Making any big change is intimidating, but switching to a new line of work is especially tense. You’re wracked with questions like:
- Am I making the right choice?
- Will my new job pay well?
- And will my new profession be stable in the future?
If you’re already in STEM or thinking about making the shift, there are a number of tech jobs that can provide higher salaries, job security, and a chance to make an impact.
Take a look at some of the fastest growing STEM jobs in 2025 and find your chance to make a satisfying change.
1.) AI Engineer
AI is here to stay. That’s why organizations need STEM professionals who possess AI experience, grasp various use cases, and understand its limitations. Though most positions will eventually need to incorporate AI-powered tools in their roles, AI engineers have the holistic view needed to drive sustainable transformations, which is driving compensation through the roof:
Better yet, professionals who can function as a “human-AI hybrid” will be better equipped to maximize the speed and accuracy of technology with the creativity and empathy of people. That mindset will be fundamental to efficient and ethical AI implementation.
Top AI Skills to Learn
Python – This general-purpose, object-oriented coding language is widely used within the AI field. It’s the foundation for ChatGPT and other open source tools.
PyTorch – This Python-based deep learning framework offers AI engineers a flexible, intuitive, research-friendly, industry-standard.
R – This coding language is perfect for statistical analysis and data visualization, which is essential if you’re going to be involved in more complicated statistical modeling.
2.) Data Engineer
Data is the backbone of the business world. Professionals who can unlock greater quality, accuracy, efficiency, and actionability across enterprise data are absolutely vital. In fact, compensation is rising as AI applications and mature data strategies become table stakes:
Data engineers who possess a broader set of technical skills rather than specialization in niche tools will be the most appealing to business leaders. Moreover, companies increasingly want data-centric thinkers in the C-Suite. A SignalFire survey finds that data engineers see some of the fastest rates of progression into leadership roles.
Top Data Skills to Learn
Python – Again, this programming language is perfect for processing data, creating automations, and working within big data frameworks.
AWS, GCP, and/or Azure – The three largest cloud providers are essential for their scalable storage, powerful processing, and integration with a range of other tools. Choosing one or all three will shape your opportunities.
Apache Spark and/or Hadoop – No matter which you choose, you need to learn a framework that can help you manage and process large volumes of data at the scale and speed of business needs.
3.) Cybersecurity Engineer
The average data breach now costs $4.88 million, which can easily bankrupt organizations. As AI lowers the bar for cybercrime, the demand for cybersecurity experts is only going to spike.
As a result, we’re seeing compensation trends for cybersecurity professionals easily reach these benchmarks:
More than just looking for cybersecurity engineers, organizations are leaders who can stretch the capacity of cybersecurity tools within the confines of finite budgets.
Top Cybersecurity Skills to Learn
CompTIA Security+ – This entry-level certification conveys you know the fundamentals across mobile, cloud, and IoT security as well as how to stay compliant under existing regulations.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – A high standard among cybersecurity certificates, CISSP indicates you can design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.
Certified Ethical Hacker – This certification demonstrates that you can think like an adversary, running penetration testing or red team drills to uncover vulnerabilities.
4.) DevOps Engineer
Faster, smoother, and more efficient are the goals of any software development team. Through the work of DevOps engineers, organizations can achieve them while also aligning with the overall objectives of the business.
The ability of DevOps engineers to accelerate release cycles and reduce system downtime makes them essential, as reflected in their high compensation:
If you can demonstrate how your expertise reduces human error, improves system stability, and accelerates time to market, you’ll have a surplus of potential offers.
Top DevOps Skills to Learn
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment – This practice is integral to any DevOps professionals, creating processes for automating delivery, improving deployment, and ensuring rapid and reliable releases.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) – This approach to automation gives you the skills to write code that can configure servers, networks, and databases without the need for manual action.
Containerization – With tools like Kubernetes and Docker, DevOps engineers can deploy applications in a scalable, consistent, and efficient way across environments.
Is It Time to Pursue a New Opportunity?
If you’re currently working in or plan on working in one of these STEM roles, then your career outlook for 2025 is great. That said, you still might encounter obstacles as you search for your next position.
Candidates are still experiencing long searches and encountering all-too-frustrating ghost jobs. If you’re looking for tips for new job search or how to work with a recruiter, take a look at our resources to gain an understanding of the current landscape. It might simplify your search, whether you’re looking now or after you finish your degree.
Are you looking to find a role in one of the fastest growing STEM jobs in 2025? Check out our latest opportunities and apply for the positions that fit your career.
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