The median annual wage for STEM occupations is $103,580, more than double the $46,310 median for all occupations. Software developers earn a median of $130,160, while data scientists earn $108,020. STEM workers earn 124% more than non-STEM workers on average.

Women comprise only 28% of the STEM workforce. Representation varies by field: 47% in life sciences but only 26% in computing and 15% in engineering. Women earn only 22% of computer science bachelor's degrees, down from 37% in 1984.

While 74% of middle school girls express interest in STEM, only 18% pursue STEM in college. Research points to lack of role models, stereotype threat, and gender bias in classrooms.

Underrepresented minorities hold only 13% of STEM jobs. Black workers hold 8% of computing jobs despite being 11% of the workforce. Hispanic students earn 15% of STEM degrees despite being 23% of the college-age population.

57% of U.S. high schools offer computer science courses, with access varying by state and school resources. 245,000 students took AP Computer Science in 2024, representing 300% growth since 2014.

48% of students who start as STEM majors switch to non-STEM fields before graduation. Completion rates show racial gaps: 63% of white STEM majors complete degrees vs. 52% of Black students.

3.5 million STEM jobs will go unfilled due to skills gaps, particularly in cybersecurity, data science, and advanced manufacturing. 1.9 million STEM job openings are posted monthly.

The U.S. ranks 25th of 37 OECD countries in math performance on PISA assessments. China produces 4.7 million STEM graduates annually (5x the U.S.), and India produces 2.6 million.

Yes, demand for STEM tutoring has grown 340% since 2019. Math and science tutoring surged post-pandemic, with coding tutoring showing the fastest growth. Only 36% of 4th graders and 31% of 8th graders are proficient in math and science.