Science is the backbone of modern society. From the devices we use on a regular basis to the medicine we take when we have a cold, everything is powered by scientific innovation. In fact, there is such a high demand in this field that the number of STEM jobs in the U.S. alone went up by 31% in the last five years. And, according to BLS data, the numbers are expected to continue surging in the future, as well.
So, to find the top metros that offer science professionals the best opportunities and wages, we examined a series of relevant metrics. Here, we include the number of STEM jobs and establishments to quantify work opportunities and where to find them; the annual wages and local prices to gauge affordability and life quality; and so on. Furthermore, to ensure a fair comparison, we also split the metros into three population categories — large, mid-sized and small. For the full list of metrics, jump to the methodology section.
To get a broader perspective on the matter, we also consulted Associate Professor Lindsay A. Gold (Department of Teacher Education, University of Dayton), Centennial Commission Professor of Liberal Arts Jennifer Glass (Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas, Austin), Professor and Co-Director for Engineering Education Aaron C. Clark (Department of STEM Education, NC State University), and Director and Associate Research Professor Michelle Van Noy (School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University).
National Outlook: South Leads Pack With Plenty of Work Opportunities for Scientists & Engineers
- Nationally, the number of STEM jobs grew 31% in the 2019-2024 timeframe, while incomes increased 19% and reached an average of almost $97,000 per year.
- The South concentrates the most top-performing STEM hubs with Washington, D.C. and Durham, NC, boasting close to 14,000 STEM establishments and having nearly 20% of all job opportunities geared towards science professionals.
- The West, led by Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, distinguishes itself with annual median earnings surpassing $126,000 and an impressive 51% surge in STEM jobs.
- In the Midwest, mid-sized and small metros like Madison, WI and Ann Arbor, MI stand out with prices almost 6% more affordable than the national threshold and low unemployment rates for BA-holders.
- In the Northeast, Burlington, VT impresses with a five-year surge of almost 38% in STEM wages, while Boston makes waves with its plethora of universities and 47 PhDs per 100,000 residents — three times the national average of 14.
With the big-picture view of STEM careers in place, it’s time to zoom in on the top locations and see what makes them attractive for scientists and researchers.
Innovation Giants: STEM Job Growth Surges in Boston and Washington, D.C., Narrowing the Gap with Established Tech Hubs
1. San Jose, CA
The heart of Silicon Valley has the highest share of science-related jobs: here, one in four jobs is located within the nearly 3,500 local STEM establishments, among which are tech giants like Google and Apple, as well as aerospace and defense companies, like BAE Systems. Since 2019, the number of jobs in this particular field has been on the rise, increasing almost 60% in the past five years.
Of course, the paychecks in Silicon Valley are also the best among large metros. In 2024, scientists working here reached an average income of a little more than $142,000 per year after an almost 31% wage increase in the last 5 years.
The tech-heavy environment is also facilitated by local initiatives, like the Science and Engineering Fair, which incentivizes young residents and sparks their interest in science-related fields. Higher education also leans heavily towards the sciences, with 39 fresh PhD diplomas per 100,000 San Jose residents — the second highest rate recorded in 2023 among large metros.
2. Boston, MA
Runner-up metro Boston stands out for its deep academic roots and high concentration of research activity. Home to several top universities, including Harvard and MIT, this metro leads the nation with 47 doctorates per 100,000 residents. What’s more, the highly educated workforce could attract even more STEM companies, thereby boosting the area’s economic development potential even further.
Professor Gold considers attracting and retaining top STEM talent vital to advancing education, innovation, and economic growth for cities: “Depending on the area, local leaders need to consider their city’s needs and resources and take positive steps towards attaining this STEM capacity. Leaders could invest in dedicated zones for innovation, such as Boston’s Seaport District or Chicago’s 1871 Independent Innovation hub. These spaces are ideal for technology startups, innovators and investors.”
With almost 20% of local jobs being STEM-related, this metro has the second-highest share of career opportunities in scientific fields. These jobs are either in one of the 12 universities that offer research programs or in one of the more than 4,500 STEM establishments found throughout the metro.
Notably, since 2019, the number of science-focused workplaces has increased by 37%. This growth was supported by the STEM educational programs found throughout Boston (BoSTEM, the STEM for All Academy and the STEM summer programs), as well as the increasing demand in tech, engineering and other similar fields.
3. Washington, D.C.
The D.C. metro area boasts the second-highest number of STEM establishments in this size bracket: There are nearly 12,000 places where professionals can look for work, research projects or collaboration opportunities with like-minded individuals. Accordingly, the high density of scientific institutions makes for an abundance of work possibilities — 18% of the total number of jobs in this area focus on scientific pursuits. This is the result of a 24% surge in jobs from 2019 to 2024.
But, the number of jobs and establishments is not the only attraction for those who love science. Washington, D.C. also has 14 museums catering to STEM fields, including the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; the National Museum of Health and Medicine; and the National Museum of Natural History.
4. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is another great option for those looking to start or further their career in STEM, especially in tech and engineering. With nearly 18% of all job postings in innovation-focused roles, San Francisco holds the fourth spot in this ranking. Big names — such as Google, OpenAI and Cisco — are part of the more than 6,300 local establishments that offer positions to STEM graduates or seasoned experts.
San Francisco’s concentration of STEM establishments and research universities makes it easier to foster partnerships between universities and corporations. As Prof. Gold explains such collaborations “can be beneficial for research, obtaining internships, and co-op programs.” She points to the University of California, San Francisco as an example: “UCSF is working to advance health worldwide by partnering with biotech companies and nonprofits. The benefits for the school are the funding and potential career pipelines. The benefit for the companies is UCSF’s cutting-edge research. Leaders can leverage such partnerships to attract STEM connections.”
Plus, when it comes to paychecks, the average annual wage in San Francisco is among the best in this bracket, coming second only to Silicon Valley. Here, STEM workers can earn an average of almost $137,000 per year.
5. Seattle, WA
Seattle rounds out our top five, landing in fifth place among large metros largely due to the considerable growth in STEM work opportunities. Between 2019 and 2024, there was a 62% surge in professional openings for scientists, the biggest in this size bracket. Today, roughly one in five jobs are science-driven.
In fact, Seattle has seen balanced growth on both the supply and demand side when it comes to STEM talent. Alongside the high demand for science-driven jobs, there’s a growing number of STEM graduates ready to join the workforce: The latest Census data shows that the number of adults older than 25 with a BA in science nearly doubled from 106,000 to 207,000 between 2010 and 2023.
Besides job opportunities and wages, Prof. Gold draws our attention to another vital element that influences one’s progression on a science-driven career path: “Yet another important aspect for urban areas is improving livability with affordable housing and reliable public transit. Cultural conveniences are also a draw for STEM professionals. Investing in green space and light rail expansion, like Seattle, supports the prospering STEM workforce.”
Big STEM Moves in Mid-Sized Cities: Durham Packs the Employers, Omaha Tops Pay Growth
1. Durham, NC
Durham secures first place in our mid-sized category with the highest number of STEM establishments. Here, there are 635 institutions (including Pfizer and one of GlaxoSmithKline’s largest R&D centers) where professionals can either look for a job or research opportunities. Due to the high density of STEM facilities, almost 23% of jobs are in science-driven fields — the second-highest share in this size bracket.
Of course, with three tier-one universities located just a couple of miles away from each other (Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), it comes as no surprise that Durham had the highest number of doctorates earned per 100,000 residents. In 2023 alone, more than 800 students (per 100,000 residents) put their graduation hats on and walked the podium for their PhD diplomas.
When saying “STEM hubs” we generally think of urban settings, but suburban environments can’t be overlooked. According to Prof. Gold “Suburban areas can benefit from their own STEM-focused business parks. Access to flexible workspaces and research facilities can attract high tech companies. Research Triangle Park in North Carolina is an example of such an area. It is located between suburban cities and has proximity to three major research universities.”
2. Madison, WI
When it comes to career opportunities in STEM, Madison comes fourth with about one in six jobs being in a scientific field. Notably, only 1.1% of working-age adults with a BA in Madison are unemployed — the lowest rate among all contenders, highlighting the city’s strong economy.
People living in Madison also place a lot of emphasis on education, as evidenced by the more than 600 doctorates earned in 2023, placing Madison in third place for this metric. The metro also has more than 700 NIH awards, which further demonstrates its dedication to research, training and career development.
3. Omaha, NE
Omaha stands out with the highest increase in STEM wages in the last couple of years — almost 36% between 2019 and 2024. As such, the latest records show that the annual average wage for people working in technical or research departments approaches $112,000, making Omaha the metro with the second-highest pay in this size category, right after Santa Cruz, CA.
One factor behind this sharp increase is the presence of plenty of tech companies (such as Cox Enterprises, Toast, Sojern and so on) and their desire to retain STEM personnel, as well as incentivize young professionals to pursue science careers. Omaha STEM Ecosystem, a citywide partnership that maximizes learning initiatives, is also working toward the latter goal.
The metro also boasts the second-lowest unemployment rate — 1.4% among residents aged 25 to 65 with a BA degree.
4. Huntsville, AL
In Huntsville, we find the highest share of jobs in science-driven fields. Here, more than 23% of jobs are in STEM departments, and professionals interested in landing these jobs can explore one of more than 400 establishments specializing in different technical fields. That includes academic institutions like the University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as companies like BAE Systems, Bragg Peak Systems and Cubic.
Additionally, prices in Huntsville are almost 6% more affordable than the national average, making products and services more accessible. Not only that, but the earnings of science professionals in the area stand at a yearly average of more than $94,000, just a little below the $96,000 national average.
5. Lexington, KY
There was a significant increase in the paychecks of Lexington’s STEM professionals during the 2019-2024 timeframe. As a matter of fact, the average yearly wage shot up by almost one-third to secure second place for this specific metric. Currently, jobs in the science department earn experts an average of $97,280 annually.
There’s also a clear commitment to higher education among the local community. Lexington ranked fifth in 2023 for PhD completions, handing out 46 diplomas per 100,000 residents. As for work opportunities, almost 14% of the total jobs in this metro are in STEM.
Small Metros Punching Above Their Weight: Boulder Has the Labs, Ann Arbor Shines With Talent Pool
1. Ann Arbor, MI
STEM roles account for nearly one-quarter of jobs in Ann Arbor, earning the metro the leading position in the career department. The work environment is supported by a robust ecosystem of 330 science-driven employers, like General Motors and Coupa Software.
The metro also boasts the second-highest density of doctorates — 211 PhDs per 100,000 residents. In 2023 alone, educational institutions in Ann Arbor granted 776 doctorates. It’s also worth noting that the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor earned the fifth spot nationally in engineering programs and 10th in computer science.
2. Boulder, CO
Boulder has the largest share of establishments specialized in STEM: The number surpasses the 700-mark, offering graduates and seasoned experts plenty of opportunities to work and research. In fact, about 22.2% of all job openings are in STEM — the second-highest share among our smaller metros.
The high number of establishments and research facilities are one of the most attractive features for STEM pros. As Prof. Glass told us, “STEM professionals like working around other STEM professionals and other businesses that hire STEM professionals. […] It’s that simple – these folks change jobs a lot to get more experience and move upwards, so not having suitable alternative employers nearby is a big turn off. As are places without strong university systems, other educated adults, and sophisticated recreational options.”
Moreover, STEM wages in Boulder average at almost $103,000 per year — 6% more than the national average. With earnings that outpace the national average and costs that stay just below it, Boulder stands out as a relatively affordable place to live.
3. Burlington, VT
In terms of job opportunities, Burlington has a little more than 14% of STEM-focused jobs, which is 34% more than it had in 2019. Companies like GlobalFoundries, Dealer, and Beta Technologies are among the 160 institutions where experts and researchers can find employment.
Between 2019 and 2024, Burlington saw STEM wages climb by almost 38% for the second-highest growth rate among mid-sized metros. With average earnings of almost $109,000, local science professionals now rank among the best paid in the country’s smaller metros.
4. Trenton, NJ
Trenton is one of the top spots for STEM with strong performances across the board. After a 48% surge in employment opportunities that spanned from 2019 until 2024, the metro now boasts the third-highest number of scientific jobs (more than 16%). Part of these hiring opportunities are found in one of the 540 STEM establishments based in Trenton.
Science and technology also make themselves at home in this metro, offering enthusiasts four museums they can explore. Among these are the New Jersey State Museum and the Quinte Museum of Natural History.
5. Fargo, ND
Fargo rounds out this list, catching our eye with its impressive wage growth. Between 2019 and 2024, yearly income for STEM jobs in this metro surged 39%, making it the highest increase in the small metro category. At the end of 2024, the annual paychecks for science and tech professionals averaged a little under $103,000.
The high density of STEM jobs (13% of the total number of workplaces); prices 11% below the national average; and the low unemployment rate for working-age adults with a BA degree (1.4%) make Fargo one of the best options for people working in tech, engineering or science.
Expert insights
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What are the most impactful steps local leaders can take to attract and retain top STEM talent in their city? Are there particular programs or policies you’ve seen work well?
Leveraging density and the existing infrastructure, leaders in urban areas could invest in dedicated zones for innovation, such as Boston’s Seaport District or Chicago’s 1871 Independent Innovation hub. Another successful example is New York City’s Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island with a promising 94% startup retention rate for other cities wanting to mimic such positive economic development. Universities partnering with corporations — such as UCSF’s collaborations with biotech companies and nonprofits — can ensure funding and potential career pipelines for the universities, offer companies access to access to cutting-edge research, and help local leaders can attract valuable STEM connections. Additionally, improving livability with affordable housing and reliable public transit, cultural conveniences, and investing in green space and light rail expansion, like Seattle, further supports the prospering STEM workforce.
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Suburban areas can benefit from their own STEM-focused business parks. Research Triangle Park, NC, located between suburban cities and in proximity to three major research universities, is an example of such an area. Another step suburban leaders can take is strengthening partnerships between schools and colleges to promote early exposure to STEM. To do so, they can offer dual enrollment and various STEM activities. This provides fantastic opportunities for students to gain college credit while still in high school, and explore STEM content that might interest them in their future career. Attractions for suburban professionals can be family-friendly work policies, solid school systems, and the suburban neighborhood atmosphere.
Local leaders in rural locations can attract talent by promoting a remote work infrastructure and by incentivizing STEM startups and relocation by offering grants, tax breaks, or housing incentives. Finally, linking local colleges with regional STEM needs like agriculture, energy, or manufacturing can build partnerships with community colleges and agri-tech. Iowa State University Research Park and Alliant Energy partnered to create the Alliant Energy Agriculture Innovation Lab to support agriculture advancement.
Regardless of the setting, leaders can support STEM development by forming advisory groups or STEM talent councils, promoting equity through scholarships, mentorships, and community programs, and launching marketing campaigns that use strategic regional branding that highlight local opportunities. Attracting and retaining top STEM talent requires local leaders to take intentional, place-based actions that align with their community’s unique strengths and challenges. Ultimately, a city’s commitment to cultivating STEM opportunities today will shape its educational, economic, and technological success for years to come.
In your experience, which city-level factors most directly support STEM professionals in building successful, long-term careers? How does location impact one’s ability to grow their career in STEM?
A city’s ability to support STEM professionals depends on key factors such as access to ongoing learning, job diversity, and overall quality of life. Location not only determines which roles are available but also influences how easily professionals can grow, adapt, and build long-term careers. The most successful cities are those that invest in both infrastructure and human capital, creating conditions that support individual success and broader societal prosperity. When cities encourage collaboration among research institutions, universities, and tech firms, they foster environments where interdisciplinary work thrives and professionals have access to continued learning opportunities. This ongoing development is essential for staying competitive in rapidly evolving STEM fields. Ultimately, while location impacts job availability, it also plays a critical role in shaping future growth and advancement for STEM professionals.
What factors draw STEM professionals to certain cities?
STEM professionals like working around other STEM professionals and other businesses that hire STEM professionals – so Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Seattle, Atlanta, New York, and Columbus, Ohio are all desirable places because they are tech hubs. For biology and medicine, you can add the NC Research Triangle, Houston and Los Angeles to the list.
It’s that simple – these folks change jobs a lot to get more experience and move upwards, so not having suitable alternative employers nearby is a big turn off. As are places without strong university systems, other educated adults, and sophisticated recreational options.
What are the most impactful steps local leaders can take to attract and retain top STEM talent in their city?
To attract and retain top STEM talent, local leaders should take a comprehensive, strategic approach that begins with strong investments in education and workforce development—from enhancing K–12 STEM curricula to supporting higher education partnerships and lifelong learning opportunities. Building a vibrant innovation ecosystem through tech hubs, research parks, and support for entrepreneurship is equally critical. Infrastructure improvements, such as expanded broadband, affordable housing, and smart city features, make cities more livable and attractive to STEM professionals. Leaders should also prioritize quality of life, inclusive communities, and relocation incentives to appeal to diverse talent. Cross-sector collaboration among government, industry, and education ensures alignment, while data-driven strategies help identify gaps and measure progress over time.
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Are there particular programs or policies you’ve seen work well?
Effective programs and policies to attract STEM talent to a community focus on creating a strong educational foundation, economic incentives, and a high quality of life. Offering scholarships, internships, and workforce training helps develop and retain local STEM skills. Additionally, fostering collaboration through STEM councils and networking events strengthens connections between employers, educators, and talent. Together, these programs and policies create an environment where STEM talent is both drawn to and motivated to remain in the community.
In your experience, which city-level factors most directly support STEM professionals in building successful, long-term careers? How does location impact one’s ability to grow their career in STEM?
City-level factors that most directly support STEM professionals in building successful, long-term careers include access to strong educational institutions, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and robust infrastructure. Cities with universities and research centers provide opportunities for continuous learning, collaboration, and access to cutting-edge developments. A thriving network of tech companies, startups, and industry leaders offers diverse employment options, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. Location plays a significant role in one’s ability to grow a career in STEM because it shapes the opportunities available, the quality of professional networks, and the lifestyle factors that affect job satisfaction and retention.
What local programs or projects have proven successful in drawing and retaining STEM talent?
Community college are a really important resource for STEM professionals in many local areas. Our research examines the multiple ways that community colleges support STEM education by providing supports for students interested in pursuing STEM careers, as our work with the Community College S-STEM Network is learning. Important to the success of cities and regions, community college technician programs often engage in regional level activities designed to support the development of a skilled workforce, as well as to coordinate the activities of firms along with other organizations devoted to economic development. Our Hidden Innovations Infrastructure project has been examining this question in community colleges around the country. In many ways community college provide opportunities for foundational educational in STEM fields, as well as opportunities for specific skills development and on-going professional development.
Methodology
To fairly assess which U.S. locations are best for science professionals, we began by splitting them into three size-based categories — large (1+ million residents); mid-sized (500,000 to 999,999 residents); and small (200,000 to 499,999 residents). We then evaluated the metros across nine different metrics:
- STEM Jobs Density (15% weight) — Number of STEM jobs per 1,000 jobs. Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics * (2024).
- Average Annual Wage for STEM Jobs (15% weight) — Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics * (2024).
- Number of STEM Establishments (10% weight) — Source: CBP Datasets (2022).
- Growth of STEM Jobs per 1,000 Jobs (10% weight) — Represents the growth of STEM jobs from 2019 until 2024. Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics * (2019-2024).
- Unemployment Rate (10% weight) — We considered the unemployment rate for the population aged 25 to 64 that has a BA degree or higher. Source: Census Bureau (2023).
- Average Annual Wage Growth for STEM Jobs (10% weight) — Source: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics * (2019-2024).
- Regional Price Parities (RPP) (10% weight) — Measures the differences in price levels across states and metropolitan areas for a given year and are expressed as a percentage of the overall national price level. Source: S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) (2023).
- Doctorates Earned per 100,000 Residents (10% weight) — Represents the number of doctorates earned in 2023. Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (2023).
- Research University Availability (10% weight) — Checks if the metro has at least one research university. Source: Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (2025).
* For metro areas in Colorado, we used 2023 data as the data for 2024 is not available.
