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STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. You’ve probably heard people say it when they talk about “STEM jobs” or “STEM industries”.
There isn’t one simple definition for a STEM job, mostly because they’re all so different. When people talk about STEM jobs, they usually mean jobs that:
People in STEM might work with technology, data, or human health. They might use computers or other specialized tools.
MRS frequently hosts events for you to learn about employment opportunities. Upcoming events in STEM include:
To register for these events, please reach out to your counselor.
The best way to decide if a job is a STEM job is to review the job description. You can find dozens of in-depth job descriptions in the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or on O*NET Online.
When looking at job descriptions, think about:
Want a firsthand look at what it might be like to work in STEM? Try a virtual reality (VR) simulation! MRS has VR headsets you can use to try careers in 16 different fields.
You can:
Talk to your MRS counselor to find out more about VR simulations.
According to the National Science Foundation, 24% of workers in the US worked in STEM jobs in 2021. Not only that, STEM jobs are also growing faster than other categories. There are three big reasons why STEM jobs are so popular.
On average, people working in STEM jobs get paid more. That’s true for workers in entry-level positions and workers deeper into their careers.
You can see the median pay for different jobs in the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. The highest-paid jobs are consistently in STEM fields.
Employers are always looking to fill open STEM positions—probably because there are so many of them! That makes it easier to find and keep a STEM job.
STEM jobs usually have clear career ladders. If you continue to build your resumé, you can continue to grow your career. That could mean learning new skills, getting a new certification, or even going back to school. Either way, it will probably be worth it in the long run.
When most people think about STEM jobs, they think of scientists in lab coats, or engineers building bridges. Those are definitely STEM jobs, but they’re not the only ones. STEM also includes jobs like installation, maintenance and repair, construction, or manufacturing.
On O*NET, the Department of Labor lists dozens of STEM jobs. Check that list and you’ll see it’s more diverse than a lot of people think.
You do need a college degree for a lot of these jobs. But you can get a ton of great STEM jobs with an associate’s degree or a high school diploma. Almost half of STEM workers do not have college degrees.
In other words, college is one way into STEM jobs, but not the only one. You could get a certificate, start an apprenticeship, be an intern, or study online.
STEM jobs aren’t just open to people with different degrees. They’re also open to people with different abilities. In 2021, five million people with disabilities worked in STEM jobs.
Put another way, 21% of workers with at least one disability worked in a STEM job. That includes people with degrees, people without degrees, people just starting their careers, and people close to retiring.
Do you like solving problems, building things, or thinking through tough puzzles? Are you looking for a new high-paying job in a growing field? Or did you really enjoy your science and math classes in school? Then you might be right for a job in STEM, and you can start preparing right away!
Explore STEMM-Up Training Modules: The materials below were developed for the STEMM-Up program, which was a STEM job readiness program that closed in August 2025.
Hear from STEM workers with disabilities as they share challenges the faces, how the overcame them, and what motivates them to succeed.
Learn the best ways you can prepare for informational interviews, workplace visits, job shadowing, internships, and other changes to explore careers.
Get ready to look for, apply to, and interview for jobs. Then, learn more about your rights as a worker and how working could affect any benefits you receive.
Reach out to MRS today and we can help you:
Email: LEO-MRS-CustomerAssistance@michigan.gov
Customer assistance telephone number: 1-517-241-5324, or toll free: 1-800-605-6722
