The "STEM Dominance" Gap

BLS Employment Growth Projections 2024–2034
Healthcare (Patient-Facing)
Nurse Practitioners
+35%
Medical Scientists
+9%
Registered Nurses
+5%
Tech & Data Science
Data Scientists
+36%
Info Security Analysts
+33%
Software Developers
+18%
Laboratory & R&D
Biochemists/Biophysicists
+6%
Chemists
+5%
Microbiologists
+4%
Biological Technicians
+3%
Clinical Lab Technicians
+2%
Skilled Trades (Context)
Electricians
+9%
Plumbers
+4%
Lawyers
+4%
Reference
All Occupations (Avg)
+3%
Healthcare (Patient-Facing)
Tech & Data Science
Laboratory & R&D
Skilled Trades
All Occupations Average (+3%)
The story: Lab and R&D roles (chemists, microbiologists, bio techs) are growing at or below the national average — on par with plumbers and lawyers. The "STEM dominance" narrative is being carried by data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, and patient-facing healthcare roles — not bench scientists.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024–2034
bls.gov/emp/ | Occupational Outlook Handbook