Science, technology, engineering and mathematics offer several career paths. This list includes computing, engineering and quantitative roles alongside laboratory and health research; they are not all laboratory science jobs.
Requirements range from employer-specific technical training to postgraduate research degrees and professional qualifications. Compare actual vacancies before committing to a program, and ask about any employer education support rather than assuming tuition will be covered.
Salary figures below are U.S. national median annual wages from May 2025, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and checked in October 2026. They are benchmarks, not starting salaries or guaranteed offers. Broader occupation categories are identified where they differ from the job title.
Information security analysts help protect an organization’s networks and systems. They assess vulnerabilities, monitor threats and investigate security incidents.
A bachelor’s degree and related experience are common, though some people enter through other training routes. Employers may value relevant certifications.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $129,180.
Show practical security knowledge and careful judgment. Ask about incident-response duties and on-call expectations; the daily work is broader than simply installing security software.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Industrial engineers improve the systems that combine people, equipment, materials and information. They look for ways to reduce waste and improve quality or productivity.
A bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related engineering field is typical. Projects involving process analysis and real operating data can be useful experience.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $102,440.
Compare the industry and work setting. A manufacturing process, hospital workflow and logistics operation may all need these skills, with different practical constraints.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical scientists design research to understand disease and improve health. They develop methods, evaluate evidence and communicate findings to other researchers.
Doctoral or medical training is typical. Some positions accept a master’s degree and relevant experience, but a bachelor’s degree alone is not a universal route into independent research.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $103,410.
Build a record of laboratory or research work that demonstrates reliable methods, thoughtful analysis and clear reporting. Choose a specialty because its questions interest you.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Statisticians help collect useful data and interpret it responsibly. They may design studies, build models and explain what the results do and do not show.
A master’s degree is common, while some positions accept a bachelor’s degree. Statistics, computing and subject knowledge all contribute to the work.
The 2025 national median annual wage for statisticians was $105,650.
Practice explaining your analysis to people outside your specialty. A portfolio should show your question, method, assumptions and limitations, as well as the final result.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer and information research scientists investigate computing problems and develop new approaches. Their work can involve algorithms, systems, artificial intelligence or other research areas.
A master’s degree in computer science or a related field is typical. Some employers accept a bachelor’s degree, while certain specialties or academic roles require further study.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $140,300.
Demonstrate depth through research projects, experiments and technical writing. Read the vacancy carefully: a research scientist position may differ substantially from a software development position.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer user support specialists help people diagnose and resolve technology problems. The role combines technical troubleshooting with patient, clear communication.
Some employers accept relevant courses, certifications or experience; others require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. There is no single education rule for every support job.
The 2025 national median annual wage for computer user support specialists was $61,860.
Show how you investigated a problem, explained the solution and documented the result. Ask about the support channels, shift pattern and opportunities to learn more advanced systems.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial concepts to evaluate risk. Their models help organizations make decisions about uncertain future costs.
A bachelor’s degree is typical, followed by professional exams and ongoing qualification work. Strong computing, analytical and business communication skills are valuable.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $130,000.
Explore the exam pathway before choosing this career. Compare employer study support and the type of actuarial work, because qualification takes sustained effort alongside practical experience.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Epidemiologists study patterns and causes of disease or injury in populations. They use data to evaluate risks, programs and possible prevention strategies.
A master’s degree in public health or a related field is typical. Some roles need doctoral training or additional clinical expertise.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $87,220.
Develop study-design and statistical skills, and practice explaining findings accurately. Compare research-focused roles with public health program work before choosing a training program.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Civil engineers work on infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges and water systems. They balance technical design with project constraints and public needs.
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field is typical. Licensure may be needed for certain responsibilities, so check the requirements for your intended role.
The 2025 national median annual wage was $100,840.
Look for experience with design, analysis and project documentation. Ask how much time the role involves site visits, coordination and travel as well as office work.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Social science research associates work on questions about people, organizations and society. Responsibilities may include gathering data, supporting studies and analyzing findings.
The title is not standardized. O*NET lists research associate among titles connected with social science research assistants, but an employer may use it for a more senior position.
We do not assign one salary or degree requirement to every research associate. Compare the actual duties and qualifications in the vacancy.
Build relevant experience in research methods, data analysis and writing. Ask whether the role supports a project or leads one, and what subject expertise the team needs.
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