While pay remains important for STEM professionals, job security is as well, according to a study by Specialist Staffing Group. It found 53% of STEM professionals globally consider job retention more important than a higher salary. Only 16% disagreed with that sentiment.

Among STEM works in the US, 63% said keeping their current job or contract was more important to them then a higher salary, with only 15% disagreeing.

“Our latest study ‘How the STEM World Evolves’ underscores that STEM professionals in the US are driven by more than their paycheck,” Sunny Ackerman, president of Specialist Staffing Group, said in a press release.

It also found that purpose is the key driver in STEM professionals’ careers cited by 81% of STEM workers globally. In the US, that increased to 90%.

Diversity also proved of importance with 62% of STEM professionals globally desiring to work for organizations that are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workplace. However, the study noted this is more important to permanent professionals, 63%, than to contractors, 50%.

Interest is also a factor with 51% of global STEM professionals saying they would rather work on projects they find personally interesting, whereas only 32% would rather earn a bigger salary/rate.

Specialist Staffing Group also asked about AI and found 34% of STEM professionals globally are worried about losing their jobs to AI and automation.

“AI and automation are causing a lot of excitement and nervousness about their impact on the global workforce,” Specialist Staffing Group CEO Timo Lehne said. “As these technologies become a part of everyday life, it is important to understand how professionals may feel threatened and what they can do about it.”

Specialist Staffing Group’s survey included more than 2,300 participants in Germany, the Netherlands, US, UK and Japan. It noted 501 respondents came from the US with 89% in permanent employment and 11% self-employed or working contractors.