Use This Visualization
The Periodic Table of STEM Careers
Key Takeaways
- STEM occupations span eight major groups, from computer science and engineering to life and physical sciences.
- Computer, math, and data-related roles are among the fastest-growing STEM fields over the next decade.
- Many high-paying STEM jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, highlighting the strong link between education and earnings.
STEM careers are projected to grow steadily over the next decade, with some roles expanding nearly 30% and median salaries topping $170,000 per year.
To show how these careers relate to one another, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) created a “periodic table” of STEM occupations. The visual groups jobs into eight major fields and highlights projected employment growth (2024–2034), median wages, and typical education requirements.
The Data Behind the Table
Below is a snapshot of the data behind the visualization, based on BLS employment projections and wage estimates.
| 2024 National Employment Matrix title | STEM Group | Employ. change (2024–34P, %) | Median wage (2024) | Typical education needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemists | Chemistry | 4.9 | $84,150 | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemical technicians | Chemistry | 3.7 | $57,790 | Associate's degree |
| Chemistry teachers, postsecondary | Chemistry | 2.2 | $86,220 | Doctoral or prof. degree |
| Computer and information systems managers | CompSci | 15.2 | $171,200 | Bachelor's degree |
| Information security analysts | CompSci | 28.5 | $124,910 | Bachelor's degree |
| Computer network architects | CompSci | 11.9 | $130,390 | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemical engineers | Engineering | 2.6 | $121,860 | Bachelor's degree |
| Mechanical engineers | Engineering | 9.1 | $102,320 | Bachelor's degree |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | Engineering | 2.1 | $64,200 | Associate's degree |
| Enviro. scientists and specialists (inc. health) | Enviro. Science | 4.4 | $80,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Enviro. science and protection technicians (inc. health) | Enviro. Science | 4 | $49,490 | Associate's degree |
| Enviro. science teachers, postsecondary | Enviro. Science | 2.9 | $87,710 | Doctoral or prof. degree |
| Geoscientists (ex. hydrologists and geographers) | Geoscience | 3.2 | $99,240 | Bachelor's degree |
| Hydrologists | Geoscience | -0.1 | $92,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Geological technicians (ex. hydrologic technicians) | Geoscience | 1.5 | $48,390 | Associate's degree |
| Soil and plant scientists | Life Sciences | 5.4 | $71,410 | Bachelor's degree |
| Microbiologists | Life Sciences | 4.1 | $87,330 | Bachelor's degree |
| Epidemiologists | Life Sciences | 16.2 | $83,980 | Master's degree |
| Actuaries | Mathematics | 21.8 | $125,770 | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematicians | Mathematics | -0.7 | $121,680 | Master's degree |
| Statisticians | Mathematics | 8.5 | $103,300 | Master's degree |
| Astronomers | Physics | 2.2 | $132,170 | Doctoral or prof. degree |
| Physicists | Physics | 4 | $166,290 | Doctoral or prof. degree |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | Physics | 2.5 | $97,360 | Doctoral or prof. degree |
Computer and information systems roles stand out for both pay and growth, while math-heavy fields like actuaries and statisticians also rank near the top in median wages. On the other end, technician roles typically require less formal education but offer lower pay and slower growth.
What Qualifies as a STEM Occupation?
According to the BLS, STEM occupations are defined by their heavy use of science, engineering, computer, or mathematical principles. This includes not only well-known roles like software developers or engineers, but also educators, technicians, and researchers who support STEM work across industries.
The BLS STEM table groups these jobs into eight categories: chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, geosciences, life sciences, mathematics, and physics/astronomy. This structure helps show how closely related roles can differ significantly in education requirements and career outcomes.
Which STEM Fields Are Growing the Fastest?
Growth is not evenly distributed across STEM.
Computer science and mathematics occupations—such as information security analysts, data scientists, and statisticians—are projected to grow much faster than average, driven by digital transformation and data-intensive decision-making. Life sciences and environmental science roles are also expanding as healthcare, public health, and climate-related work increase in importance.
These trends reinforce why many of the college degrees with the highest return on investment are concentrated in STEM fields, where demand continues to outpace supply.
Education, Pay, and Career Pathways
The periodic table also makes one thing clear: education matters.
Many of the highest-paying STEM roles require a bachelor’s degree or higher, while positions requiring a master’s or doctoral degree often come with specialized expertise and narrower career tracks. At the same time, associate-level STEM roles can provide accessible entry points into technical careers.