What Kind of Person is Best Suited? STEM careers attract individuals with nat- ural curiosity and strong analytical think- ing. You need excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail and persistence when facing complex challenges. Mathe- matical and computational skills are essen- tial, though specific levels vary by field. You must be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, as research often investi- gates unknown phenomena. Strong com- munication skills are increasingly important for explaining findings to colleagues and the public. Adaptability is crucial as technology evolves rapidly. The best professionals em- brace lifelong learning and collaborate ef- fectively in interdisciplinary teams. What Kind of Education is Generally Required? Most STEM careers require at least a bachelor's degree in relevant fields like bi- ology, chemistry, physics, computer sci- ence, engineering or mathematics. Research positions typically require ad- vanced degrees, with many scientists hold- ing master's degrees or PhDs. Engineering positions often require bache- lor's degrees from ABET-accredited pro- grams, while some roles benefit from master's degrees or professional licensure. Computer science careers may be accessible with bachelor's degrees, though advanced degrees or specialized certifications are often preferred. Continuous education is essential due to rapid technological advancement. What is the Average Salary? STEM careers offer excellent earning po- tential. The median pay for STEM occu- pations is $101,650 annually, compared to $48,060 for non-STEM occupations— more than double the earning potential. Entry-level STEM positions typically start between $50,000-$70,000 annually, de- pending on field and location. Computer science majors have particularly strong earning potential, with lifetime earn- ings reportedly 40% higher than average college graduates. Advanced degree holders and specialists often earn substantially more, with senior research positions and special- ized engineering roles frequently command- ing six-figure salaries. Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential, with technology hubs and metropolitan areas of- fering higher compensation. What Growth is Possible? STEM career advancement opportunities are exceptional, with employment pro- jected to grow 7% from 2023-2033, over twice the average for all occupations. Re- search scientists advance from entry-level to senior roles, research directors or princi- pal investigators. Many transition to man- agement, overseeing teams or departments. Engineering careers progress from entry- level to senior engineering, project manage- ment or executive leadership. Computer science professionals advance from develop- ers to senior developers, system architects or technology executives. Entrepreneurial op- portunities abound with many founding startups or consulting companies. How Much is This Career in Demand? STEM careers experience unprecedented demand across virtually all economic sec- tors. Between 2011-2021, the STEM work- force expanded from 29.0 to 34.9 million workers, marking 20% growth. The fastest- growing occupations include data scientists, software developers, information security analysts and biomedical engineers. Emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cy- bersecurity, renewable energy and biotech- nology create entirely new employment categories. Industry sectors driving demand include health care, information technology, renewable energy, aerospace and manufac- turing. Digital transformation across indus- tries creates demand even in traditionally non-technical sectors, ensuring continued growth across diverse applications. Links to Learn More n Bureau of Labor Statistics - Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science /home.htm n National Science Foundation - Science & Engineering Indicators www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind/ n American Association for the Advancement of Science jobs.sciencecareers.org/ Tennessee Career Guide | 2026 107 Tennessee’s Top Careers The College of Sciences & Mathematics at Belmont University The College of Sciences & Mathematics at Belmont University combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on research opportunities and state-of-the- art facilities. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 89% of classes under 30 students, our programs offer personalized attention and mentorship from experienced faculty. Students engage in meaningful undergraduate research from their first year, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for STEM careers. Located in Nashville, a major health care and technology hub, students access diverse internship opportunities and build connections with leading STEM employers. Our graduates pursue successful careers in research, health care, technology and graduate programs nationwide. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
