10 In-Demand STEM Careers and What They Really Pay

The Top 10 STEM Careers to Watch

Let's explore ten of the most promising and lucrative STEM jobs on the market.

(Note: Salary data is based on averages in the United States and can vary significantly based on location, experience level, and company.)

1. AI / Machine Learning Engineer

What they do: These engineers are the architects behind the "smart" technology we use every day. They design, build, and deploy machine learning models that power everything from Netflix recommendations and voice assistants to self-driving cars and medical diagnostic tools.

Average Salary: $125,000 - $180,000+

Why it's a great career: You're on the absolute cutting edge of technology, solving complex problems and creating systems that can learn and adapt. The demand for AI talent is skyrocketing.

2. Data Scientist

What they do: Data scientists are part detective, part statistician, and part storyteller. They sift through massive datasets to uncover hidden trends, make predictions, and provide actionable insights that help businesses make smarter decisions.

Average Salary: $115,000 - $170,000+

Why it's a great career: You get to solve real-world puzzles. Almost every industry, from healthcare to finance to retail, needs data scientists to help them understand their own information.

3. Software Developer

What they do: The builders of the digital world! Software developers write the code for computer programs and applications. This can range from the mobile app you use to order coffee to the complex enterprise software that runs a multinational corporation.

Average Salary: $100,000 - $150,000+

Why it's a great career: It's a field with endless variety—you can specialize in web development, mobile apps, video games, or backend systems. Your work has a direct and visible impact.

4. Cybersecurity Analyst

What they do: These digital guardians protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They monitor for security breaches, investigate threats, and implement security measures to keep sensitive data safe from hackers and cyberattacks.

Average Salary: $95,000 - $140,000+

Why it's a great career: As our world becomes more digital, the need for cybersecurity becomes more critical. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes field where you are the frontline defense against digital crime.

5. IT Manager

What they do: An IT Manager oversees a company's entire technology infrastructure. They manage a team of IT professionals, set tech strategy, manage budgets, and ensure all systems are running smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

Average Salary: $110,000 - $165,000+

Why it's a great career: This role combines technical knowledge with leadership and strategy. You become the central nervous system of a company's technological operations.

6. Cloud Architect

What they do: Instead of building servers in a closet, modern companies use "the cloud" (like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure). A Cloud Architect designs and manages a company’s cloud computing strategy, ensuring applications are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.

Average Salary: $120,000 - $175,000+

Why it's a great career: Cloud computing is the standard for modern business, and experts who can design these systems are in extremely high demand.

7. Civil Engineer

What they do: Civil engineers design, build, and maintain the foundational structures of our society. This includes everything from roads, bridges, and tunnels to dams, airports, and water supply systems.

Average Salary: $85,000 - $130,000+

Why it's a great career: You can literally see the impact of your work on the community. It’s a career with a lasting, tangible legacy.

8. Mechanical Engineer

What they do: This incredibly broad field involves designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices of all kinds. A mechanical engineer might work on a car engine, a wind turbine, a robotic arm, or an HVAC system.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $135,000+

Why it's a great career: If you love understanding how things work and solving physical problems, this is the field for you. It's hands-on, innovative, and essential to manufacturing and product development.

9. Biomedical Engineer

What they do: Bridging the gap between medicine and engineering, biomedical engineers design and create solutions to improve human health. This could be anything from prosthetic limbs and artificial organs to advanced medical imaging equipment and diagnostic devices.

Average Salary: $90,000 - $140,000+

Why it's a great career: Your work directly contributes to improving and saving lives. It’s a deeply rewarding field that combines technical skill with a powerful sense of purpose.

10. Product Manager (Tech)

What they do: While not always a "pure" STEM role, modern Product Managers are the CEOs of a product. They blend an understanding of technology, business, and user experience to guide a product (like a software application) from concept to launch and beyond.

Average Salary: $110,000 - $160,000+

Why it's a great career: You get to be a strategic leader, working with engineers, marketers, and designers to create something people love. It’s perfect for those who are tech-savvy but also love the business side of things.

Where Do You Go From Here?

The world of STEM is vast, exciting, and full of opportunity. Whether you're drawn to the digital realm of code and data or the physical world of structures and machines, there's a path waiting for you. The key is to match your passions and skills with the needs of the industry.

Once you’ve set your sights on a career, the next step is to make your case to employers. Crafting an application that showcases your technical skills and potential is crucial. For a resume that truly stands out, consider using a professional builder like Resumost to help you present your qualifications in the best possible light.

Your future in STEM is waiting. Go build it.