Science, tech jobs see better pay, government study finds

Jobs in science, technology, engineering and math fields pay an average 26% more than other occupations and grew three times faster the past decade, according to a Commerce Department study to be released July 14.

The Obama Administration is citing the report partly to put numbers behind its push to invest more to increase jobs in so-called STEM fields. Many employers lament a dire shortage of highly skilled workers despite 9.2% unemployment. The study is partly an effort to bolster the case for federal investments in training for these occupations even as Republicans in Congress seek big spending cuts to pare the massive U.S. deficit. Commerce officials say STEM skills also are vital for the U.S. to compete in a global marketplace that places a growing premium on innovation.