People in STEM careers have a better standard of living

Emma Finamore
Last updated 04 Mar 2019

They're over two and a half times more likely to be working in their "dream career" too.

New research shows that those who’ve studied or who work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers have a better standard of living than their peers.

The research, conducted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), found that those who’ve pursued STEM in their education or career earn more, get on the property ladder quicker and save more than those who haven’t pursued STEM subjects.

A third (34%) of those who studied or work in STEM earn between £41,000 to £100,000 per annum, compared with just 7% of non-STEM workers. Over four times as many workers with a STEM background (51.5%) also started their careers with a salary of over £21,000, compared to only 11.3% of those in non-technical careers.

Those from a STEM pathway are over two and a half times more likely than non-STEM respondents to be working in their dream career.

Nearly three quarters (73%) of the STEM respondents own a property, compared with 52% of the non-STEM contingent. STEM workers were also more likely to save money with the majority (62%) being able to save 10-20% of each month’s salary, compared with the majority of non-STEM workers (75%) being able to save between 0-10% of theirs.

Those from a STEM pathway are over two and a half times more likely than non-STEM respondents to be working in their dream career.

It is well documented that the UK faces a nationwide skills shortage. 203,000 people with engineering skills will be required each year to meet demand through to 2024, but it’s estimated that there will be an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers and technicians to fill these roles.

Nigel Fine, IET chief executive, said: “Studying STEM subjects has many benefits, from higher earnings to greater job satisfaction. Along with the nationwide skills shortage and the government’s focus on the Year of Engineering, there’s never been a better reason to get excited about a career in STEM.”

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