The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster uses your abilities in problem-solving and prepares you for careers using science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.
People in this career cluster conduct in-depth research to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems within many different fields. A postsecondary degree and relevant work experience are necessary to succeed in this field.
Skills for the STEM Industry
- Creativity
- Math and Science
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
Check out our region’s top employers in the STEM industry!
*Some of them are even attending Career Quest Winter 2024!
Explore Different Careers in STEM
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. Includes: Business Development Specialist, Communications Specialist, Demographic Analyst, Market Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Market Research Consultant, Market Research Specialist, and Market Researcher.
Average Income: $72,100 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems. Includes: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech (Computer Technician), Desktop Support Technician (Desktop Support Tech), Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech (Help Desk Technician), IS Tech (Information Systems Technician), IT Specialist (Information Technology Specialist), and IT Support Specialist (Information Technology Support Specialist).
Average Income: $58,400 per year
Education: Vocational School or On-The-Job Training
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. Includes: Continuous Improvement Engineer, Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Operations Engineer, Plant Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, and Quality Engineer.
Average Income: $96,300 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. Includes: Application Engineer, Design Engineer, Design Maintenance Engineer, Equipment Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Process Engineer.
Average Income: $84,700 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems. Includes: City Engineer, Civil Engineer, County Engineer, Design Engineer, Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Licensed Engineer, Project Engineer, Railroad Design Consultant, and Structural Engineer
Average Income: $86,900 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. Includes: Circuits Engineer, Design Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer, Engineer, Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer (I&E Reliability Engineer), Project Engineer, and Test Engineer.
Average Income: $99,900 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Includes: Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, and Systems Specialist.
Average Income: $67,400 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation. Includes: Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, and Optimization Analyst.
Average Income: $101,500 per year
Education: Graduate Degree
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Average Income: $96,300 per year
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. Includes: Civil Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineering Manager, Engineering Director, Engineering Group Manager, Engineering Program Manager, and Mechanical Engineering Manager.
Average Income: $139,400 per year
Education: Graduate Degree