STEM Career Pathways

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to change raw materials into everyday products in a safe and cost-effective way.

Civil engineering involves the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads, railroads, bridges, airports, dams, and water treatment systems.

Electrical engineering often overlaps with mechanical engineering but focuses on equipment that uses or produces electricity: such as motors, radar and navigation systems, power generation equipment, and communications systems.

  • Engineering Management:

    Engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies. Engineering managers can work in a variety of engineering disciplines such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and many more.

  • Environmental Engineering:

    Environmental engineering is related to civil engineering and applies principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. Environmental engineering deals with pollution prevention, sustainability, water and air quality, wastewater treatment, and land and soil restoration.

  • Industrial Engineering:

    Industrial engineering or manufacturing engineering involves figuring out how to do things better, designing manufacturing processes and systems that improve quality and productivity and reduce waste. Another name for this role is process engineering.

  • Mechanical Engineering:

    Mechanical engineers create and develop tools, engines, machines, and other moving parts for a variety of industries including aerospace, semiconductors, HVAC, alternative energy, petroleum, mining, medical devices, and nanotechnology.

Engineering uses science and technology to design and manufacture structures, machines, engines, and more.

Visit our engineering and photonics education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana engineering training programs.

Chemical Engineering

In-demand Specialties:

  • Material Engineering

  • Semiconductor Processing Engineering

Education:

Entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Employers often prefer to hire graduates of ABET-accredited engineering programs. In chemical engineering, ABET-accredited programs include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and the application of these sciences to process design and analysis.

High-Growth Jobs:

Chemical engineering is an emerging high-growth role in Montana. Read on to learn more about this rapidly growing career.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $101,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 21%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Creativity

  • Ingenuity

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Education:

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Civil engineering programs include coursework in math, physics, engineering mechanics, and construction systems. Courses may include a mix of academic learning and laboratory work. Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of civil engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in civil engineering include civil engineering technician and civil engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Civil Engineering

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $51,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 12%

    • Median MT Salary: $90,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 25%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Electrical Engineering

In-demand Specialties:

  • Computer Hardware

  • Photonics and Laser Technology

Education:

Electrical and electronics engineers need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Courses often include digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of electrical engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in electrical engineering include electrical and electronics engineering technician and electrical engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $73,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

    • Median MT Salary: $82,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 20%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Knowledge of computer programming languages Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Engineering Management

Education:

Entry-level positions in engineering management require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and extensive work experience as an engineer. The curriculum for engineering majors is challenging and requires a strong foundation in math and science, technical ability, and a strong work ethic.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in engineering management include project management specialist and architectural and engineering manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $76,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 12%

    • Median MT Salary: $108,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel for budget planning and tracking

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Leadership

  • Organization

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Education:

Entry-level environmental engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as civil, chemical, or general engineering. Programs include academic, laboratory, and fieldwork. Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of electrical engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in environmental engineering include environmental engineering technologists and technicians and environmental engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Environmental Engineering

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $41,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 21%

    • Median MT Salary: $78,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 19%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Geographic information systems and map creation software like ArcGIS

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Creativity

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Industrial Engineering

Education:

For entry-level positions as an industrial engineer, a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or industrial engineering technologies is required. However, many industrial engineers have degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or general engineering. Courses include statistics, production systems planning, and manufacturing systems design. Employers typically prefer to hire graduates of industrial engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in industrial engineering include industrial engineering technologists and technicians and industrial engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $63,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 2%

    • Median MT Salary: $80,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 36%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Industrial control software like Computer numerical control (CNC) or Human machine interface (HMI)

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Creativity

  • Critical thinking

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

In-demand Specialties:

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Automotive Engineering

  • Mechatronics Engineering

  • Robotics Engineering

Education:

Mechanical engineers need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. Mechanical engineering programs include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. Employers usually prefer to hire graduates of mechanical engineering programs accredited by ABET.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in mechanical engineering include mechanical engineer technician, mechanical engineer, and robotics engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Mechanical Engineering

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $62,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 23%

    • Median MT Salary: $80,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 25%

    • Median MT Salary: $84,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 5%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like Minitab

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Query languages like SQL to work with databases

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Creativity

  • Communication

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Writing documentation

Positions in agriculture technology apply geospatial technologies—including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)—to agricultural production or land management activities like yield mapping, pesticide application, pest scouting, variable-rate irrigation, and more.

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, or fungi. Microbiologists work in a variety of contexts, including food production, environmental science, medicine, and laboratory research.

Biotechnology combines high-tech and biology to create organic creations like sustainable farming techniques, vaccines, and clinical research to protect against deadly diseases.

Visit our biotech education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana biotech training programs.

Agriculture Technology

Education:

A 4-year bachelor’s degree in either agricultural technology or similar field of study is required for entry-level positions. Agricultural technology programs include courses in biology, chemistry, plant or animal science, and agricultural engineering.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in agricultural technology include precision agriculture technician, soil and plant scientist, remote sensing scientists and technologists, and biofuels/biodiesel technology and product development manager. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $42,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 5%

    • Median MT Salary: $62,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 7%

    • Median MT Salary: $67,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 9%

    • Median MT Salary: $108,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 8%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Data analysis tools such as AGCO GTA Software Suite or Farm Works Site Pro

  • Database user interface and query software like Ag Leader Technology SMS Advanced or SQL

  • Geographic information systems and map creation software like ArcGIS

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Detail-oriented

  • Observational

  • Strong math skills

In-demand Specialties:

  • Virology

Education:

Microbiologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or similar field. Certification and higher education can lead to greater responsibility. Ph.D. microbiologists usually lead research teams and control the direction of projects.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in microbiology include environmental scientists and specialists and microbiologist. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Microbiology

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $62,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 13%

    • Median MT Salary: $84,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 14%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software like BD Biosciences CellQuest or Laboratory information management system (LIMS)

  • Database user interface and query software like Microsoft Access and SQL

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Curiosity

  • Detail-oriented

  • Interpersonal skills

  • Perseverance

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

  • Time management

Data scientists analyze patterns and trends in datasets to uncover actionable insights. By merging skills from varied disciplines including mathematics, science, statistics, and programming, data scientists can work in a variety of industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, and more.

Data Science involves math, statistics, algorithms, machine learning, and A.I. to analyze complex data sets and obtain valuable information.

Visit our data science education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana data science training programs.

Data Science

In-demand Specialties:

  • Clinical Data

  • Machine Learning

  • Market Research

Education:

The minimum requirement for many data science jobs is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as IT, computer science, statistics, or mathematics.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in data science include digital marketing specialist, business intelligence analyst, and data scientist. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $66,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 36%

    • Median MT Salary: $75,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 16%

    • Median MT Salary: $76,000 - $128,000

    • National Growth Rate: 36%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Cloud-based computing such as Amazon Web Services

  • Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS

  • Data mining software like Google Analytics

  • Proficiency in computer programming languages like Python and SQL

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Analytical

  • Communication

  • Customer service

  • Detail-oriented

  • Problem-solving

  • Strong math skills

Green tech refers to a type of technology that is considered environmentally friendly based on its production process or its supply chain. Green tech—an abbreviation of "green technology"—can also refer to clean energy production, the use of alternative fuels, and technologies that are less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels.

Energy involves working with utilities, oil, and gas, or alternative energy like solar and wind power.

Visit our energy education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana energy training programs.

Green Technology

Education:

A career as a green technology installer or technician does not usually require a bachelor’s degree. Most of the entry-level positions in this field only require a high school diploma or a 2-year associate degree in a field related to science to begin an apprenticeship.

High-Growth Jobs:

Emerging high-growth roles in green technology include green technology installer and solar thermal installer and technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.

Suggested Montana Careers

    • Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $75,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 24%

    • Median MT Salary: $76,000

    • MT Growth Rate: 24%

Core Skills

Technical Skills

  • Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.

  • Customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce

  • Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

  • Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills

  • Comfort with heights

  • Communication

  • Critical thinking

  • Detail-oriented

  • Strong math skills

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.

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