PUBLISHED MAY 2, 2019
Curious About the Best In-Demand STEM Careers? Check out Our List!
There's never been a better time to be in a STEM career. We’ve compiled a list of STEM careers in demand. Keep reading to learn about the five most sought-after jobs in 2019 according to their evolving responsibilities, employment projections and salary ranges.
Here are our picks:
1. Software Developer
The day-to-day of a software developer involves designing, debugging and enhancing new or existing software. Due to the exponential growth of software applications and infrastructure, the demand in software developer STEM careers has skyrocketed. With programming languages continuing to evolve and become more transparent in this specialized field, now is the time to pursue a career in software development.
For the second year in a row, software developers held onto the number one spot as the best job in 2019.
"Our society is more and more dependent on digital technology for all aspects," said Rebecca Koenig, U.S. News' careers reporter. "Not just (large tech firms such as) Facebook and Google, but every other business needs software developers to make their applications. Even hospitals are tapping into digital communication to make sure doctors and patients can communicate."
2. Statistician
A statistician is responsible for collecting data and predicting trends using statistical tools gained through practical experience. In today’s data-saturated economy, statisticians are considered one of the best STEM careers in the world. Any real-world problem will typically require some data to be analyzed and interpreted, generating value-added solutions through statistics, describes Devan Mehrotra, executive director of the biostatistics department at Merck Research Laboratories.
Between 2016 and 2026, jobs for statisticians are expected to grow 33 percent—a staggering difference compared to the average growth rate of 7 percent for other occupations.
"Statistics is one of [the] oldest professions in the world; it dates back to the 1700s. There's a tremendous history ... and now more exciting opportunities. It has never been a better time to be a statistician," adds Mehrotra.
Interested in a STEM career? Search our open positions today.
3. Data Analyst
Data analysts simplify complex data into executable business strategies. The demand for data analysis professionals has grown by six times compared to five years ago, due to data generated from the use of smartphones, social networking, Google searches and more. In today’s Information Age, the need for STEM careers responsible for analyzing this data is more vital than ever.
By 2020, the number of positions for data and analytics talent in the United States will increase from 364,000 openings to 2,720,000.
— BHEF
“Companies continue to have a huge focus on how to manage and capture the data they generate, as well as use that data to help the business make decisions or create other revenue streams,” claims Kforce Director of Delivery Domenic Malara.
4. Mechanical Engineer
A day in the life of a mechanical engineer encompasses designing, building and testing tools, engines and machines. In a world driven by computing power and precision electronics, the technology we depend on would cease to exist if not for the extraordinary work of mechanical engineers. As one of the best-paid STEM jobs, the demand for mechanical engineers is expected to see an increase in the coming years.
Engineers make up 36.7 percent of STEM jobs in the U.S. Labor Force.
— RCLCO
“Companies are always looking for mechanical engineers,” describes Israr Kabir, business development manager of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). “Those entering the field have their pick of industries, thanks to the variety of businesses that employ mechanical engineers, such as consumer products, energy mining, and even hardware startups.”
5. Robotic Process Automation
Robotic process automation (RPA) is the application of technology aimed at completing basic business processes. With automation driving a new way of working, the demand for STEM careers specializing in RPA is increasing rapidly. RPA delivers growth in productivity, efficiency and output, which will ultimately revolutionize customer experience.
The global RPA economy is expected to top $8.75 billion by 2024.
“RPA is becoming an increasingly popular technology in modern enterprises,” said Automation Anywhere Vice President of Global Training and Certification Arvind Thothadri. “The future workplace will feature a blend of human and digital workforce, also known as software robots or bots. This symbiotic relationship is expected to create many exciting, new career possibilities.”
Whether you have a background in analytics, product development or automation, there is a place for you in the ever-growing STEM talent landscape. At Kforce, our career experts work with over 4,000 companies, 70 percent of those being in the Fortune 500, to help candidates like you find great careers in STEM. Let us help you navigate your career journey today.
