5 Great STEM Careers That Let You Travel

STEM careers are all the rage right now, and with so many exciting roles to choose from it can be difficult to decide on which path to take; however, if you love to travel then you might be able to narrow the list down quite a bit. Today, we’re going to talk about some great, high-paying STEM careers that let you travel while you work. Let’s begin.

Archaeologist

If you enjoy the hands-on approach to studying history, a career as an archaeologist might be right up your alley. Archaeologists play a crucial role in uncovering and understanding our past, meticulously excavating various sites, analyzing artifacts, and studying historical records to piece together the stories of ancient civilizations. You may also publish your findings in scientific journals, magazines, and textbooks. The best part is, you’ll be traveling to all kinds of locations around the world.

If you’re interested in a career as an archaeologist, you can get started with a bachelor’s degree; however, this is one of those careers where the more time you put into your education, the further you can go. For instance, with a PhD you can land a position in academia, government, or in private consulting firms, which will earn you a higher salary. The average salary range for an archaeologist is anywhere between $40,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on factors such as your education, location, and the projects you’re working on.

Geoscientist

Geoscience is a rather broad field in which you’ll typically be responsible for studying the composition, structure, and processes of planet Earth to not only uncover its history, but to help better predict future changes. Since fieldwork is a huge component to being a geoscientist, you’ll find yourself traveling to all kinds of exotic places around the world, from arid deserts all the way to the icy landscapes of the Arctic.

Similar to our last entry, you get out what you put in when it comes to geoscience. A bachelor’s degree in geoscience, physical science, or a related field will get your foot in the door, but those who go the distance and obtain a master’s degree or a PhD might get more mileage out of their career. As a geoscientist, you can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000 a year, depending on your role and your level of education.

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists, also sometimes known as field technicians, provide essential technical assistance, support, and advice to individuals and organizations that are facing issues with hardware, software, or network systems. In addition to trouble shooting, these professionals may also conduct educational seminars on best practices for computer use and safety in an effort to mitigate future issues.

As a computer support specialist, you’ll often have the opportunity to travel to different locations to help install, maintain, or troubleshoot computer systems. You may not be traveling to too many exotic locations in comparison to some of the other entries on this list, but you won’t always be stuck in the same office all day, either. To become a computer support specialist, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. In this role you can expect to make anywhere between $40,000 to $80,000 per year.

Traveling Nurse

Traveling nurses are healthcare professionals who provide their expertise to various medical facilities across the country, often filling in when there are shortages or increased demand. Most often, they work on short-term assignments in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. These assignments can last anywhere between 8 to 26 weeks on average. In this role, you’ll be providing patient care, administering medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

As the name suggests, traveling nurses often find themselves going from place to place, and in certain cases, they may be able to choose from a variety of assignments at will. To get started in a career as a traveling nurse you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and you’ll also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. As a traveling nurse, you’ll be making between $70,000 and $120,000 a year, depending on factors such as your level of experience and the location.

Traveling Engineer

In the spirit of adding “traveling” in front of job titles, next we’ve got traveling engineers. Traveling engineers are specialized professionals who bring their technical expertise to various projects and locations, addressing critical needs in a diverse range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and energy. Traveling engineers often take on short-term projects that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Aside from the traveling aspect, this career is identical to normal engineering roles. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the installation of new equipment, optimizing production processes, and conducting site assessments. To become a traveling engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, and at least a few years of experience under your belt. In this role, you can expect to make anywhere between $70,000 and $130,000 per year.

The careers on this list often require an individual to be highly adaptable and capable of quickly adjusting to new environments, circumstances, and even team members. The reward in traveling for work is the opportunity to experience diverse locations, cultures, and people around the world, all while earning a nice paycheck! Indeed, a career in a traveling STEM role can be exciting and highly rewarding.