STEM Occupations Are High Wage, High Growth
Oct 17, 2008
Think it doesn’t pay to study science and technology? Graduates in science and technology fields often enjoy starting salaries higher than those of traditional liberal arts graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, salary offers to 2008 computer science graduates averaged $60,416. Conversely, information sciences and systems graduates saw an average starting salary offer of $52,418. As a group, 2008 liberal arts graduates saw an average starting salary of $36,419.
Additionally, 80% of new careers over the next 10 years will require an education focused on science or technology, and the number of science and technology-related new jobs will increase at a rate faster than the national average between now and 2016.
STEM occupations are among the High Wage, High Growth (HWHG) occupations in the Commonwealth, too. The HWGH distinction is based on methodology developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor’s Center for Workforce Information and Analysis (CWIA). To be considered HWHG, STEM occupations must meet three criteria. According to 2006-2016 growth projections:
1) They must exceed Pennsylvania’s average employment change by volume (542 jobs);
2) They must exceed Pennsylvania’s average employment change by percent (7.13%);
3) They must exceed Pennsylvania’s median hourly earnings ($16.57).
The majority of HWHG occupations fall within Healthcare and Computers & Mathematics, which claim 10 and 8 occupations, respectively. The remaining HWHG occupations fall under Business & Financial (4), Life, Physical & Social Science (4), Agriculture, Forestry, Construction, Installation, Maintenance & Repair (3), Management (3) and Education & Training (1). Some of the HWHG occupations and the 2006-2016 Annual Job Openings are listed below:
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians 2,715
Computer Support Specialists 1100
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists 548
Respiratory therapists 351
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses 1,633
Biological technicians 186
Insurance Underwriters 107
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians 210
Physicians and surgeons 1,711
Registered nurses 8,574
Radiologic technologists and technicians 467
Pharmacists 648
Medical & Health Services Managers 760
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists 392
Computer Systems Analysts 1,205
Computer Software Engineers, Applications 1,292
Physician assistants 276
Market research analysts 617
Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts 804
Database dministrators 362
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software 797
Network & Computer Systems Administrators 1,190
Computer and information systems managers 684
Computer Specialists, All Other 251
Postsecondary teachers 3,662
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's applied science and technology degree programs are pathways into many of these fields. By integrating experiential learning with business mentors and internships, the University educates a diverse student body of career-minded individuals in nationally critical STEM careers, giving them the tools to succeed in a 21st century knowledge-based economy. The University's mission also includes a dedication to create, attract and expand economic opportunities in the region.
For more information on the University’s degree programs, call 717.901.5101 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.net
---Courtesy of the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative**