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The STEM Labor Force: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers

The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce consists of 36.8 million U.S. workers, accounting for 24% of the total U.S. workforce. Between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of workers in STEM occupations increased from 22% to 24% of U.S. workers. More than half of these workers (52%) did not have a bachelor’s degree and were therefore classified as the skilled technical workforce (STW). Employment rates for STEM workers decreased less between 2019 and 2021 (88% to 86%) than non-STEM workers (83% to 79%). These and similar trends are discussed in The STEM Labor Force: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers report that the National Science Board published today. 

This report is part of the 2024 edition of the congressionally mandated Science and Engineering Indicators report on the state of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise, prepared by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics under NSB guidance.

The STEM Labor Force: Scientists, Engineers, and Skilled Technical Workers is the final of ten 2024 Science and Engineering Indicators reports.

The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2024

This summary report, The State of U.S. Science and Engineering, details key findings from the nine thematic reports that make up Indicators, providing in-depth data and information on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all degree levels; the STEM workforce; public perceptions and awareness of science and technology; U.S. and international research and development performance; invention, knowledge transfer, and innovation; and U.S. competitiveness in high-technology industries.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INDICATORS

Science and Engineering Indicators is a Congressionally mandated suite of products on the state of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise. The reports are prepared by the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics under the National Science Board’s guidance.

NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 charged the National Science Board (NSB) with two roles: governing board of the NSF and advisor to Congress and the President on policy matters related to STEM research and STEM education. Selected for their distinguished service and accomplishments in academia, government, and the private sector, the Board’s 24 presidentially appointed members are leaders in STEM research and education.

NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING STATISTICS

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), within the U.S. National Science Foundation, is the nation's leading provider of statistical data on the U.S. science and engineering enterprise. As a principal federal statistical agency, NCSES serves as a clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, analysis, and dissemination of objective science and engineering data.