The $15,000 difference between liberal arts and STEM graduates’ salaries is what draws students into picking a STEM major instead of a liberal arts major. Despite the growing numbers of STEM graduates and jobs, they remain the highest-paying majors.
Because of the rise of AI and technological advancements, the demand for tech workers continues to surge. Jobs such as cybersecurity analysts and software developers are projected to increase by at least 25% between 2021 and 2031, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Both earn an average salary of at least $100,000.
“I think a lot of people are choosing STEM majors because they make more [money],” senior Breanna Pettway-Mobley said. “It’s a good field to go into since so many jobs related [to STEM] are opening up.”
STEM jobs are expected to grow 15% between 2021 through 2031. In a recent study analyzed by Smart Asset, occupations involving architecture and engineering are the second fastest-growing STEM jobs, being that occupations involving computer and mathematics are the fastest-growing within the STEM workforce.
“Since everything is technology-based now, it’s not hard to find a job based in STEM,” UNF student Emily Truong said. “And because of that, I think lots of people want to major in [a] STEM [field]. Plus, the pay is good.”
Those earning more than $80,000 tend to have STEM degrees, according to Inside Higher Ed. Furthermore, the increase in STEM jobs is expected to outgrow non-STEM jobs in the upcoming years making those in the STEM field more likely to find a job with a high-paying salary.
