Top-Paying STEM Careers: Highest Salaries by Field and Role

For decades, educators have promoted careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The term “STEM” was popularized in 2001 by Judith Ramaley of the National Science Foundation, and today these fields continue to offer a wide range of global career opportunities.

However, the job landscape has changed significantly over the past 10 to 20 years. Rapid technological advances and deeper scientific understanding have created roles and specialties that did not exist a generation ago. STEM occupations are now in high demand and often offer strong salaries. While many positions require only a bachelor’s degree, advanced degrees and certifications can increase employability and earning potential.

The list below outlines high-paying STEM careers based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median salaries are drawn from the most recent available figures and projected job counts are estimates for future demand.

52. Chemist

Median salary: $76,890

Projected jobs in the future: 90,900

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Chemistry

Bottom line: Chemists analyze substances at the atomic and molecular levels to develop new products, improve existing ones, and test product quality. Specialties include analytical, organic, inorganic, forensic, medicinal, physical, and theoretical chemistry.

51. Agricultural Engineer

Median salary: $77,110

Projected jobs in the future: 2,800

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Agricultural engineering, biological engineering

Bottom line: Agricultural engineers apply engineering principles to farming, forestry, and food processing to improve productivity, reduce waste, and solve environmental and structural problems. Work environments vary between offices, labs, and field sites.

50. Psychologist

Median salary: $79,010

Projected jobs in the future: 207,800

Required degree: Ph.D.

Best college major: Psychology

Bottom line: Psychologists study behavior, cognition, and emotion to diagnose and treat mental health issues, support personal development, and improve interactions between people and their environments. Common specializations include clinical, counseling, industrial/organizational, school, and forensic psychology.

49. Genetic Counselor

Median salary: $80,370

Projected jobs in the future: 3,800

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Genetic counseling, genetics

Bottom line: Genetic counselors analyze genetic information to assess the risk of inherited conditions, advise patients about genetic testing and results, and often specialize in areas such as prenatal, pediatric, or cancer genetics. Demand is rising as genetic testing becomes more accessible.

48. Geographer

Median salary: $80,300

Projected jobs in the future: 1,600

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Geography

Bottom line: Geographers examine Earth’s features and human-environment interactions. Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and data analysis is valuable. Some focus on human geography, studying economic, cultural, environmental, or political impacts of human activity.

47. Computer Systems Administrator

Median salary: $82,050

Projected jobs in the future: 402,100

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, information science, computer engineering

Bottom line: Systems administrators install, maintain, and troubleshoot an organization’s computer systems and networks, ensuring reliable operation and security across various industries.

46. Management Analyst

Median salary: $83,610

Projected jobs in the future: 994,600

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Business, economics, accounting, psychology, computer science, information science

Bottom line: Management analysts evaluate organizational processes to recommend cost-saving and efficiency improvements. They analyze data, design solutions, and help implement changes, working either as in-house staff or external consultants.

45. Computer Programmer

Median salary: $84,280

Projected jobs in the future: 232,400 (declining)

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science

Bottom line: Programmers write, test, and debug code for software applications. They collaborate with developers and engineers to translate designs into working programs and address errors to ensure correct behavior.

44. Financial Analyst

Median salary: $84,300

Projected jobs in the future: 32,300 by 2026

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Math, statistics, economics, accounting, finance

Bottom line: Financial analysts evaluate investment performance and make recommendations for portfolios, specializing by industry, region, or product type. They work at banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and corporate finance departments.

43. Civil Engineer

Median salary: $86,640

Projected jobs in the future: 347,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Civil engineering, civil engineering technology

Bottom line: Civil engineers design and oversee construction of infrastructure—bridges, roads, tunnels, water systems, and buildings—working in planning, design, construction, research, or education, often specializing in fields like structural or transportation engineering.

42. Industrial Engineer

Median salary: $87,040

Projected jobs in the future: 308,400

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Industrial engineering

Bottom line: Industrial engineers optimize systems that combine people, machines, materials, information, and energy to maximize efficiency and minimize waste while balancing cost, safety, and environmental concerns.

41. Mechanical Engineer

Median salary: $87,370

Projected jobs in the future: 325,700

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology

Bottom line: Mechanical engineers design, build, and test mechanical systems and the machinery used to produce them. This broad field spans consumer products, manufacturing equipment, and energy systems.

40. Environmental Engineer

Median salary: $87,620

Projected jobs in the future: 58,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Environmental engineering

Bottom line: Environmental engineers apply engineering, biology, chemistry, and soil science to address pollution, waste disposal, public health, and sustainability challenges, often working outdoors on field projects.

39. Statistician

Median salary: $87,780

Projected jobs in the future: 58,000

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Statistics, mathematics, economics, computer science

Bottom line: Statisticians design studies, collect and analyze data, and use sampling and statistical tests to draw valid conclusions. They often work with specialized software and contribute to tool development for data analysis.

38. Biomedical Engineer

Median salary: $88,550

Projected jobs in the future: 20,500

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Engineering, bioengineering

Bottom line: Biomedical engineers design medical devices, software, and artificial body parts that improve healthcare, from surgical robots to advanced diagnostics and prosthetics.

37. Computer Systems Analyst

Median salary: $88,740

Projected jobs in the future: 689,900

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, information science

Bottom line: Systems analysts align technology with organizational goals, recommending and implementing improvements. Subspecialties include quality assurance and programmer analysis.

36. Database Administrator

Median salary: $90,070

Projected jobs in the future: 127,400

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, information science

Bottom line: Database administrators manage data storage, organization, access, and security so users and analysts can efficiently retrieve information while protecting sensitive records.

35. Geoscientist

Median salary: $91,130

Projected jobs in the future: 32,800

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Geosciences, environmental science, engineering

Bottom line: Geoscientists study Earth’s composition and processes, often specializing in areas like geology, oceanography, or seismology. Their expertise is in demand for resource development and environmental protection.

34. Materials Engineer

Median salary: $92,390

Projected jobs in the future: 27,700

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Materials science, engineering

Bottom line: Materials engineers research and develop materials—polymers, ceramics, alloys—to improve product performance or create new solutions, with strong demand in aerospace and R&D settings.

33. Marine Engineer and Naval Architect

Median salary: $92,560

Projected jobs in the future: 12,700

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Marine engineering, naval architecture, mechanical or electrical engineering

Bottom line: Naval architects focus on hull and structure design while marine engineers handle propulsion, electrical, and onboard systems. Work includes shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and growing opportunities in offshore renewable energy.

32. Biochemist/Biophysicist

Median salary: $93,280

Projected jobs in the future: 32,300

Required degree: Doctoral or professional

Best college major: Biochemistry

Bottom line: Biochemists and biophysicists investigate biological processes at molecular and cellular levels, leading to applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy, including drug development and diagnostic tests.

31. Veterinarian

Median salary: $92,830

Projected jobs in the future: 100,100

Required degree: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Best undergraduate degree: Biology

Bottom line: Veterinarians diagnose, treat, and advise on the health of animals from pets to livestock and zoo animals. Many specialize in specific species or medical fields like cardiology or neurology.

30. Atmospheric Scientist and Meteorologist

Median salary: $94,110

Projected jobs in the future: 10,800

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Meteorology

Bottom line: Atmospheric scientists research weather and climate, develop forecasts, and advise on weather-related risks for sectors like transportation, energy, and agriculture. Improved forecasting technology continues to expand opportunities.

29. Information Security Analyst

Median salary: $98,350

Projected jobs in the future: 147,800

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, programming, information assurance

Bottom line: Information security analysts protect networks and systems from cyber threats, design disaster recovery plans, and implement security measures—skills increasingly in demand across industries that handle sensitive data.

28. Electrical/Electronics Engineer

Median salary: $99,070

Projected jobs in the future: 338,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Electrical or electronics engineering

Bottom line: Electrical engineers design and test electrical equipment and systems, from consumer electronics to federal systems like satellites and communications networks.

27. Materials Scientists

Median salary: $99,800

Projected jobs in the future: 8,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Chemistry

Bottom line: Materials scientists research and develop new materials and enhance existing ones for applications across industries, often collaborating in multidisciplinary research teams.

26. Engineering Professor

Median salary: $101,720

Projected jobs in the future: 52,800

Required degree: Master’s for two-year colleges; Ph.D. for four-year institutions

Best college major: Engineering

Bottom line: Engineering professors educate future engineers, conduct research, publish findings, supervise graduate students, and pursue grants that advance technology and academic knowledge.

25. Mathematician

Median salary: $101,900

Projected jobs in the future: 3,600

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Mathematics

Bottom line: Mathematicians analyze complex data using mathematical modeling to solve practical problems in government, research, and industry. A Ph.D. often leads to academic or high-level research roles.

24. Actuary

Median salary: $102,880

Projected jobs in the future: 30,000

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Actuarial science, statistics

Bottom line: Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to evaluate financial risks, commonly working in insurance and pensions. Professional certification requires passing a series of rigorous exams.

23. Chemical Engineer

Median salary: $104,910

Projected jobs in the future: 36,000

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Chemical engineering

Bottom line: Chemical engineers design processes and equipment for producing chemicals and related products, emphasizing safety, environmental impact, and efficient production methods.

22. Software Developer

Median salary: $105,590

Projected jobs in the future: 1,649,600

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, software engineering

Bottom line: Software developers design, build, test, and maintain applications tailored to user needs. The ongoing expansion of computing devices and cybersecurity concerns continues to fuel demand.

21. Nurse Practitioner

Median salary: $107,030

Projected jobs in the future: 189,100

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Nursing

Bottom line: Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care, assess patients, recommend treatments, and in many states prescribe medications. They help fill gaps in primary care amid physician shortages.

20. Nuclear Engineer

Median salary: $107,600

Projected jobs in the future: 17,600

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Nuclear engineering

Bottom line: Nuclear engineers develop and apply technologies related to nuclear energy and radiation for power, medical, and industrial uses while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

19. Physician Assistant

Median salary: $108,610

Projected jobs in the future: 155,700

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Science; physician assistant graduate program

Bottom line: Physician assistants work under physician supervision to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, serving as essential providers, especially in underserved areas.

18. Computer Network Architect

Median salary: $109,020

Projected jobs in the future: 167,700

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, engineering, information systems

Bottom line: Network architects design and build networks tailored to organizational needs, balancing technical requirements with business goals and staying current with evolving technologies.

17. Computer Hardware Engineer

Median salary: $114,600

Projected jobs in the future: 68,400

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer engineering

Bottom line: Hardware engineers design and test physical computer components and ensure compatibility with software. While software dominates many innovations, hardware expertise remains important as electronics integrate into everyday products.

16. Aerospace Engineer

Median salary: $115,220

Projected jobs in the future: 68,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Aerospace engineering

Bottom line: Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems, often specializing in aerodynamics, propulsion, or guidance systems for aeronautical or astronautical applications.

15. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Median salary: $118,370

Projected jobs in the future: 36,900

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Computer science

Bottom line: Research scientists innovate new methods, algorithms, hardware, and software to solve complex real-world problems, driving advances in networking, security, and computing performance.

14. Certified Nurse Midwife

Median salary: $130,770

Projected jobs in the future: 7,600

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Nursing

Bottom line: Certified nurse midwives provide prenatal, delivery, postpartum, and reproductive care, often enabling births outside hospitals and collaborating with OB/GYNs when higher-level intervention is needed.

13. Petroleum Engineer

Median salary: $137,170

Projected jobs in the future: 34,300

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Petroleum engineering

Bottom line: Petroleum engineers design and improve methods for extracting oil and gas, often specializing in drilling, production, completion, or reservoir engineering.

12. Information Technology Manager

Median salary: $142,530

Projected jobs in the future: 461,100

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, information science

Bottom line: IT managers oversee technology strategy, operations, and security for organizations, guiding transitions to cloud services and shaping how businesses use digital tools.

11. Dentist

Median salary: $151,850

Projected jobs in the future: 147,400

Required degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry

Best college major: Biology, chemistry

Bottom line: Dentists diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems, perform procedures such as fillings and extractions, and advise patients on oral hygiene and diet.

10. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Median salary: $142,530

Projected jobs in the future: 461,100

Required degree: Bachelor’s

Best college major: Computer science, information science

Bottom line: Also called IT managers or project managers, these professionals coordinate an organization’s technology activities, set IT goals, and implement systems to meet business objectives.

9. Nurse Anesthetist

Median salary: $167,950

Projected jobs in the future: 52,700

Required degree: Master’s

Best college major: Nursing

Bottom line: Nurse anesthetists manage anesthesia before, during, and after procedures, monitor vital signs, and provide pain management and emergency care when needed.

8. Pediatrician

Median salary: $183,240

Projected jobs in the future: 32,400

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: Pediatricians provide comprehensive health care for children, including prevention, immunizations, and treatment of illnesses and injuries, with some specializing in pediatric subspecialties or surgery.

7. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Median salary: $208,000

Projected jobs in the future: 6,300

Required degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry

Bottom line: These surgeons perform complex procedures on the mouth, jaws, and related facial structures, including extractions, tumor removal, implants, and corrective jaw surgery.

6. Orthodontist

Median salary: $208,000

Projected jobs in the future: 7,000

Required degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry

Bottom line: Orthodontists treat misaligned teeth and jaws using braces and other corrective appliances, managing care before, during, and after treatment.

5. Doctor (Family/General Practitioner)

Median salary: $211,780

Projected jobs in the future: 139,000

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: Family and general practitioners provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common illnesses, and manage long-term patient relationships, referring complex cases to specialists.

4. Psychiatrist

Median salary: $220,380

Projected jobs in the future: 33,200

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illness using psychotherapy, medication, and other interventions. Growing demand for mental health services contrasts with limited access in some regions due to provider shortages and cost barriers.

3. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Median salary: $238,320

Projected jobs in the future: 21,100

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: OB/GYNs manage pregnancy and reproductive health, providing prenatal care, deliveries (including cesarean sections), and gynecologic treatments. Despite shifting demographics, demand remains strong.

2. Surgeon

Median salary: $255,110

Projected jobs in the future: 38,700

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best undergraduate college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: Surgeons treat diseases and injuries through operative procedures, often specializing in fields like orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, or reconstructive surgery, and also perform diagnostics and patient counseling.

1. Anesthesiologist

Median salary: $267,020

Projected jobs in the future: 36,000

Required degree: M.D. or D.O.

Best college major: Biology, chemistry, physics, math

Bottom line: Anesthesiologists specialize in pain management and patient sedation for surgeries and other procedures, monitoring vital signs and ensuring patient safety across a variety of clinical settings. Their role is critical to successful surgical outcomes.