A list of top jobs for those pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
1. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Top skills: communication, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $85,270
Percent growth: 15.1 (projected percent increase from 2008 to 2018)
Annual openings: 4,000
2. Computer network architects
Top skills: equipment use/maintenance, science, technology/programming
Annual earnings: $75,660
Percent growth: 53.4
Annual openings: 20,830
3. Civil engineers
Top skills: management, mathematics, science
Annual earnings: $77,560
Percent growth: 24.3
Annual openings: 11,460
4. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Top skills: mathematics, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $76,700
Percent growth: 40.4
Annual openings: 6,620
5. Environmental engineers
Top skills: mathematics, science, thought-processing
Annual earnings: $78,740
Percent growth: 30.6
Annual openings: 2,790