STEM jobs refer to positions that imply the use of science knowledge, tech, engineering skills, and/or math. The industry boomed in the pandemic years and was expected to confidently stay afloat. Then major tech lay-outs happened and some turbulence was reported considering STEM jobs. The market, however, reflected no turmoil and continued growing. The predictions for the next three years imply a STEM job is a rather promising career.
SignalHire, being a helpful resource for recruiters and those seeking more job opportunities, presents the statistics on the most looked-for occupations in the STEM field to help make informed decisions and increase the chance of finding a dream job in the current diverse job market.
STEM Positions to Keep an Eye in 2025
1. Data Scientist
Employment growth: projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033
Median salary: $151,785
Data scientists employ analytical methods and tools to get valuable insights from data. Businesses, especially info ones, further use the insights to tailor their growth strategies and operations. The profession is among the top fastest-growing occupations (4th place as of August 2024).
You need a bachelor’s degree in statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field to apply for a job. Some companies have stricter requirements and prefer their potential employees to have a master’s or doctoral degree.
The job is well-paid and there are nearly 20,800 openings expected next year, so the data scientist career looks rewarding.
2. Automation Lead
Employment growth: No official data
Median salary: $101,881 to $131,528
An automation lead defines the automation goals for a company in accordance with its objectives and oversees the implementation, management, and optimization of automation solutions. The role comprises technical and managing aspects and demands a candidate to be able to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall productivity of the company.
While there is no data on the employment growth for the position, we can estimate adjacent positions’ growth and get the approximate number. Roles such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Project Manager, RPA Developer, and RPA Business Analyst demonstrate remarkable growth. The RPA market is expected to reach USD 3.97 billion globally by 2025, with up to 30% of annual growth.
You are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics, information technology, computer science, or engineering to apply. Note that soft skills are also important as the position requires an ability to manage teams and projects.
3. Equipment Engineer
Median salary: $149,917
Employment growth: projected to grow 2% from 2018 to 2028
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industrial engineers, a blanket term under which equipment engineers often fall, are expected to see job growth of 10% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
An equipment engineer’s competence is to design, maintain, and improve the machinery and equipment used in manufacturing. They ensure that equipment runs safely and efficiently and is able to meet production goals set by the company. The demand for the exact role has shown some decline in the pandemic years, however, the salary kept growing.
The candidates should have a degree in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or electrical engineering; relevant certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, CAD Software, etc.) are desirable.
4. QA Tester
Median salary: $80,402
Employment growth: projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033
The increasing use and reliance on software across various industries and the need for guaranteed software quality and security leads to the growing demand for Quality Assurance professionals. QA testers ensure that software works correctly by identifying and fixing bugs. They create test cases, run them, and report issues to developers. Their goal is to improve software quality and ensure a smooth user experience.
To apply, you need a degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or computer engineering.
Relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB, Software Testing, etc.) might be required.
5. Data Analyst Consultant
Median salary: $135,577
Employment growth: projected to grow 25% from 2023 to 2033
Data Analyst Consultants gather, process, and analyze data to provide actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions. They use various tools and techniques to interpret trends and patterns in data, offering strategic recommendations. Their role often involves collaborating with other departments to optimize processes and improve outcomes based on data-driven insights.
Education needed includes a bachelor’s degree in fields like computer science, information technology, statistics, mathematics, and data science. Relevant certifications would be helpful as well.
6. Electrical Engineer
Median salary: $114,030
Employment growth: projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033
Electrical Engineers take care of electrical equipment and systems in general. They develop and design electric motors, communications systems, radar and navigation systems, and power generation equipment. They also test electrical equipment, write specifications, and supervise the manufacturing.
The demand is high, as the modern world strives for sustainable resource consumption, and some old ways of using energy might require revision and updating. This is a promising and fulfilling career to pursue.
The education needed includes a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Employers also take practical experience into account, so an internship or participation in engineering programs would be an advantage when applying.
7. Design Verification Engineer
Median salary: $140,033
Employment growth: projected to grow 5% from 2018 to 2028
Design Verification Engineers ensure that digital designs work correctly before they go into the market. Their duties involve developing test plans and testbenches and writing test cases to verify design specifications. They run simulations and debugging ensuring the design meets given quality requirements.
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is typically required as well as proficiency in hardware description languages and experience with verification methodologies (e.g., UVM).
8. Quant Developer
Median salary: $156,621
Employment growth: projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Developers, or “Quant Developers,” play a significant part in the financial industry. They use programming skills and financial knowledge to develop algorithms for trading, modeling, and risk management. It’s a more niche role, but highly valued in fields like investment banking, hedge funds, and fintech, where complex models and automation are key.
The position demands a strong understanding of finance or/and economics, mathematics, and computer science, typically requiring a master’s or Ph.D. in a related field. Proficiency in programming languages as well as knowledge of financial modeling is crucial to land the job.
9. Web Developer
Median salary: $82,427
Employment growth: projected to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033
Web development for a career has been a safe choice for some time now. The role keeps strong positions among the most popular and stable as well as rewarding. Web developers build and design websites, ensuring they are user-friendly, functional, and aesthetically pleasing working with front-end and back-end to create quality web platforms.
The bonus point here is while a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is commonly required, some web developers are hired with just certifications or self-taught skills.
10. Civil Engineering Designer
Median salary: $102,601
Employment growth: projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033
Civil Engineering Designers create detailed blueprints for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They utilize AutoCAD software to develop 2D and 3D models, ensuring designs comply with local codes and regulations. Their responsibilities include analyzing data, collaborating with engineers and architects, and preparing construction documents.
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology is typically required. Some companies may accept an associate degree in civil engineering. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD and knowledge of engineering principles are important for the job.
Methodology
The data used to compose the list is taken from SignalHire’s search statistics. The searches included in the study were mostly run by recruiters which gives a clear picture of the actual demands on the market. However, applicants’ quires are counted as well.
Several sources were used to gather the information about the median salaries, with most numbers taken from Glassdoor which allows for anonymous sharing of work experience and salaries paid in the industry.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics was used to retrieve employment growth statistics, as such it’s mostly relevant to the U.S. However, with STEM jobs known for international hiring, users all over the world may use an insight into the market’s demand as well.
Conclusion
We analyzed the most searched STEM jobs and composed a list of the 10 most popular to bring some insights into the current job market in the industry. Some professions have been remaining on the list for several years straight and the dynamics are interesting to observe. You may compare the list with the previous one in the SignalHire Blog to see shifts in the industry. Due to the location of most leaders in the field, the information provided is mostly relevant for those who seek occupation in the U.S.A. Being abroad does not lower chances for the skilled professionals as many STEM jobs are suitable for distant work. Knowledge, experience, and a skillset are the key factors that matter when you apply.