STEM careers include everything involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With such skill involved, it’s understandable that many of those careers provide a high salary. Which are the most lucrative, though? If you have a STEM-focused mind and want to enter a role that’ll give you a comfortable (and even luxurious) life, here are ten STEM careers with lucrative salaries.
1. Data Analyst
Average Salary Per Year – $71K
Data analysts collect and analyze data to help a business grow and make the right decisions. Data analyzing is a skill that most businesses require, which means there are plenty of different settings for those wishing to pursue this career, including finance and marketing.
Who would make a great data analyst?
To thrive in this role, you must have great attention to detail and excellent mathematical skills. It’s also recommended that you pursue a master’s degree. An online master’s in statistics (requiring no GRE) provides analytical skills that are necessary to succeed as a data analyst while also being able to study from home.
2. Civil Engineer
Average Salary Per Year – $86K
Civil engineers focus on the designing and building of infrastructure, which includes bridges, buildings, water systems, and roads. They also ensure quality maintenance.
Who would make a great civil engineer?
Civil engineering requires excellent communication, technical skills, and critical thinking. You also need to be highly organized and able to work as a team, as projects are worked on by many. If you’re interested in becoming a civil engineer, expect to spend at least four years in higher education attaining your bachelor’s.
3. Environmental Scientist
Average Salary Per Year – $70K
Environmental scientists use their specialized knowledge to identify and solve environmental damage. There’s a lot of variety within this career depending on expertise, but most spend their time conducting research and devising ways to solve environmental issues.
Who would make a great environmental scientist?
It’s not just the technical skills needed for great environmental scientists – it is also a true passion for the environment. The best environmental scientists would be those who are highly analytical, organized, innovative, and care deeply about the earth.
4. Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary Per Year – $109K
Nurse practitioners have more responsibilities than registered nurses, as they can perform physical exams, prescribe medication, and diagnose illnesses. They work in a range of settings, including clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.
Who would make a great nurse practitioner?
On top of deep knowledge of medicine and treatments, great nurse practitioners are those who have genuine empathy and can communicate well. It’s not just about providing treatment – it’s also about being caring and comforting while you do so.
5. Software Developer
Average Salary Per Year – $105K
Software development is a particularly lucrative career, and it’s not hard to see why. The role is to design, maintain, test, and create software systems, which is something that many businesses seek out.
Who would make a great software developer?
To succeed as a software developer, you must have extensive knowledge of coding as well as high levels of organization, problem-solving skills, and accuracy. While some people imagine software developers as alone, they often interact with multiple people in one day, so excellent communication skills are also essential.
6. IT Manager
Average Salary Per Year – $84K
Information technology managers help companies with their computer needs. As they are in charge of the IT team, they are responsible for organizing the IT department and the maintenance of the business’s computer systems.
Who would make a great IT manager?
Not only do IT managers need to be tech-savvy, great with computers, and effective communicators, but they also need to be stellar leaders, as they are responsible for managing the entire IT department in a company. That is what makes this career more lucrative than others.
7. Dentist
Average Salary Per Year – $169K
Dentists don’t just examine teeth – they perform surgeries, diagnose oral diseases, take x-rays, and advise patients on optimal oral health. It’s a challenging role and one that requires a lot of knowledge. For this, they earn an extremely high wage.
Who would make a great dentist?
Dentistry requires a hard-working, intelligent person who has a passion for helping people. You’d also need to be willing to put many years into the study, as dentists typically spend around eight years in higher education before becoming qualified.
8. Web Developer
Average Salary Per Year – $74K
Website developers design, build and maintain websites for clients and businesses. Many web developers work freelance for several different clients, while some work for a specific company.
Who would make a great web developer?
To become a successful web developer, you’d need a great handle on code as well as a keen eye for design. It’s crucial to be organized and self-disciplined, too, especially if you’re a freelance web developer.
9. Psychologist
Average Salary Per Year – $77K
Psychologists take up a part of healthcare that revolves around mental health. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health patients with a wide range of problems, from depression to eating disorders.
Who would make a great psychologist?
Many psychologists hold a doctorate, so someone willing to learn is required to become a great psychologist. It’s also crucial to be empathetic, patient, and organized in this line of work, as no two days are ever the same, and sometimes a patient or general situation might be challenging to handle.
10. Biochemist
Average Salary Per Year – £94K
Biochemists use their knowledge of biological processes to aid healthcare. For example, a biochemist might study the cell development of cancer cells to understand them better for treatments. Due to this, they play a pivotal role in the development of medicine and healthcare research.
Who would make a great biochemist?
To become a biochemist, you must be analytical, have excellent mathematical skills, and maintain a high level of accuracy. Due to the nature of the role, biochemists have little room for errors, so perseverance and organization are also crucial.
By choosing to study one of these ten STEM careers, you’ll end up with a satisfying and lucrative career.