Fastest-growing jobs in STEM

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 20,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +800
- 2024 median annual income: $87,330

Department of Labor job description: "Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 18,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +800
- 2024 median annual income: $46,790

Department of Labor job description: "Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 55,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,400
- 2024 median annual income: $117,580

Department of Labor job description: "All psychologists not listed separately."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 40,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,800
- 2024 median annual income: $58,040

Department of Labor job description: "Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 56,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,500
- 2024 median annual income: $72,740

Department of Labor job description: "Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 90,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +4,000
- 2024 median annual income: $80,060

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 23,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,100
- 2024 median annual income: $109,660

Department of Labor job description: "Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 59,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,700
- 2024 median annual income: $51,940

Department of Labor job description: "Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 15,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +700
- 2024 median annual income: $65,040

Department of Labor job description: "Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 20,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,000
- 2024 median annual income: $49,430

Department of Labor job description: "Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 86,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +4,300
- 2024 median annual income: $84,150

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 4.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 8,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +400
- 2024 median annual income: $104,160

Department of Labor job description: "Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 368,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +18,500
- 2024 median annual income: $99,590

Department of Labor job description: "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."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 22,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,100
- 2024 median annual income: $106,950

Department of Labor job description: "Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 20,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,100
- 2024 median annual income: $71,410

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 23,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,300
- 2024 median annual income: $108,310

Department of Labor job description: "Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 2,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +200
- 2024 median annual income: $79,120

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 35,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,100
- 2024 median annual income: $103,650

Department of Labor job description: "Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 8,500
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +500
- 2024 median annual income: $105,670

Department of Labor job description: "Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 5.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 1,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +100
- 2024 median annual income: $84,630

Department of Labor job description: "Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 71,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +4,400
- 2024 median annual income: $134,830

Department of Labor job description: "Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 95,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +6,000
- 2024 median annual income: $127,590

Department of Labor job description: "Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 5,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +300
- 2024 median annual income: $109,840

Department of Labor job description: "Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.4%
- Total employment in 2024: 13,400
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +900
- 2024 median annual income: $78,380

Department of Labor job description: "Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 6.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 15,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +1,000
- 2024 median annual income: $85,310

Department of Labor job description: "Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 128,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +9,000
- 2024 median annual income: $98,090

Department of Labor job description: "Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 192,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +13,800
- 2024 median annual income: $111,910

Department of Labor job description: "Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.3%
- Total employment in 2024: 76,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,600
- 2024 median annual income: $155,020

Department of Labor job description: "Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 7.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 86,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +6,500
- 2024 median annual income: $90,930

Department of Labor job description: "Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 9,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +800
- 2024 median annual income: $79,830

Department of Labor job description: "Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 472,000
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +38,500
- 2024 median annual income: $108,970

Department of Labor job description: "All computer occupations not listed separately."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 31,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,700
- 2024 median annual income: $58,440

Department of Labor job description: "Collect data on work environments for analysis by occupational health and safety specialists. Implement and conduct evaluation of programs designed to limit chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic risks to workers."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 32,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,700
- 2024 median annual income: $103,300

Department of Labor job description: "Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 165,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +14,300
- 2024 median annual income: $100,590

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 521,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +45,500
- 2024 median annual income: $103,790

Department of Labor job description: "Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 8.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 66,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +5,800
- 2024 median annual income: $135,980

Department of Labor job description: "Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 9.1%
- Total employment in 2024: 293,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +26,500
- 2024 median annual income: $102,320

Department of Labor job description: "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."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 10.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 201,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +20,200
- 2024 median annual income: $102,610

Department of Labor job description: "Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.0%
- Total employment in 2024: 351,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +38,500
- 2024 median annual income: $101,140

Department of Labor job description: "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."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 76,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +8,500
- 2024 median annual income: $95,830

Department of Labor job description: "Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 11.9%
- Total employment in 2024: 179,200
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +21,400
- 2024 median annual income: $130,390

Department of Labor job description: "Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 12.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 131,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +16,500
- 2024 median annual income: $83,910

Department of Labor job description: "Review, evaluate, and analyze work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. May conduct inspections and enforce adherence to laws and regulations governing the health and safety of individuals. May be employed in the public or private sector."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 12.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 20,700
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,600
- 2024 median annual income: $67,440

Department of Labor job description: "Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 15.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 1,693,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +267,700
- 2024 median annual income: $133,080

Department of Labor job description: "Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 16.2%
- Total employment in 2024: 12,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +2,000
- 2024 median annual income: $83,980

Department of Labor job description: "Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. May develop the means for prevention and control."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 19.7%
- Total employment in 2024: 40,300
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,900
- 2024 median annual income: $140,910

Department of Labor job description: "Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 21.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 112,100
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +24,100
- 2024 median annual income: $91,290

Department of Labor job description: "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."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 21.8%
- Total employment in 2024: 33,600
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +7,300
- 2024 median annual income: $125,770

Department of Labor job description: "Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 28.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 182,800
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +52,100
- 2024 median annual income: $124,910

Department of Labor job description: "Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses."

- Projected job growth rate, 2024-34: 33.5%
- Total employment in 2024: 245,900
- Projected employment change, 2024-34: +82,500
- 2024 median annual income: $112,590

Department of Labor job description: "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."