When students and their parents are considering future career paths, understanding the difference between STEM and non-STEM careers is essential. These two categories represent distinct industries with unique opportunities, challenges, and growth potential. Let’s explore what sets them apart and examine the statistics that highlight their differences.
What Are STEM Careers?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Careers in this category focus on innovation, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Examples of jobs in STEM careers include:
- Software developers
- Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)
- Data scientists
- Biologists or chemists
- Mathematicians
The options don’t stop there, either. There are countless jobs in STEM careers that range from scientists to astronauts—even professional hackers—and many more, according to James Madison University.
These roles often require specialized education and training but are known for offering competitive salaries and significant growth potential. For instance, careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and engineering frequently demand advanced degrees or certifications to ensure candidates possess the necessary expertise.
Despite the rigorous preparation—like college degrees and advanced training—these professions tend to reward individuals with not only higher-than-average earnings but also opportunities for advancement within their industries. Additionally, as industries evolve and new technologies emerge, professionals in these roles often find themselves at the forefront of innovation, further enhancing their career prospects. This combination of financial stability and upward mobility makes jobs in STEM careers highly sought after by those willing to invest in their education and skill development.
What Are Non-STEM Careers?
Jobs in non-STEM careers encompass a wide range of professions outside science, math, and technology fields. These jobs can be found in areas like arts, humanities, business management, social sciences, and more. Examples include:
- Marketing specialists
- Teachers (non-science subjects)
- Writers or editors
- Food service
- Customer service representatives
- Hotel management and hospitality
- Arts and entertainment
While these roles may not always demand advanced technical skills or degrees in math or science-related fields, they offer diverse opportunities across various industries. For instance, positions in marketing, project management, and customer relations often prioritize strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to collaborate effectively within teams.
Similarly, roles in fields like human resources or business development focus on interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities rather than technical expertise. This accessibility allows individuals from a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences to explore fulfilling career paths. Furthermore, many of these roles provide opportunities for professional growth through on-the-job training or certifications, enabling individuals to develop specialized skills tailored to their industry.
Comparing Statistics: STEM vs. Non-STEM Jobs
Wages
One of the most notable differences between jobs in STEM or non-STEM lies in salary expectations. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- The median annual wage for workers in STEM occupations was $101,650 as of 2023—more than double the national average for all occupations.
- In contrast, median annual wages for many jobs in non-STEM careers ($46,680) fall closer to or below the national average depending on industry and experience level.
Higher wages in STEM fields reflect both the demand for skilled professionals and the specialized knowledge required to excel in these roles.
Industry Growth
STEM careers are experiencing rapid growth compared to many non-STEM sectors:
- Between 2020 and 2030, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by more than 10%, significantly outpacing overall job market growth at around 7%. This expansion is driven by advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy solutions, and biotechnology innovations.
- Conversely, some non-STEM industries face stagnation due to automation replacing manual labor or shifts toward digital platforms reducing traditional job needs (e.g., print journalism).
This trend highlights why early exposure to STEM education can position students for success in tomorrow’s workforce.
Advancement Opportunities
STEM careers often provide clear pathways for advancement through certifications or further education. For example, a software developer might advance into leadership roles like project manager or chief technology officer after gaining experience.
While non-STEM fields also offer upward mobility options, for example, moving from entry-level marketing assistant to director, progression can sometimes depend more heavily on networking rather than measurable skills alone.
The structured nature of skill-based promotions makes STEM careers particularly appealing for individuals seeking long-term professional development.
Job Security
Another advantage of pursuing a career within STEM industries is increased job security. The rapid pace of technological advancements has created a consistent demand for skilled professionals in fields such as healthcare IT, systems integration, and cybersecurity. For instance, the growing reliance on digital infrastructure in healthcare requires experts to design and maintain secure systems for patient data management, while the rise in cyber threats has made cybersecurity specialists indispensable across industries. These roles are not only critical but also resilient to economic fluctuations, providing steady employment opportunities even during periods of economic downturn.
In contrast, many traditional roles, such as those in retail or administrative support, are increasingly being automated or rendered obsolete by modern workplace technologies. This shift has led to widespread layoffs and downsizing globally, affecting millions of workers each year.
Overall, jobs in STEM careers offer a more stable trajectory, as they align with the ongoing technological transformation shaping industries worldwide. As businesses continue to prioritize innovation and digital solutions, professionals in STEM fields are well-positioned to thrive in a fluctuating job market.
How Does This Relate to Your Child’s Future?
At STEM NG2, we believe every child deserves access to quality education tailored to help unlock their full academic potential, preparing them to thrive in the dynamic, ever-changing world ahead. To achieve this, we focus on creating personalized learning experiences that cater to each student’s unique strengths and challenges.
By integrating innovative teaching methods and hands-on activities, we aim to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the modern era. Additionally, our programs emphasize the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning, ensuring that students are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the confidence and resilience needed to navigate future challenges. Contact us today to learn more about math and reading tutoring at STEM NG2 and how we can help your child succeed!