7 STEM Careers Kids Can Explore
The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field is growing every day, with new and interesting career paths emerging that weren't even a possibility a few years ago. Careers in the STEM field are some of the fastest-growing occupations in the country and feature amazing growth and salary potential. Here are a few of the most exciting STEM careers kids can explore.
1. Software Developer
These days, software developers are needed in basically every field out there, and it's one of the fastest-growing career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 1.2 million software development jobs in the U.S., and the 2017 median salary was $103,500.
Software designers create the new technologies that businesses and the public need. All the apps, computer programs, websites, and business tools were all created by software developers. This growing field is perfect for kids who like to think outside the box and create new solutions to problems. Software development job growth is looking incredibly bright and offers broad and interesting career paths for students.
This growing field is perfect for kids who like to think outside the box and create new solutions to problems.
More: Eureka! 5 Easy Ways to Grow Kids' STEM Skills at Home
2. Environmental Engineer
Are your kids passionate about the environment and green living? Environmental engineers apply a strong understanding of science and engineering to protect the environment from the adverse effects of human habitation and to create low-impact solutions to people's core needs, like housing and clean water. This job is in high demand as climate change and pollution become more prevalent.
3. Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers work to create new pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment. This fast-growing career is great for kids who have an interest in science and chemistry but don't want to study science for the sake of science. Instead, biomedical engineers do work that makes a difference in people's lives The median pay for a biomedical engineer is about $88,000, according to the BLS.
4. Informational Security Analyst
It may sound a little stuffy, but informational security is becoming more and more important these days. Informational security analysts are the security guards of information systems for businesses, governmental agencies, and more, and prevent cyber-attacks and data breaches. It's a great career path for kids that like to problem-solve.
5. Marine Biologist
Marine biology is perfect for kids who love animals and want to make a difference. Marine biologists study the ocean and the animals in it to observe the impact of human activities on marine life. Though this career path isn't as rapidly growing as many of the other STEM careers, it is stable and isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
More: 6 STEM Playtime Activities for Kids
6. 3D Designer
3D printing relies on designers who can take an idea and turn it into a real-life object. This career path is perfect for artistic and creative kids who like to plan and develop their ideas. 3D designers work in many different fields, such as product design, medical treatment design, and architectural design.
7. Statistician
Is your child a math whiz? Statisticians are one of the most in-demand careers right now. Statisticians use data to make plans and projections. They work in as many different fields as you can imagine, including medicine, agriculture, astronomy, the census, and even sports.
STEM careers are some of the most exciting job paths available. Get kids excited about STEM by introducing toys that include STEM learning. Build on their play by talking about careers in fields they're already interested in.