Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities 2023 | NSF

STEM Median Wage and Salary Earnings Overview Employment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has a positive impact on the pocketbook. Median wage and salary earnings​ are higher for those working in STEM than in non-STEM occupations, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or disability status. Additionally, within the STEM workforce, higher education translates into higher pay. For all demographic groups of STEM workers, those with a bachelor’s degree or higher have higher median earnings than those without college degrees. However, pay disparities exist in the STEM workforce. Female STEM workers earn less than male STEM workers. Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and American Indian or Alaska Native STEM workers earn less than White and Asian STEM workers. STEM workers with disabilities earn less than those without disabilities. Various factors contribute to earnings differences.​ Sex, race, ethnicity, and disability status are examined here by using d...