#United States #Washington #Economic Impact #workforce #STEMM Professionals

The Growing Influence of STEMM Jobs in the U.S. Economy

According to a recent study by Science is US, more than 73.6 million Americans are employed in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical) roles, representing approximately 34% of the U.S. workforce. These jobs are not only pivotal in the labor market but also contribute significantly to the national GDP, accounting for 39.2% or $10.8 trillion. The report underscores a remarkable 9.7% increase in STEMM job numbers over just two years, signalling a growing sector that is vital for America's economic prosperity.

Key Findings from the Study

Employment Statistics

The report sheds light on several interesting statistical insights:

• - Out of the STEMM workforce, 53% do not possess a bachelor's degree, showcasing a diverse educational background among this group.
• - Remarkably, 18.8% of STEMM workers hold just a high school diploma, suggesting that there are various pathways into these lucrative careers.
• - Jobs in STEMM fields yield a median annual wage of $94,003, significantly higher than the $52,354 median wage in non-STEMM occupations. This wage disparity illustrates the financial benefits of careers in STEMM.

Economic Contributions

The study captures the extensive economic impacts made by STEMM professionals, which include:

• - Over $20 trillion in sales output generated by STEMM occupations.
• - Contributions of $6.9 trillion to labor income.
• - Significant tax revenues, with $1.6 trillion for federal taxes and $715 billion for state and local taxes. This emphasis on financial contributions highlights the integral role STEMM plays in both local and national economies.

Future Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.5% increase in demand for STEMM roles from 2023 to 2033, showing that these careers are expanding faster than those in other sectors. Among the occupations expected to see the most significant growth are:

• - Data Scientists
• - Information Security Analysts
• - Medical and Health Services Managers
• - Computer and Information Research Scientists
• - Operations Research Analysts

The Path Forward

Tatiana Nin, interim executive director of Science is US, emphasizes that enhancing entry points into STEMM careers requires collaborative efforts among educators, businesses, and policymakers. Building a framework of apprenticeships, internships, and further education is imperative to meet the burgeoning demand for STEMM talent.

The study identifies top regions in the U.S. with the highest percentages of STEMM workers, including:

• - District of Columbia
• - Michigan
• - Massachusetts
• - New Hampshire
• - Indiana
• - Connecticut
• - Ohio
• - Utah
• - Alabama
• - Wisconsin

Redefining STEMM

Importantly, the research promotes a broader definition of a STEMM professional. The analysis includes individuals who perform science or math-related functions in various fields, from agricultural technicians to logisticians, thus fostering a more comprehensive understanding of who contributes to this sector.

Joanne Padrón Carney, chief government relations officer at the AAAS, stresses that the U.S. holds a unique opportunity to focus on the development of this workforce, which is pivotal for sustained economic growth and global competitiveness.

Conclusion

This latest study from Science is US marks the third reporting effort that highlights the STEMM sector’s vital role in the economy. Coordinated support for research, education, and workforce stability is essential to ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in attracting global STEMM talent. The continued emphasis on fostering the STEMM workforce is crucial not only for economic performance but also for innovation and advancement across multiple sectors.