Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Are you looking for an interesting career where you can make a difference and earn good pay? A career in an exciting STEM field may be just what you’re looking for!
Workers educated and trained in STEM are in high demand, especially in fields like research, design, engineering, health care, and biotechnology. They often help to make our everyday lives better. For instance, they may find ways to prevent traffic jams, engineer bridges, design robots, monitor hurricanes, or improve national security.
Right now, the need for STEM workers is greater than the supply. For instance, there are more job openings in the United States for trained scientists than there are people to fill them. And the need for scientists and other STEM workers is expected to grow.
That means the future is very bright for STEM workers. A young person who embarks upon a career path in science, technology, engineering or mathematics will be able to work anywhere in the world and earn excellent wages.
While many STEM careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, there are a growing number of STEM occupations that require less than four years of college. These positions usually require a high school diploma plus on-the-job training.
Ready to join New York State’s highly trained STEM workforce? Learn more about opportunities statewide or in your home region by reading the fact sheets below. They highlight top STEM occupations, median salaries, and more!
| Region | Counties |
|---|---|
| Statewide | Includes all 62 counties |
| Capital | Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington |
| Central | Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego |
| Finger Lakes | Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates |
| Hudson Valley | Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester |
| Long Island | Nassau and Suffolk |
| Mohawk Valley | Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie |
| New York City | Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond |
| North Country | Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence |
| Southern Tier | Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins |
| Western NY | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara |
“Science is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world..."
- President Barack Obama, March 23, 2015
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.