Top 10 trending STEM jobs for 2023

Blog, STEM Education

As we start 2023, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and which skills are most in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), occupations in STEM fields are projected to grow by over 10% by 2031. This rapid growth means more opportunities than ever for aspiring professionals in the field.

So, what are the top 10 trending STEM jobs for 2023?

1. Software Developer

Ranking number 1 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and best STEM jobs by U.S. News & World Report, software developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 26% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for skilled and experienced software developers soaring, this is a great career path for those interested in computers and technology.

How to become one

Software developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. In college, students can gain experience through internships.

Pay

The median annual pay for software developers is $120,000.

States that pay the most for software developers

California: Average annual salary: $146,0000
Washington: Average annual salary: $145,000.
Maryland: Average annual salary: $131,000.
New York: Average annual salary: $129,000.
Rhode Island: Average annual salary: $128,000.

2. Medical and Health Services Manager

Ranking number 3 in both the 100 best jobs of 2023 and best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, medical and health services managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of a healthcare facility. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 28% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for knowledgeable and experienced medical and health services managers increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in healthcare and managing operations.

How to become one

Medical and health services managers typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some employers may require a master’s degree. In college, students can gain experience through internships.

Pay

The median annual pay for medical and health services managers is $119,840.

States that pay the most for medical and health services managers

New York: Average annual salary: $155,000.
District of Columbia: Average annual salary: $151,000.
Massachusetts: Average annual salary: $140,000.
Washington: Average annual salary: $138,000.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $136,000.

3. Information Security Analysts

Ranking number 5 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, information security analysts are responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 35% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for knowledgeable and experienced information security analysts increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in computers and technology.

How to become one

Information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. People can also enter this field with a high school diploma, relevant industry certification, and experience.

Pay

The median annual pay for information security analysts is $102,000.

States that pay the most for information security analysts

California: Average annual salary: $135,000.
New York: Average annual salary: $133,000.
Maryland: Average annual salary: $126,000.
Iowa: Average annual salary: $125,000.
District of Columbia: Average annual salary: $124,000.

4. IT Manager

Ranking number 6 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, IT managers oversee the functionality and security of their organization’s information technology infrastructure. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 16% from 2021-2031, which is faster than average.

Due to the demand for knowledgeable and experienced IT managers increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in technology management.

How to become one

IT managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field. IT manager roles usually require 2-3 years of experience for a lower level, 5-10 for a director level, and 15 years or more for a CTO level.

Pay

The median annual pay for IT managers is $159,010.

States that pay the most for IT Managers

New York: Average annual salary: $195,000.
California: Average annual salary: $193,000.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $189,000.
Washington: Average annual salary: $178,000.
District of Columbia: Average annual salary: $176,000.

5. Data Scientist

Ranking number 22 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and 11 in the best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, data scientists are responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing large amounts of data to identify trends and patterns. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 36% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for data scientists increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in analytics and data-driven decision-making.

How to become one

Data scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Some companies may require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Pay

The median annual pay for data scientists is $100,910.

States that pay the most for data scientists:

Washington: Average annual salary: $133,900.
California: Average annual salary: $133,110.
Delaware: Average annual salary: $127,000.
New York: Average annual salary: $122,000.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $120,000.

6. Operation Research Analysts

Ranking number 9 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and 14 in the best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, operation research analysts are responsible for developing and applying mathematical modeling methods to help organizations solve business problems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 23% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for operation research analysts increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in problem-solving and analytics.

How to become one

Operation research analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Some companies may require a master’s degree.

Pay

The median annual pay for operation research analysts is $82,360.

States that pay the most for operation research analysts

Virginia: Average annual salary: $117,000.
Alabama: Average annual salary: $105,110.
Maryland: Average annual salary: $105,040.
Hawaii: Average annual salary: $104,000.
New York: Average annual salary: $100,000.

7. Statistician

Ranking number 30 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and 16 in the best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, statisticians are responsible for collecting and analyzing data. They typically work in organizations to help make decisions based on the data collected, such as evaluating the effectiveness of a new product or determining consumer trends. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 31% from 2021-2031, which is faster than other occupations.

How to become one:

Statisticians typically need a bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related field. Some companies may require a master’s degree.

Pay

The median annual pay for statisticians is $108,100.

States that pay the most for statisticians:

New York: Average annual salary: $127,000.
Connecticut: Average annual salary: $123,000.
Massachusetts: Average annual salary: $116,000.
Wyoming: Average annual salary: $115,000.
California: Average annual salary $114,000.

8. Biochemist

Ranking number 43 in the 100 best jobs of 2023. 19 in the best STEM jobs of 2023, and number 2 in the best science jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, biochemists are responsible for investigating the chemical composition of living organisms and their processes, such as metabolic pathways, cellular reactions, and energy production. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 15% from 2021-2031, which is faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for biochemists increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in biological sciences and chemistry.

How to become one

Biochemists typically need a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, or a related field. Positions that require independent research and development usually need a doctoral degree.

Pay

The median annual pay for biochemists is $102,270.

States that pay the most for biochemists:

Massachusetts: Average annual salary: $134,000.
Virginia: Average annual salary: $131,000.
Colorado: Average annual salary: $118,920.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $118,640.
Oregon: Average annual salary: $118,320.

9. Epidemiologist/Medical Scientist

Ranking number 26 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and number 1 in the best science jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, epidemiologists/medical scientists are responsible for studying the spread of diseases, analyzing risk factors for illness, and developing treatments. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for epidemiologists will grow by 26% from 2021-2031, and the demand for medical scientists will increase by 17% from 2021-2031, both at a much higher rate than average.

How to become one:

Epidemiologists typically need a master’s degree in public health or a related field.

Medical scientists usually have a doctoral degree in medicine or a doctorate in biomedical sciences with specialized training in epidemiology or clinical research.

Pay

The median annual pay for epidemiologists is $78,830 and $95,310 for medical scientists.

States that pay the most for epidemiologists:

Washington: Average annual salary: $131,000.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $129,000.
New York: Average annual salary: $125,000.
Connecticut: Average annual salary: $102,820
Pennsylvania: Average annual salary: $101,000.

States that pay the most for medical scientists:

Connecticut: Average annual salary: $142,000.
Maine: Average annual salary: $138,980.
Delaware: Average annual salary: $129,870.
New Jersey: Average annual salary: $129,190.
Tennessee: Average annual salary: $129,020.

10. Biomedical engineer

Ranking number 50 in the 100 best jobs of 2023 and 21 in the best STEM jobs of 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, biomedical engineers are responsible for creating and developing medical equipment and devices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for this role will grow 10% from 2021-2031, which is faster than other occupations.

Due to the demand for biomedical engineers increasing, this is a great career path for those interested in engineering, biology, physiology, and chemistry.

How to become one

Biomedical engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering, or a related field. Some companies require a graduate degree.

Pay

The median annual pay for biomedical engineers is $97,410.

States that pay the most for biomedical engineers:

New Mexico: Average annual salary: $134,000.
Arizona: Average annual salary: $120,970.
Minnesota: Average annual salary: $119,000.
Connecticut: Average annual salary: $116,000.
Massachusetts: Average annual salary $115,000.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of great opportunities for those looking to enter the STEM field. From biomedical engineers to statisticians, these jobs offer a range of salaries and job duties that make them an attractive option in today’s job market.