June 28, 2007 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

"STEM" occupations and job growth

The need for technical work continues to grow. Technical occupations are often defined as those related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

[Chart data—TXT]

Workers in STEM occupations use science and math to solve problems. Educational requirements for STEM occupations range from a high school diploma and on-the-job training to a Ph.D. But all require the ability to think logically.

Growing demand for technological advances means more jobs for STEM workers. BLS projects job growth of 22 percent for STEM occupations as a whole between 2004 and 2014.

Nearly all the major STEM groups are expected to have about the same rate of growth as the national average of 13 percent. The exception is computer specialist occupations, which are expected to grow much faster than the average.

This information is from the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections. Find out more in "STEM occupations: High-tech jobs for a high-tech economy," by Nicholas Terrell, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2007.