These are the best jobs in science, technology, engineering and math.
STEM jobs vary widely. The highly trained workers in these professions may commute to offices, laboratories, classrooms or hospitals. They may design devices, balance budgets or consult with clients. The following STEM jobs ranked highest in the U.S. News 2016 Best Jobs rankings on measures such as salary, unemployment rate and potential job growth.
25. Computer Programmer
Median Salary: $77,550
Unemployment Rate: 2.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: -26,500
Computer programmers write the code that allows software programs to run.
Learn more about computer programmers.
24. Cost Estimator
Median Salary: $60,050
Unemployment Rate: 3.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 18,700
Cost estimators analyze data to determine the time and resources necessary to manufacture a product or complete a building project.
Learn more about cost estimators.
23. Financial Analyst
Median Salary: $78,620
Unemployment Rate: 2.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 32,300
Financial analysts work long hours, advising clients on how and when to buy and sell investments, while keeping up to date on financial news.
Learn more about financial analysts.
22. Logistician
Median Salary: $73,870
Unemployment Rate: 1.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 2,500
These experts coordinate with a range of parties to accomplish a task, from aiding in disaster relief to ensuring quick deliveries to customers.
Learn more about logisticians.
21. Biochemist
Median Salary: $84,940
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 2,800
Biochemists are experts in the chemical processes of living organisms, often working in research labs, offices or for colleges and universities.
Learn more about biochemists.
20. Epidemiologist/Medical Scientist
Median Salary: $67,420
Unemployment Rate: 3.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 400
These medical specialists are experts in tracking and analyzing infections, typically working in hospitals, labs, universities or for health insurers and other medical companies.
Learn more about epidemiologists and medical scientists.
19. Computer Systems Administrator
Median Salary: $75,790
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 30,200
These tech workers identify and fix network issues and make updates to equipment and software.
Learn more about computer systems administrators.
18. Civil Engineer
Median Salary: $82,050
Unemployment Rate: 2.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 23,600
Civil engineers design, build and maintain construction projects, which may include roads, bridges and tunnels.
Learn more about civil engineers.
17. Financial Manager
Median Salary: $115,320
Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 37,700
Financial managers oversee their employer’s finances, write reports and ensure that their boss is complying with various laws and regulations.
Learn more about financial managers.
16. Computer Support Specialist
Median Salary: $61,830
Unemployment Rate: 3.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 88,800
These specialists come to the rescue to diagnose and troubleshoot computer problems.
Learn more about computer support specialists.
15. Actuary
Median Salary: $96,700
Unemployment Rate: 4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 4,400
These numbers experts measure and analyze the financial consequences of risk.
Learn more about actuaries.
14. Database Administrator
Median Salary: $80,280
Unemployment Rate: 2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 13,400
DBAs set up databases according to a company’s needs and ensure that they operate efficiently and securely.
Learn more about database administrators.
13. Environmental Engineer
Median Salary: $80,890
Unemployment Rate: 0.9 percent
Expected Job Openings: 6,800
These engineers use their training to solve environmental problems, including formulating fixes for issues with recycling, waste disposal and pollution.
Learn more about environmental engineers.
12. Mechanical Engineer
Median Salary: $83,060
Unemployment Rate: 1.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,600
These engineers may work in a range of industries, designing, building and testing mechanical and other devices.
Learn more about mechanical engineers.
11. Industrial Psychologist
Median Salary: $76,950
Unemployment Rate: 1.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 400
These professionals apply psychological theories to issues within the workplace, including human resources, sales and marketing problems.
Learn more about industrial psychologists.
10. Mathematician
Median Salary: $103,720
Unemployment Rate: 4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 700
Mathematicians crunch numbers and analyze outcomes while working in a range of math-related jobs, including teaching and research.
Learn more about mathematicians.
9. Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $88,890
Unemployment Rate: 1.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 14,800
These technology professionals safeguard a company’s computer systems and networks, shielding them from data breaches and cyberattacks.
Learn more about information security analysts.
8. Financial Advisor
Median Salary: $81,060
Unemployment Rate: 3.3 percent
Expected Job Openings: 73,900
These money experts advise clients on their finances, from investing in a retirement plan to budgeting for a child’s education.
Learn more about financial advisors.
7. IT Manager
Median Salary: $127,640
Unemployment Rate: 1.8 percent
Expected Job Openings: 53,700
These professionals help organizations manage their technology systems, including installing system updates and negotiating with vendors.
Learn more about IT managers.
6. Biomedical Engineer
Median Salary: $86,950
Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 5,100
These experts bring their engineering skills to the medical field, designing, researching and creating devices used in health care.
Learn more about biomedical engineers.
5. Accountant
Median Salary: $65,940
Unemployment Rate: 3.2 percent
Expected Job Openings: 142,400
Accountants inspect financial records, with potential employers including government agencies, private corporations, nonprofits and individual clients.
Learn more about accountants.
4. Web Developer
Median Salary: $63,490
Unemployment Rate: 3.4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 39,500
Web developers build websites, working with software applications or writing code to finish the job.
Learn more about Web developers.
3. Statistician
Median Salary: $79,990
Unemployment Rate: 4 percent
Expected Job Openings: 10,100
Statisticians use data to make decisions, including collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from their number-crunching.
Learn more about statisticians.
2. Software Developer
Median Salary: $95,510
Unemployment Rate: 2.5 percent
Expected Job Openings: 135,300
Software developers design computer programs, often flexing their creative muscles and technical know-how.
Learn more about software developers.
1. Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $82,710
Unemployment Rate: 2.6 percent
Expected Job Openings: 118,600
These experts help companies evaluate and improve their computer systems.
Learn more about computer systems analysts.
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The 25 Best STEM Jobs of 2016 originally appeared on usnews.com
