What Percent of US Jobs are STEM? Understanding the Workforce Landscape

The U.S. workforce is increasingly shaped by STEM occupations, which include fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

As of 2023, STEM jobs make up approximately 8.9% of all U.S. employment, highlighting significant growth in these sectors over the past decade. This trend reflects the vital role that skilled professionals in these areas play in innovation and economic development.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that this percentage has steadily increased, driven by strong demand for workers in technology-related jobs.

With nearly 10 million jobs in STEM-related fields, these positions not only offer competitive salaries but also provide opportunities for advancement in a rapidly changing job market.

Understanding the current landscape of STEM occupations can help job seekers and employers alike navigate the evolving workforce.

As various industries continue to rely on technical expertise, the importance of these roles is likely to grow even more in the coming years.

This article will explore the details behind these figures and what they mean for the future of work in the United States.

STEM Employment Statistics in the U.S.

STEM jobs play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, impacting employment growth and earnings. Understanding the current percentage of STEM occupations and how they compare to non-STEM jobs sheds light on this important sector.

Current Proportion of STEM Jobs

As of the latest data, about 24% of the U.S. workforce is employed in STEM roles, which translates to approximately 36.8 million workers. This group includes fields such as engineering, technology, and science.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will experience significant growth. For instance, STEM jobs are expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, outpacing the 3.7% growth anticipated for all other occupations.

Median earnings in STEM fields reflect this demand. In 2023, the median annual wage for STEM workers was approximately $101,650, compared to about $46,680 for non-STEM positions. This highlights the financial benefits of pursuing a career in a STEM occupation.

Comparison with Non-STEM Occupations

In contrast, non-STEM occupations include a wider range of jobs, covering various sectors like arts, education, and services.

As the total U.S. employment grows, the share of non-STEM jobs is projected to keep increasing.

While the growth rate for STEM jobs is higher, non-STEM positions still represent the majority of employment. Currently, there are 157 million non-STEM jobs in the U.S., which showcases the diverse job market outside STEM fields.

The differences in median earnings are stark. Non-STEM jobs average about $46,680 annually, while STEM positions command higher salaries due to the specialized skills required. This comparison emphasizes the value of pursuing education and careers in STEM areas for those looking for better financial prospects.

Demographics and Educational Attainment in STEM

The demographic makeup of the STEM workforce reveals important trends. Key factors include diversity within the field and the education necessary for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Diversity in STEM Occupations

The representation of various demographic groups in STEM varies significantly.

According to the American Community Survey (ACS), women make up about 34% of the STEM workforce, compared to 52% in non-STEM fields. This indicates a notable underrepresentation.

Racial Diversity: Blacks or African Americans and Hispanics or Latinos remain underrepresented, holding around 12% and 8% of STEM jobs, respectively. American Indians also face challenges in representation.

Efforts to boost diversity include initiatives aimed at encouraging participation from underrepresented groups within educational settings, aiming to reach a more balanced workforce.

Education and Training for STEM Careers

Educational attainment plays a significant role in entering STEM fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights that individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher constitute 30% of the STEM workforce, increasing from 27% over a decade.

Types of Education: Most STEM careers require specific training.

Positions in skilled technical occupations often require an associate degree or vocational training. For example, fields like engineering and computer science typically demand a bachelor’s degree, while advanced positions often require a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Increasing access to education and training programs is vital for expanding the skilled technical workforce.

Programs targeting high school students can help boost interest and skill development, leading to a more robust pipeline for STEM careers.