Alabama STEM Scene Attracts the Best and Brightest in the Field
STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, provides bountiful employment openings across Alabama. In fact, the STEM scene continues to grow and attract stars in these fields, not only in major hubs, such as Huntsville and Birmingham, but also in every corner of this great state. Highly educated in-state graduates are taking note of this burgeoning job market and are seizing workforce opportunities right here at home. With prosperous pay, welcoming locals that support these businesses, and a flourishing quality of life, Alabama is both evolving and attracting the best of the STEM sector.
Education
The STEM workforce offers a diverse career path with employment in many different markets. Technology is taking on an increased role for many industries looking to develop their brands in a global economy, meaning STEM opportunities will only grow in the future. Job qualifications can range from high school graduates to those with doctorate degrees, but it is somewhere in between that most in-state openings are found. Of STEM employees in Alabama, 47.2% have a bachelor’s degree, and 27.4% are high school graduates with technical training. These varied STEM employment offerings further show tremendous workforce development taking place in Alabama, with workers clamoring to be in a flexible field full of demand and positive imminent prospects. In the state, STEM employees also make 26% more money than those with similar education levels in other fields.
Alabama is doing its part in assisting state colleges and universities with the development of special programs for graduates entering a STEM field. For example, UTeach Alabama is a new state program aimed at addressing STEM teacher shortages by providing a curriculum that allows college students to obtain a STEM degree and teacher certification simultaneously. Recognizing demand, creating field-specific opportunities, and putting these new resources in place are other ways Alabama is leading the STEM charge.
Computer Science
As more professions require a STEM skill set, Alabama is also seeing an increase in the study of computer science. This surge is occurring because Alabama is one of the top states financing student preparation programs, such as Computer Science for Alabama program (CS4Alabama). Recently, enrollment in computer science courses has nearly quintupled at institutions, such as UAB, a positive development in fostering the education of Alabama students interested in joining a STEM workforce.
International companies have noticed of Alabama’s commitment to STEM education, many of which recently formed operations in the state. Currently, over 700 international businesses are operating in Alabama, leading to unprecedented job growth. In fact, employment tied to international investment has been quickly outpacing the state’s employment growth rate. Much of this demand is STEM-related, and companies are offering higher pay with more incentives to compete for in-demand STEM workers.
Aerospace
Alabama is synonymous with aerospace, being home to over 300 aerospace companies, employing over 14,000 aerospace manufacturing workers, and exporting roughly 1.7 billion in parts and equipment last year. Naturally, the state is a national leader in employing aerospace engineers (3,900) and those working in aerospace and defense (6,100+). The state also hosts Cummings Research Park, the second-largest Research and Technology Park in the United States. With a storied history of involvement in the aerospace and aviation industry, Alabama continues to see STEM job growth across many different areas of the aerospace sector. Well-known companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, are constantly looking to hire Alabama’s best and brightest.
Techology
The state of Alabama is quickly becoming a prominent destination for professionals in the technology field, providing a multitude of high-tech job opportunities throughout the region. With its successful tech ecosystem and business-friendly environment, Alabama has successfully enticed many businesses from countless industries, such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and healthcare. Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile have a booming tech sector, but in this modern age, virtually every city, small town, and community also has a need for tech workers. This necessity is particularly true in places like Tuscaloosa, where the bustling automotive industry is always looking for skilled employees who can work in these areas, such as their connected technologies or electric vehicle divisions. Whether the job calls for an engineer, software developer, or data analyst, technology-based STEM openings are on the rise.
Start a Career in STEM Today
Alabama is calling. For more information on the State of Alabama’s sustained job growth and unprecedented success, along with insights to the limitless opportunities and high quality of life that working in Alabama affords its residents, explore the All in Alabama and learn more today.