Top 15 STEM Jobs of 2016

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Jobs in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) are expected to grow about 13% by 2022 — that’s more than 9 million jobs in five years! These opportunities encompass a broad range of skill sets, industries, and talents.

15. Actuary: Actuaries analyze and manage the financial consequences of risk. They use math, statistics and financial theory to study uncertain future events.

  • Median Salary: $96,700
  • Unemployment Rate: 4%
  • Expected Job Openings: 4,400

14. Database Administrator: Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data. This role may include capacity planning, database design, migration, performance monitoring, security, and data recovery.

  • Median Salary: $80,280
  • Unemployment Rate: 2%
  • Expected Job Openings: 13,400

13. Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers combine engineering principals with biology, chemistry and soil science to develop solutions for environmental problems. They are involved in recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.

  • Median Salary: $80,890
  • Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
  • Expected Job Openings: 6,800

12. Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal devices and sensors, including tools, engines and machines. They work mostly in engineering services, research and development or manufacturing.

  • Median Salary: $83,060
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
  • Expected Job Openings: 14,600

11. Industrial Psychologist: Industrial psychologists study workplace environments and the employees who work there to address questions about making employees more productive and leaders more effective.

  • Median Salary: $76,950
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
  • Expected Job Openings: 400

10. Mathematician: Mathematicians conduct research to explore and develop theories or use established theories to solve real-world problems. Mathematicians can fill many roles, including financial analyst, system analyst, professor, or teacher.

  • Median Salary: $103,720
  • Unemployment Rate: 4%
  • Expected Job Openings: 700

9. Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems. Most work for computer companies, consulting firms or in the business and financial industries.

  • Median Salary: $88,890
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
  • Expected Job Openings: 14,800

8. Financial Advisor: Financial advisors help clients create budgets, provide advice about investing or help with retirement planning. Some may actually invest on behalf of a client or sell insurance.

  • Median Salary: $81,060
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
  • Expected Job Openings: 73,900

7. IT Manager: IT managers are responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s technology infrastructure. This includes processing systems, data management, and communications tools.

  • Median Salary: $127,640
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
  • Expected Job Openings: 53,700

6. Biomedical Engineer: Biomedical engineers design devices and equipment, including artificial organs, replacement body parts and machines for diagnosing medial issues.

  • Median Salary: $86,950
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
  • Expected Job Openings: 5,100

5. Accountant: An accountant inspects or keeps financial records for an individual or business. They may prepare taxes and audits or provide bookkeeping services in all levels of business.

  • Median Salary: $65,940
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
  • Expected Job Openings: 142,400

4. Web Developer: A web developer specializes in programming internet applications. This can include the design and overall look and feel or the code that supports the functionality.

  • Median Salary: $63,490
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
  • Expected Job Openings: 39,500

3. Statistician: Statisticians collect and analyze data to solve real-world problems using statistical data.  They are commonly working in business, engineering, or healthcare.

  • Median Salary: $79,990
  • Unemployment Rate: 4%
  • Expected Job Openings: 10,100

2. Software Developer: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. They can develop the applications that allow users to run specific tasks on a computer or smartphone, or they can work on the systems that run those devices.

  • Median Salary: $95,510
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
  • Expected Job Openings: 135,300

1. Computer Systems Analyst: Computer systems analysts study an organization’s computer systems, procedures and design information systems to help the organization operate more efficiently.

  • Median Salary: $82,710
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
  • Expected Job Openings: 118,600