By 2018, STEM occupations will account for about 8.6 million jobs in the U.S. economy, up from 7.3 million in 2008.*
STEM careers are rewarding personally, professionally and especially monetarily. In the next 10 years, 75% of jobs will be in STEM. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related occupations.
In Iowa, the number of STEM-related careers is projected to increase by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. That's nearly 10,000 new jobs that will require STEM skills in problem solving and creative thinking. STEM jobs are growing three times as fast as non-STEM occupations.
Across the nation there are thousands of high-paying and rewarding STEM careers. From jobs at NASA and telecommunication companies to hometown manufacturers, STEM careers are diverse and everywhere. There will be even greater opportunities as more jobs will require some STEM capabilities.
*Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW)