion was spent on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce fossil fuel reliance worldwide. Forbes lists environmental science as one of the highest-paying green careers. Over the next decade, around 6,900 job openings for environmental scientists and specialists are expected yearly.

Key information: 

• Approximate annual Salary: $104,640 
• Top Industry: Federal government
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6 percent
• Top colleges to study Environmental Science: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Oxford, University of Queensland, University of British Columbia, Vancouver (US News and World Report 2024)

2) Bioinformatics: 

Bioinformatics is a growing STEM field that bridges biology and data science. It plays a key role in genomics research and personalised medicine, driving advances in pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, and proteomics. Stefan Kaluziak, an assistant professor at Northeastern University, describes bioinformatics as the point where computer programming, big data, and biology meet. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects around 3,400 job openings annually for computer and information research scientists over the next decade. 

Key information: 

• Approximate annual Salary: $87,300
• Top Industry: Research and development
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 22 percent
• Top colleges to study Bioinformatics: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, San Diego, Carnegie Mellon University

3) Augmented Reality: 

Augmented Reality (AR) developers are unconventional STEM professionals who combine programming skills with advanced technology to create digital experiences that blend the virtual and real worlds. The demand for AR developers proliferates across industries like gaming, healthcare, education, and marketing. Forbes highlights that XR technologies, including AR and Virtual Reality (VR), are set to be “one of the most transformative tech trends in the next five years.” Companies will increasingly look for experts with the skills to implement XR applications and stay competitive. AR development offers strong career prospects for STEM graduates, with an estimated 153,900 annual job openings each year over the next decade.

Key information: 

• Annual Salary: $186,280
• Top Industry: Research and development
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 23 percent
• Top colleges to study Augmented/Virtual Reality: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of Southern California

4) Cybersecurity:

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing STEM career in today’s digital world. It protects computer systems, networks, and digital data from unauthorised access, cyberattacks, theft, damage, or disruption. Professor Andrew Woodward, executive dean of ECU School of Science, says, “The (cybersecurity) industry is booming globally right now. It has been for the past decade and will continue to boom into the next decade.” He adds, “Unlike industries such as mining and construction, which can boom and bust – we’re only connecting more devices to the internet, and companies need trained cyber security personnel.” Worldwide cybercrime costs are estimated to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, emphasising the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and professionals. The demand for information security analysts is high, with an estimated 16,800 job openings annually in the US over the next decade.

Key information: 

• Annual Salary: $131,910 
• Top Industry: Information Security
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 32 percent
• Top colleges to study Cybersecurity: Carnegie Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Adelaide, Carleton University

5) Psychology: 

Psychology is crucial in STEM, contributing to scientific advances and learning improvements. Psychologists can work in many areas, including research, patient care, and education. The demand for psychology careers has grown due to increasing mental health awareness. One area of high demand is equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which saw a 71 percent rise in roles between 2015 and 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for mental health professionals, boosting demand for counsellors and psychologists. This need is expected to continue, with about 12,800 job openings projected annually in the US for psychologists over the next decade.

Key information: 

• Annual Salary: $139,280 
• Highest paying industry: Industrial-organisational psychologists
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6 percent
• Top colleges to study Psychology: Harvard University, King’s College London, Stanford University, Simon Fraser University, University of Kent

6) Food Science:

Food science is a growing STEM career that combines chemistry, biology, and other sciences to study food. Job Ubbink, a professor at the University of Minnesota, explains that this science aims to ensure a safe, affordable, and nutritious food supply. According to The Institute of Food Technologists, food scientists typically earn competitive salaries and often find jobs or enter graduate programmes soon after completing their undergraduate degree. Over the next decade, approximately 3,000 job openings for agricultural and food scientists are expected yearly.

Key information: 

• Annual Salary: $79,860
• Top Industry: Research and development
• Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6 percent
• Top colleges to study Food Science and Technology: UIUC, UC Davis, Cornell. University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Alberta, University of Sydney

STEM offers exciting career paths beyond traditional engineering, opening doors to shape your future in unique and surprising ways. The possibilities are endless, so don’t limit your career aspirations. If you’re unsure about your career pathway or whether you should pursue a STEM major, please contact us. Our career and educational counsellors look forward to assisting you. Meanwhile, please read our blogs: Unique Advantages of STEM-Designated Majors in the US and Profitable Careers That Will Make You Want to Major in Maths.