14 STEM Careers That Pay $50,000 or More

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM careers are growing due to the rapid advancement of science and technology. Many STEM careers command good salaries. In particular, jobs in engineering and mining related sciences are in demand. While salaries vary across this field, many occupations are well paid. Typically, science jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many senior positions will require a master’s or Ph.D.

Statistician

Statisticians collect and analyze different types of data using statistical methods, then apply their findings to solve problems in various different fields and industries. They design statistical surveys, gather data, produce reports, and offer advice based on their findings.

In order to become a statistician, you may need a graduate degree in statistics or mathematics. It is becoming easier to find statistician jobs with a bachelor’s degree.

Atmospheric Scientist, Meteorologist

Meteorologists study weather patterns, environmental problems, and historical data to make predictions about the weather. They often work alongside scientists and engineers from other fields to create new programs and instruments, and some even use forensic meteorology to work out what the weather would have been like at a particular time.

An Atmospheric Scientist or Meteorologist will need at least a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science or a closely related subject, however many positions of this nature will require a master’s or a Ph.D., especially those in research fields.

Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. They carry out research on different cultures, groups, and institutions, as well as various social processes and behaviors. Their work has applications in many different industries and fields of research, and can be applied to many different real-world problems.

Most sociologists will have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in social science, however there are many positions open to bachelor’s degree holders.

Economist

Economists study different economic processes, including the distribution of goods and resources. They collect and analyze data and evaluate economic problems in order to advise the businesses and organizations they work for. Their work is an important part of many different fields.

A master’s degree or Ph.D. in economics is generally required to enter this field, although some bachelor’s graduates may find work within federal government bodies.

Geoscientist

Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and processes of the Earth itself. Their work allows us to learn more about the physical history of our planet. Geoscientists primarily plan and carry out field studies and surveys to examine different parts of the Earth. Their work is particularly important to the mining and energy industries.

Geoscientists typically hold a bachelor’s degree, and may need state licensure if they sell services to the public.

Biologist

Biologists study life on earth, analyzing the way in which different organisms behave and interact with their environments and each other. Biology encompases a wide range of different fields and specializations, and biologists often work in research laboratories or out in the field. They conduct studies, analyze data, and produce research papers.

Entry-level positions can be accessed with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, while more senior positions may require a graduate degree.

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human history to understand the cultures, languages, tools, and artifacts of different groups of people. They plan and carry out research projects, collect data using surveys, interviews, and the analysis of documents, advise organization

You will need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in archaeology to enter this field, but it is possible to gain experience as an assistant or fieldworker with a bachelor’s degree.

Zoologist

Zoologists study the biology and behavior of animals and the impact humans have on their lives. They often work in the field studying different animal populations, tracking their migratory patterns, taking samples to assess their health, and modeling their populations digitally.

Zoologists will need at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, and senior positions will often require a graduate degree. Experience in the field is also an advantage.

Sources:

• https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
• http://www.payscale.com/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/statisticians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm 
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Life-Physical-and-Social-Science/Economists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/historians.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm