13 Top STEM Fields Every Black Student Should Consider And Why

Chemical Engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $94,350

Projected Job Growth by 2022: 4%

STEM discipline: Chemistry, Engineering

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.

Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries.

Computer Hardware Engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $100,920

Projected Job Growth by 2022: 7%

STEM discipline: Computer Science, Engineering

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. By creating new directions in computer hardware, these engineers create rapid advances in computer technology.

Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2012 to 2022.

Industrial/Manufacturing Engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $78,860

Projected Job Growth by 2022:  5%

STEM discipline: Engineering

Industrial engineers figure out ways to manufacture parts and products, or to deliver services with maximum efficiency. They devise efficient ways to use workers, machines, materials, information and energy to make a product or provide a service.

Employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022. This occupation is versatile – both in the kind of work required and in the industries in which the expertise can be put to use.

Electrical/Electronics Engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $89,630

Projected Job Growth by 2022: 4%

STEM discipline: Engineering

Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems and power-generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems.

Employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022. Job growth is expected because of electrical and electronics engineers’ versatility in developing and applying emerging technologies.

Materials Engineer

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $85,150

Projected Job Growth by 2022: 1%

STEM discipline: Engineering

Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They work with metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and other substances to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements.

Employment of materials engineers is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022. However, materials engineers will be needed to design uses for new materials both in traditional industries, such as aerospace manufacturing, and in industries focused on new medical or scientific products.

STEM University Professor

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Median Annual Salary: $68,970

Projected Job Growth by 2022: 19%

STEM discipline: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Postsecondary education and university professors in STEM are integral in giving students the necessary foundation to succeed in other STEM careers. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books that help develop and advance new technologies.

Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as enrollments at postsecondary institutions at all levels continue to rise, although at slower rates than they have in the past.