A Missouri-based technology and engineering company, Emerson, conducted the fourth annual STEM survey of 2,000 Americans. The results show that two out of five Americans say the STEM worker shortage in the U.S is at a crisis level. 

Emerson reports that even though students are now twice as likely as their parents to choose STEM fields, the number of jobs requiring STEM knowledge is growing at a rate higher than the number of people in the workforce.

Choose Your Industry

The skill gap spans a variety of industries. Representatives from Deloitte and the National Association of Manufacturing predict they will need to fill about 3.5 million manufacturing jobs by 2025. But up to 2 million could go unfilled if there aren’t enough qualified workers.

Large companies like Google, Apple, and Ernst and Young already consider applicants without college degrees for computer science and engineering jobs if they can demonstrate the necessary skills.

Survey results show people have been expecting these realities: 48 percent of respondents and 52 percent of the parents surveyed believe there will be more U.S. STEM jobs in the next 10 years.

Higher Salaries

If current trends continue, both job opportunities and wages in STEM fields will continue to grow. According to the article Short on STEM Talent on usnews.com, Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2000 to 2013 (adjusted for inflation) showed median salaries for the average U.S. worker were flat. But wages for computer and mathematical positions, healthcare practitioners, engineers, and other science occupations rose 8, 7, 6, and 5 percent, respectively.

The article’s author, Jonathan Rothwell, reported on information he obtained from the market analytics firm Burning Glass. He found that roughly 40,000 computer science majors receive their bachelor’s degrees each year, but nearly 4 million vacancies exist for people with computer expertise.

In short, unemployment is low for people with STEM degrees. And among workers with college degrees, STEM majors earn some of the highest salaries.

Opportunities for Women

The STEM worker crisis also means increased opportunities for women — the Emerson survey revealed that less than 50 percent of parents said they encourage their daughters to consider STEM careers.

"Women make up over 51 percent of the laborers in the U.S., but account for less than 24 percent of the technology employees, with less than 18 percent of women being software engineers," said Chief Marketing Officer for Chariot Solutions Tracey Welson-Rossman, as reported in the usnews.com article STEM Worker Shortage at a Crisis, Survey Shows. Welson-Rossman also founded the nonprofit organization TechGirlz.

"With a predicted 1 million tech jobs open by 2020 and 2 million cybersecurity jobs open also by 2020 — not all software coding — the need for more women in tech is clear," she added.

Still Work to Be Done

For men and women alike, Emerson’s research shows room for improvement when it comes to developing STEM competency. Survey respondents said they don’t see enough opportunities for students in the U.S. to learn STEM skills. Roughly 70 percent indicated they do not feel teachers have adequate resources to educate students in STEM areas.

The data collected by Emerson shines a spotlight on the growing need for STEM education and awareness in the United States. Parents, school administrators, and teachers can all do more to encourage young people to pursue STEM careers and to provide them with the training they need to succeed.

15. Actuary: Actuaries analyze and manage the financial consequences of risk. They use math, statistics and financial theory to study uncertain future events.

• Median Salary: $96,700
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• Expected Job Openings: 4,400

14. Database Administrator: Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data. This role may include capacity planning, database design, migration, performance monitoring, security, and data recovery.

• Median Salary: $80,280
• Unemployment Rate: 2%
• Expected Job Openings: 13,400

13. Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers combine engineering principals with biology, chemistry and soil science to develop solutions for environmental problems. They are involved in recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.

• Median Salary: $80,890
• Unemployment Rate: 0.9%
• Expected Job Openings: 6,800

12. Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal devices and sensors, including tools, engines and machines. They work mostly in engineering services, research and development or manufacturing.

• Median Salary: $83,060
• Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
• Expected Job Openings: 14,600

11. Industrial Psychologist: Industrial psychologists study workplace environments and the employees who work there to address questions about making employees more productive and leaders more effective.

• Median Salary: $76,950
• Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
• Expected Job Openings: 400

10. Mathematician: Mathematicians conduct research to explore and develop theories or use established theories to solve real-world problems. Mathematicians can fill many roles, including financial analyst, system analyst, professor, or teacher.

• Median Salary: $103,720
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• Expected Job Openings: 700

9. Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems. Most work for computer companies, consulting firms or in the business and financial industries.

• Median Salary: $88,890
• Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
• Expected Job Openings: 14,800

8. Financial Advisor: Financial advisors help clients create budgets, provide advice about investing or help with retirement planning. Some may actually invest on behalf of a client or sell insurance.

• Median Salary: $81,060
• Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• Expected Job Openings: 73,900

7. IT Manager: IT managers are responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s technology infrastructure. This includes processing systems, data management, and communications tools.

• Median Salary: $127,640
• Unemployment Rate: 1.8%
• Expected Job Openings: 53,700

6. Biomedical Engineer: Biomedical engineers design devices and equipment, including artificial organs, replacement body parts and machines for diagnosing medial issues.

• Median Salary: $86,950
• Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
• Expected Job Openings: 5,100

5. Accountant: An accountant inspects or keeps financial records for an individual or business. They may prepare taxes and audits or provide bookkeeping services in all levels of business.

• Median Salary: $65,940
• Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
• Expected Job Openings: 142,400

4. Web Developer: A web developer specializes in programming internet applications. This can include the design and overall look and feel or the code that supports the functionality.

• Median Salary: $63,490
• Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
• Expected Job Openings: 39,500

3. Statistician: Statisticians collect and analyze data to solve real-world problems using statistical data.  They are commonly working in business, engineering, or healthcare.

• Median Salary: $79,990
• Unemployment Rate: 4%
• Expected Job Openings: 10,100

2. Software Developer: Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. They can develop the applications that allow users to run specific tasks on a computer or smartphone, or they can work on the systems that run those devices.

• Median Salary: $95,510
• Unemployment Rate: 2.5%
• Expected Job Openings: 135,300

1. Computer Systems Analyst: Computer systems analysts study an organization’s computer systems, procedures and design information systems to help the organization operate more efficiently.

• Median Salary: $82,710
• Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
• Expected Job Openings: 118,600

Do you ever look up at the night sky and wonder what happens beyond the confines of this planet?

Astronomers and astrophysicists study the origins of the universe, galaxies and stars. They use modern technology to observe the billions of galaxies beyond the Milky Way, and use this data to find new stars. Theoretical astronomers use advanced mathematics to mold theories surrounding the laws of the universe. Some of these theories, such as Albert Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity, end up impacting our lives in very real ways. Theoretical astronomers will usually find work in academia and will conduct research in their office; experimental astronomers and astrophysicists can find work in academia as well, but may also work for the government, such as at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), or for private research institutions. Some astronomers have to work non-traditional hours, as many will go to observatories at night to study the sky in more complete detail.

Students considering astronomy and astrophysics should begin by taking physics and calculus in high school. Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate degrees in physics, astrophysics and astronomy. To do independent research, a doctorate in one of these fields is also required.

Astronomers and Astrophysicists can expect to see job growth in the future: it is expected that the demand for astronomers will grow by 11 percent from 2010 to 2020. Astronomers, on average, earn $87,260 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though the pay varies widely.

Daily activities include working with customers, testing vehicular systems to identify problems and repairing worn parts. Automotive Service Technicians must combine technical and mechanical skills with new technologies to identify problems. Students considering careers in Automotive Services should be detailed oriented, enjoy working with their hands and be happy to work with customers. Automotive Service Technicians may also specialize, focusing on air conditioning repairs, brake repairs, transmission repairs, among other specialties.

To pursue a career as an Automotive Service Technician, a student should begin taking courses on automotive repair, electronics and mathematics. Beyond high school, many Service Technicians pursue an associate degree at a vocational school. There are also many opportunities for on-the-job training. After two years of experience, an Automotive Service Technician may take an exam to receive a certificate from The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in one of eight areas within Automotive Services. This certificate demonstrates proficiency in this area of work, and will often result in higher compensation for the Automotive Service Technician.

Students who want to pursue this career certainly have jobs available to them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected that the United States economy will add 124,800 jobs for Automotive Service Technicians from 2010-2020. The median pay for an Automotive Service Technician is $35,790, above the national median pay for all jobs.

One of the best resources for career and job information is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor (www.bls.gov/ooh).

The OOH can help you identify possible careers with information about job duties, education and training requirements, pay range, and job outlook for hundreds of occupations.

• Accountants and auditors 
• Conservation scientists and foresters 
• Economists
• Engineers and technicians 
• Scientists and specialists
• Epidemiologists
• Fire inspectors 
• Geographers
• Geoscientists
• Hazardous materials removal workers
• Lawyers
• Mathematicians and statisticians
• Microbiologists
• Occupational health and safety specialists
• Public relations specialists
• Teachers and professors

Here is a sampling of environmental jobs (listed in order of increasing educational requirements) that are projected to be in demand during the coming decade.

Education and Training 

Computer engineers combine principles and techniques of engineering and computer science. However, it is more than a blend of the two fields; computer engineers understand cyber security, networking, design automation, machine intelligence, computer software, embedded systems, etc.

Hardware vs. Software

There are two major specialties in computer engineering: hardware and software. Computer hardware engineers generally research, design, develop and test computer equipment, while computer software engineers generally design, construct and maintain computer programs. Computer engineers require a basic understanding of both disciplines, but often times specialize in one or the other. Generally hardware is applied to items like computer chips, circuit boards, computers, telephones, modems, printers — anything that can be physically held. Software is designed to operate the hardware. Once it's designed, it needs to be constructed, tested and maintained then applied to the hardware it was designed for.

Job Outlook 

Computer engineers can expect to earn some of the highest starting salaries in engineering. For example, an entry level computer engineer's starting salary is estimated at $65,000 according to www.naceweb.org. Graduates can work in fields that include: wireless communication, computer manufacturers, chemical companies, defense contractors, automobile control systems, telecommunications, consulting, transportation, games and toys, manufacturing, consumer goods, robotics, etc. The number of computer software engineers is expected to rise rapidly, while hardware engineers will increase, but not nearly as fast because, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, "more innovation in computers now takes place with software than with hardware."

Learn more about out career spotlight at www.fisheredu.com/STEM.

A geneticist studies genes, and tries to understand how characteristics are inherited by a new generation of a species. Why might someone be interested in such a field? Geneticists are working to tell us how we can decrease the chances of a child inheriting a genetic disease. They work with agriculture, to create plants with new genes, such as ones that resist draught; some work in the law field, using their genetics background to mold new laws regarding the production of genes. A geneticist understands and works with genes, but in what context he or she works with genes is able to be defined individually.

A student interested in genetics should consider taking biology and chemistry courses in high school. In college, it may be possible to major in genetics. If a college or university does not offer genetics as a major, a budding geneticist should consider biology, biochemistry, or chemistry as fields of study. If research is in the future, statistics is also an important course to take. Many geneticists go on to earn either a masters or doctorate in genetics, though not all choose this course of action. It is also possible to earn a dual, M.D./Ph.D. for genetics, allowing geneticists to do broader medical work.

According to healthcare-salaries.com, the average geneticist in the United States earns $55,080-$82,620 per year. However that number varies greatly among geneticists with bachelor, master or doctorate degrees. Good news: according to a Georgetown University study of the economics of college majors, entitled “What’s It Worth” 99 percent of genetics majors are employed after graduation.

Geoscientists use their knowledge of geology, physics, and chemistry to study the earth. Geoscientists often work out in the field to take samples of rock and ice, and then return to a lab to analyze these samples. They support other fields, such as architecture, oil and natural gas, cartography, among others. Their knowledge of the earth is indispensable to our development of new technologies that help us live healthier, cleaner, and safer lives.    

Students who are interested in becoming geoscientists should begin taking math and physics in high school. In college, students should major in geosciences, geology or earth sciences. Other degrees, such as physics or chemistry, will allow a student to pursue higher education in a geosciences career, if they also took some work in the geosciences. Many geoscientists choose to pursue a doctorate, so that they can conduct their own research.             

Geoscience is a rock-solid career choice. The United States economy is predicted to increase its demand for geoscientists by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average geoscientist earns $82,500 per year while working for architecture firms, engineering firms, oil and gas companies, among others.

Who understands the relationship between numbers more than anyone else?

Mathematicians create models of systems to explain mathematical phenomena. Pure mathematics brings understanding to the world of numbers. The theories which mathematicians publish, often apply to many other fields, such as finance, cryptography, biology and myriad other fields. Many mathematicians work with scientists, helping them to understand the results of their data. When mathematicians conduct their own research, large computers are needed to process the volume of numbers pouring through the system. Mathematicians often work for the government, in private research institutions, for financial institutions, or for colleges and universities.

How does one become a mathematician? This is a field that requires a high degree of education: at minimum, a Masters of Mathematics, though often a doctorate is needed. To begin, students should take as much math as possible in high school. In college, it is best to major in mathematics or applied mathematics.

After all of those years of study, there is a bright outlook: the average mathematician makes $99,380 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Georgetown University Report on the Economics of College Majors reports that 95 percent of mathematics majors are employed after graduation. There is some growth in the industry expected from 2010 to 2020 and a 16 percent growth in mathematics positions nationwide.

Microbiologists study the world of bacteria and fungi. Often working in a laboratory and looking through a microscope, a microbiologist uses his or her knowledge of biology and chemistry to understand how these organisms function. Their research can have a broad impact on medicine and health policy, agriculture and even renewable energy. When working in a laboratory, they use the scientific method to plan experiments and test hypotheses.

A student interested in microbiology should take biology and chemistry courses in high school. In college, a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or biochemistry is the best path into this field. Statistics and other math courses will be helpful for understanding and analyzing data. Furthermore, experience in a lab with a professor is highly recommended. In most cases, a doctorate in microbiology is a necessary precursor to independent research.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for microbiologists will increase by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020. Students interested in microbiology can look forward to a median salary of $65,920. Microbiologists can find work in the public sector, the private sector for health, energy and other companies, or colleges and universities.

Some specialize in the development of nuclear power sources for naval vessels or spacecraft; others find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials. Students pursuing a career in nuclear engineering will be required to obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering; however some research positions may require a graduate degree. Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology. Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates averaging $65,000 and up. For the moderately experienced nuclear engineer, the mean salary is slightly over $100,000 annually. Individuals in this field can anticipate 11 percent annual growth in employment opportunities. Most job growth will be in research and development and engineering services. Increased interest in nuclear power as an energy source will spur demand for nuclear engineers to research and develop new designs for reactors. They also will be needed to work in defense-related areas, to develop nuclear medical technology, and to improve and enforce waste management and safety standards. States with the highest published employment opportunities, location quotients, and wages for this occupation are California, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington. Data provided extrapolated from U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics website: http://www.bls.gov/home.htm

Those who design robots must understand computer science, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and some aspects of human psychology. If you think that you can make better and more efficient robots, then perhaps pursuing a career in robotics engineering is your path.

In high school, a student who wants to pursue robotics should take mathematics and physics. In college, very few universities offer majors in robotics engineering, though some do. If robotics is something a student wants to pursue, finding a college or university with a major in robotics engineering is a great first step. Otherwise, a major in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science will be a step in the right direction. After college, consider finding a Master's program in Robotics Engineering and Sciences.

Robotics engineers often work for private industry, though some do work in the government. According to the Occupational Information Network, O*Net, there are 44,800 robotics engineering positions that are expected to open between the years 2010-2020. A robotics engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $92,030.

Source: http://www.onetonline.org

These STEM courses need good teachers to teach them. If learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is what you want to do in college, and then you want to pass that knowledge on to future generations, consider becoming a STEM teacher.

To become a STEM teacher, first major in something you love in college: perhaps physics, mathematics, computer science. Engineers, such as chemical, civil, mechanical engineers also often have the background to teach high school STEM courses. After college, many states require a teaching certificate, or a Master of Education, to become a teacher. These postgraduate degrees will help you to become a better teacher as you instruct future generations.

Students interested in becoming a teacher can look forward to an average annual salary of $53,230. However that number does improve for teachers with a master’s degree. It is also important to remember that many teachers, just like their students, receive a two month summer vacation. There is some growth expected from 2010 to 2020: a growth of 7 percent, or an increase of 72,000 jobs.

Who knows more about grapes than the person who breeds and cultivates them? The viticulturist.

Viticulturists grow high-quality grapes to make the best wine possible. They determine the best time to harvest and prune, and are vigilant in evaluating the vineyards for pests, disease, grapevine fertilization and mineral nutrition, irrigation and more. These "grape experts" are often working with vineyards, but can be found working for federal and state governments, colleges and universities and the private sector.

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in viticulture should take high school courses in the sciences, basic agriculture and communications and enroll in college classes like grapevine biology, water management and soil nutrition. To enter the field, an individual can earn anything from a certificate to an associate or bachelor's degree. However, those who want to go into research will also oftentimes need to earn a master's degree and/or a doctorate.

According to SimplyHired.com, the average annual salary for a viticulturist is $79,000, though it can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, education and geographic location. For example, a person in this field can earn an average salary of $105,000 in San Francisco, while in Erie, Pa., the average salary drops to $67,000 per year, according to the same website.

A study compiled by Cornell University reports employment opportunities are expected to increase between 9-17 percent between 2005 and 2014. Many of those jobs will be with private wineries in all 50 states, as well as with government and university research departments to improve vineyard management methods, harvesting techniques, environmental protection, water conservation, yield, quality and regulatory compliance.