According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — professions grew at over twice the rate that non-STEM jobs did between 2009 and 2015.
In the increasingly competitive global pharmaceutical environment, it is critical that the U.S. strengthens its standing in STEM education in order to continue create more high-wage R&D and advanced manufacturing jobs and sustain and grow the economic contributions of R&D-intensive industries. Many biopharma companies have begun partnering with colleges and universities to foster the next generation of STEM workers. But where are the best places for these graduates to pursue their STEM careers?
To determine the best markets for STEM professionals, WalletHub compared the 100 largest metro areas across 20 key metrics. Areas were evaluated across three key dimensions: Professional Opportunities, STEM-Friendliness and Quality of Life.
According to the WalletHub 2019 analysis, the best metro areas for STEM professionals are:
1. Seattle, WA
2. Boston, MA
3. Pittsburgh, PA
4. Austin, TX
5. San Francisco, CA
The worst metro areas for STEM professionals are:
1. Cape Coral, FL
2. North Port, FL
3. Jackson, MS
4. Memphis, TN
5. Little Rock, AR
