All the fields in STEM are in high demand right now and are predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to continue growing into 2028 and beyond. Before we look at four in-demand science careers, let’s look at the field itself and what people working in these fields do.
All science majors must learn how to think critically and statistically. At the early undergraduate level, students learn how to test theories through various controlled experiments. As they gain more experience, their emphasis shifts toward the development and testing of new theories and solutions. At the graduate level, students work under the tutelage of professors on critical research projects while continuing their studies.
Because of the type of work done in the sciences, a very specific type of person makes an ideal candidate for this type of work. The person should be:
- Patient and persistent
- Diverse in their thought and background
- Have a strong ability to work as part of a team
- Flexible and open in their thinking
- Curious about solving problems encountered
If you are all these things and would like a career in science, here are four great careers in the science field:
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
- Environmental Scientists
Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Median Pay: $52,330
- Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or Medical Technology
Technicians working in this field examine blood, tissue, and other body substances for signs of disease, infection or chemical reactions. Found only in hospitals in the past, the field has opened, and now clinical lab techs also work in private laboratories, research facilities, and even in some business settings.
Veterinarians and VETERINARY Technicians
- Median Pay: $93,830 and $34,420, respectively
- Degree Required: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine/Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology
People are crazy about their pets and most will go to great expense to make sure their “fur babies” are in the best of health. Like humans, domesticated animals need periodic medical care on either a routine or at times, an emergency basis.
While a veterinarian degree program can take up to nine years to complete, and is currently only offered at 28 accredited schools, many vocational and career colleges offer associate and bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology programs for those that want to work in the field but want a shorter degree program.
Environmental Scientists
- Median Pay: $71,130
- Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or a Science-related field
Environmental scientists work to come up with solutions to global warming, reduce pollution and preserve our natural resources. Because these problems are growing, so is the field growing. It is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to continue to do so for years to come.
Environmental scientists work in three areas:
- For academic institutions that research ways to protect the environment and improve contaminated cleanup methods
- For the government enforcing regulations aimed at preventing pollution and contamination in the first place
- For businesses that want minimize pollution and contamination by having clean and safe production processes
Science majors can expect salaries commensurate with their training, good job security and advancement opportunities in any of these fields. If you would like to help people, help animals or help Mother Earth herself, then one of these science careers may be the right choice for you.
