STEM Statistics

Between 2017 and 2029, STEM jobs are projected to grow 8.8%.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The number of STEM jobs will grow at a higher rate than non-STEM jobs. With positions in computing, engineering and advanced manufacturing leading the way. (US Dept. of Labor, January 2021)

Employment in STEM occupations has grown 55% since 1990.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Overall since 1990, employment in STEM occupations has grown 79%, increasing from 9.7 million to 17.3 million. (Pew Research Center, January 2018)

A computer science major can earn 25% more than the college average.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A computer science major can earn 40% more than the college average. The lifetime earnings of a computer science major is reported to be $1.67M, which is 40% more than the $1.19M lifetime earnings of a college graduate. (Code.org)

The average salary for all STEM workers is $100,900.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is well over double that of non-STEM occupations, where the median annual wage came in at $40,020 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The US placed 30th of 64 countries in math and 11th in science.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is according t the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which is regarded as one of the biggest cross-national tests of its kind (US World News Report, December 2019).

35% of US high school graduates are prepared for college-level coursework in STEM majors.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

According to a White House report, only 20% of high school grads are ready for the rigors of STEM majors. In fact, over the past 15 years, this report also found that the US has only produced 10% of the worlds science and engineering grades (American Affairs, Spring 2019).

74% of middle school girls express an interest in engineering, science and math.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

However, only 0.4% choose computer science as a major when they get to college. (National Girls Collaborative Project, August 2016).

2 out of 3 US women say they were not encouraged to pursue a career in STEM.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Just 31% of women with a STEM bachelor's degree go on to pursue a career in the field (Emerson.com, August 2019 and the Society of Women Engineers)

Women make up only about 25% of computer science undergrads.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Only 18% of computer science bachelor's degrees in the US are earned by women (computerscience.org, December 2022).

63% of middle school girls who know women in STEM feel powerful doing STEM.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In comparison, 46% of middle school girls who do NOT know women in STEM feel powerful doing STEM (Microsoft and a study done in partnership with KRC research, March 2018).