Science and Engineering Careers

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals earn more than double the U.S. median salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also projects much faster than average growth for STEM positions.

Working in STEM offers benefits other than high pay, such as career specialization. With so many STEM career paths, you can choose one that aligns with your interests and goals. Learn more about engineering and science jobs and the differences between them.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

You can choose from many different engineering careers, which typically require a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The median annual pay for engineers ranges from $89,000 for an agricultural engineer to $138,000 for a computer hardware engineer.

The latest BLS salary data shows that computer hardware engineers earn the highest engineering salary. Professionals in California, Massachusetts, and Virginia make significantly more than their peers in other states.

You can turn your passion for biology, geology, medicine, or another field into an impactful career in science. Some positions, such as nuclear technicians, require only an associate degree. High-paying science careers, such as pharmacists and physicists, require a doctorate.

The BLS projects that only one job, nuclear technician, will experience negative job growth between 2023 and 2033. Few annual job openings are one contributing factor to this contraction.

However, the agency projects 19% job growth for epidemiologists between 2023 and 2033 due to advancements in technology and health in the study of new diseases. Epidemiologists can increase their salary potential by exploring scientific research and development services positions.

Answering how an engineer is different from a scientist involves exploring career pathways where these professionals collaborate.

Scientists and engineers in the aerospace field collaborate to develop new air and spacecraft. Materials scientists invent new alloys that engineers use to design the latest generation of planes and space probes. Many professions in the aerospace field require only a bachelor’s degree and earn a median salary exceeding $100,000.

Agriculture and food scientists’ research can lead to breakthroughs in crop yield improvement and sustainability best practices. Their work also impacts food preservation and transport. Biosystems engineers contribute to a better, safer, and more nutritious food supply by inventing agricultural equipment and food storage systems.

Agricultural scientists earn a median salary of $76,400. Biosystems engineers earn a median salary of $100,730.

The biomedical field produces the latest medicines and medical treatments. Scientists such as biochemists study life processes and diseases. They may also publish their research findings and teach at the college level.

Bioengineers use biochemists’ research to create medicines, prosthetics, and diagnostic machines. They often collaborate with biochemists and other scientists to understand how engineering principles apply to living things.

Chemical career pathways include chemists and may require performing original research, running a lab, and writing technical reports. Research projects involve collaboration among scientists and engineers. The latter develop methods and equipment necessary to produce, transport, and use chemicals in new ways.

High-paying science careers for chemists exist in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Delaware.

Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects, such as dams and bridges. Their work involves analyzing plans, submitting permits, and ensuring workers’ safety.

Civil engineers cannot do their work successfully without material scientists’ contributions. These scientists help civil engineers choose the best building materials, such as concrete. Their findings also help civil engineers select appropriate building sites.

Despite its name, the computer science field employs computer scientists and engineers. Computer engineers create new hardware, while computer scientists develop new software. These professionals can work in nearly any industry, as more and more devices rely on microprocessors and software.

Computer and information research scientists earn a median salary of $145,080.

Scientific research into electricity beginning in the 17th century laid the groundwork for modern electrical engineering advances. Twenty-first-century electrical engineers design, prototype, and test new electronics. Applied research scientists advance the field through research into electricity storage and transmission.

Electrical engineers make a median salary of $106,950.

Careers in environmental science and environmental engineering promote healthy ecosystems and increase people’s quality of life. Environmental scientists research the negative impact of people on the environment and propose theories to explain unexpected findings. Environmental engineers develop technologies to reduce and remove pollution.

Industrial engineering and science careers appeal to individuals with STEM and business backgrounds. Interdisciplinary knowledge helps these professionals increase productivity, identify new processes, and improve efficiency.

Professionals in this field can specialize in human factors, manufacturing, or validation. Validation scientists and engineers promote worker safety and product quality.

A branch of industrial science and engineering, the manufacturing field emphasizes manufacturing processes and systems. Manufacturing scientists run tests to discover which processes and systems need improvement, while manufacturing engineers develop appropriate hardware and software solutions.

Professionals can increase their salary potential by relocating to Louisiana, California, or Hawaii.

A branch of chemistry, materials science involves studying materials and their potential applications. Materials scientists may study a single alloy, polymer, or ceramic their entire career. Their findings help engineers invent new products and improve existing ones.

Popular careers for materials scientists and engineers include plastics engineer, polymer engineer, and semiconductor processing engineer.

Mechanical engineers impact every machine people use. They may specialize in robotics, automobiles, or another type of device. Theoretical and applied research into chemistry, physics, and other sciences gives mechanical engineers new tools and ideas.

Engineering, machinery manufacturing, transportation, and scientific research firms employ most workers in this field.

Mining and metallurgical scientists and engineers provide the raw materials industries need to create new products. Some professionals specialize in materials science, while others design the latest mining equipment. A background in geology helps these engineers select dig sites, maintain worker safety, and limit environmental impact.

Creating nuclear power, developing nuclear medicine, and understanding the nature of the universe requires collaboration between scientists and engineers. Nuclear scientists, also known as nuclear physicists, perform theoretical and applied research. Nuclear engineers apply this research to develop nuclear power plants and radiotherapy machines.

Petroleum chemists work in the oil and gas industry. These scientists analyze geological samples from potential oil fields. Their findings tell petroleum engineers where to build new oil platforms, refineries, and other equipment. Positions in the United States may require extensive domestic and international travel.

A background in project management can open up many careers in science, even if you do not hold a STEM degree. Project managers work with clients, create project plans, and manage staff. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining budgets and developing project milestones.

Project managers earn a median salary of $98,580, according to the BLS.