Choosing the right senior high track can feel overwhelming, especially with an eye on the future job market. If you’re considering a science-related path, you might be curious about the highest paying jobs in STEM strand careers and how picking STEM could shape your opportunities. In the Philippines, the STEM strand (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is known for leading to some of the most in-demand and well-paid professions.
This article will walk you through what the STEM strand is, its advantages, the highest paying STEM jobs Philippines has to offer, and how flexible education can help you reach your career goals.
What is the STEM Strand?
The STEM strand is one of the academic tracks in the Philippine senior high school curriculum that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It’s designed to prepare students for college courses and careers in science and tech fields.
In fact, the STEM strand in the Philippines is one of the four SHS tracks under the K–12 program, emphasizing advanced math, scientific research, and analytical thinking. This means STEM students take specialized subjects like calculus, physics, biology, and chemistry to build a strong foundation for STEM-related degrees in college.
By senior high graduation, a STEM student will have been exposed to rigorous coursework and practical labs that mimic real scientific and engineering challenges. Why does this matter? A solid STEM education opens the door to numerous high-demand careers.
STEM professionals also tend to earn significantly more, highlighting the strand’s potential to lead you to lucrative jobs.
Advantages of the STEM Strand
Why choose STEM strand? Let’s break down some benefits that make STEM an attractive choice for senior high school students:
High-Demand, Lucrative Careers
The STEM strand prepares you for industries where skilled professionals are in huge demand. For example, the Philippines will need over 1.8 million engineers by 2025 across sectors like construction, technology, and manufacturing. In practical terms, that demand translates to competitive salaries and plenty of job openings.
STEM graduates often enter fields with higher starting pay than other tracks. Mechanical engineers in the Philippines can earn around ₱48,000 per month (and significantly more abroad), while fields such as IT and data science also offer premium pay.
It’s no surprise many of the highest paying STEM jobs worldwide, from software architects to petroleum engineers, command six-figure salaries in dollars.
If you’re weighing your options, understanding the difference between the STEM vs non-STEM strands can clarify how much higher the pay potential in STEM can be.
Builds Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
The STEM curriculum isn’t just about memorizing formulas; it’s about learning how to think. You’ll be encouraged to analyze problems logically, break them down into parts, and find creative solutions. This focus on critical thinking and hands-on problem-solving prepares you to tackle real-world issues.
Educators note that STEM education builds essential skills like creativity, “futures-thinking,” and problem-solving that benefit you personally and help drive innovation in society.
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Applications
In STEM, concepts come to life through experiments, projects, and lab work. Whether it’s dissecting a frog in Biology or programming a simple robot, you get practical experience applying theories to real situations. This not only makes learning more enjoyable and engaging but also provides a glimpse into the work of scientists, doctors, or engineers in the field.
By the time you finish senior high, you’ll have a toolkit of experiences, from conducting experiments to designing simple machines, that can give you a head start in college courses.
Opportunities for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Because STEM exposes you to cutting-edge technology and scientific discoveries, it can spark ideas for new inventions or businesses. Many tech startups and innovations come from people with STEM backgrounds who spotted a problem and knew how to solve it using science or tech.
By choosing STEM, you’re not just preparing to join the workforce, you could eventually help shape it. (It’s no wonder many industry-changing entrepreneurs and researchers have STEM training.) If you have an inventive or entrepreneurial spirit, STEM will nurture that by letting you work on projects and research that could someday evolve into real innovations.
These are just a few of the reasons why choose STEM strand over other tracks. In summary, STEM offers a strong mix of intellectual challenge and practical rewards. You gain skills that are in demand everywhere, and you position yourself for some of the best-paying careers in the future.
Highest Paying Job Opportunities for STEM Strand Students in the Philippines
One of the biggest reasons students consider STEM is the promise of well-paying jobs. In fact, a recent survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that the top ten highest-paying jobs in the country are all STEM-related.
That’s an eye-opener, it means if you aim for a STEM career, you’re already targeting fields with the best salaries. Let’s look at some of the highest paying STEM jobs in the Philippines and what they entail:
Aircraft Pilot – ₱135,000/month
Pilots lead the pack in Philippine salaries. Flying commercial aircraft requires intensive STEM knowledge – from understanding aerodynamics to mastering advanced navigation technology – and the responsibility comes with top-tier pay.
Pilots typically study aviation (often after a STEM senior high background) and undergo rigorous training, but the reward is a high-flying career literally and financially.
Software Developer / Software Engineer – ₱70,000/month
The tech industry is booming, and software developers are in high demand. These are the people who create the apps, software, and systems we use daily. In the Philippines, software development roles rank among the highest-paying STEM jobs.
With tech startups and IT firms growing, experienced developers can earn even more, especially if you specialize in areas like AI or cloud computing.
For instance, a DevOps Engineer can earn around ₱850,000–₱1.5M per year, and software engineers about ₱750,000–₱1.2M per year.
Mathematician / Actuary / Statistician – ₱50,000–₱70,000+/ month
If you love numbers, this path pays off. Actuaries and statisticians use math to analyze data and assess risk (common in insurance, finance, or government planning). They are highly valued for their ability to predict trends and inform big decisions.
Mathematicians and actuaries make around ₱69,000 monthly, and statisticians about ₱51,000. Similarly, data scientists/analysts, a modern spin-off of this field, can earn ₱720,000–₱1.2M annually in the Philippines.
These careers may require a college degree in mathematics, statistics, or data science after senior high school, but the investment can lead to a well-paying and stable profession.
Medical Practitioners (Doctors) –₱50,000–₱57,000/month for general practitioners; higher for specialists
The road to becoming a doctor is long (you’ll go from STEM strand to pre-med in college, then medical school), but it’s one of the most respected and well-paid careers. Specialists like surgeons, cardiologists, or anesthesiologists earn top salaries (often significantly more than the averages above).
Even general practitioners in the Philippines are among the top earners with about ₱51,000–₱57,000 monthly. STEM strand gives you a strong science foundation (in biology, chemistry, physics) that you need to pass entrance tests and handle the tough pre-med coursework.
Engineers – ₱48,000–₱63,000/month (can vary by specialization)
Engineering careers are classic STEM jobs that offer well-paying opportunities. From civil and mechanical engineers to electrical and computer engineers, these professionals design and build the infrastructure and technology around us.
Production Supervisors and General Foremen (often engineering management roles) earn at around ₱63,000 monthly, and Applications Programmers (software engineers) at about ₱58,000.
Fields like petroleum engineering or aerospace engineering, though smaller in the Philippines, are internationally known for very high pay. As an engineer, your salary will grow with experience and if you gain specialized skills or licenses. Plus, engineers often have opportunities to work abroad for even higher salaries if they choose.
These examples show the highest paying job opportunities for STEM strand graduates are quite diverse – ranging from pilots and doctors to IT experts and engineers. What they all share is a strong STEM skillset and a college degree or training that builds on the STEM strand foundation from high school.
Keep in mind, salary figures can vary based on experience, location, and the company. The key takeaway is that by following the STEM track, you’re lining yourself up for careers that not only are rewarding intellectually, but also financially.
How OEd SHS Can Help You Succeed in STEM
Embarking on the STEM track is exciting, but you might be wondering how to get the best STEM education available. This is where OEd Senior High School (OEd SHS) comes in. OEd SHS is a fully accredited, senior high online program that offers the STEM strand through a flexible learning platform.
Unlike traditional schools, OEd SHS provides a flexible education that can fit your lifestyle. Here’s how it can help future STEM professionals:
Learn Anytime, Anywhere
With OEd’s online senior high program, you aren’t tied to a daily commute or a rigid timetable. All you need is a computer and internet connection to access your classes, lectures, and assignments. This flexibility is perfect for STEM subjects that sometimes require extra study time or review – you can rewind video lectures in calculus or re-read your biology module as much as you need.
It’s a truly flexible education model, ideal for independent learners or those with busy schedules.
Comprehensive STEM Curriculum
OEd SHS covers the same STEM strand in the Philippines curriculum outlined by DepEd, so you will take all the required specialized subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Pre-Calculus, just as you would in a traditional school.
The difference is you’ll be doing it through an interactive online platform. OEd provides multimedia lessons, virtual labs, and digital resources to make learning engaging.
Need help? Teachers and mentors are just a message or video call away. You’ll get a quality education that meets national standards, preparing you well for college entrance exams and STEM courses.
Support and Guidance
Studying online doesn’t mean you’re on your own. OEd SHS offers ample support for students. There are discussion boards, chat support, and scheduled consultations where you can ask teachers about tricky topics.
You’ll also join an online community of fellow STEM students – so you can share insights, form study groups, and motivate each other. OEd’s educators understand the challenges of STEM and are trained to guide students through the tougher parts of the curriculum.
Whether it’s mastering a complex formula or planning a science investigatory project, you’ll have guidance every step of the way.
College and Career Preparation
OEd SHS doesn’t just teach you textbook lessons; it also helps you prepare for what’s next. The school offers resources for college admissions (like information on universities and scholarship opportunities) and even basic career orientation.
By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to apply to your dream STEM course in college and what that career might require. OEd SHS molds you into a confident, college-ready student. And since you’ve learned to be self-motivated and tech-savvy through online learning, those are bonus skills highly valued in modern workplaces.
Most importantly, OEd Senior High School’s online setup gives you a taste of the future. In many universities and jobs today, being comfortable with technology and online communication is a must.
By studying in a digital environment now, you’re getting ahead of the curve. Flexible, self-paced learning can make you more responsible and proactive – qualities that will set you apart in any STEM career you choose.
Step into Your STEM Future with OEd SHS
The STEM strand offers an incredible opportunity into the world of science and technology, and to eventually land in some of the highest paying jobs in the Philippines.
For senior high students (and their parents) planning ahead, the message is clear: STEM is a smart investment in your future. It equips you with skills that are in demand worldwide, and it keeps many doors open, whether you aim to be an IT whiz, a doctor, an engineer, or a researcher.
Now, the next step is getting the right education to reach those goals. That’s where OEd Senior High School can be your partner. OEd SHS offers a senior high online program unlike traditional schools. It’s learner-centric, flexible, and attuned to the needs of today’s digital generation. You won’t have to worry about strand mismatches or rigid schedules.
Take the leap and enroll in OEd Senior High School’s STEM strand program. With OEd SHS, you’ll gain a top-notch STEM education on your terms, empowering you to chase your dreams and succeed.
