Austin Texas, is best place to find STEM job, Jackson, Miss., is worst

With STEM jobs projected to grow 10.8% between 2022 and 2032, compared to 2.3% for other occupations, the personal-finance website WalletHub followed up its overall report on the Best Cities for Jobs with an in-depth analysis of 2024's Best and Worst Metro Areas for STEM professionals.

To determine the best markets for STEM workers, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest metro areas across 21 key metrics. The data set ranges from per-capita job openings for STEM graduates to the median wage growth for STEM workers.

Best vs. Worst

• Greenville, South Carolina, has the most STEM job openings per capita - 29.9 times higher than in Deltona, Florida, which has the fewest.

• San Jose, California, has the highest average monthly earnings for new employees in STEM industries - 3.3 times higher than in Little Rock, Arkansas, which has the lowest.

• San Jose, California, has the highest share of workers in STEM occupations - 11.4 times higher than in McAllen, Texas, which has the lowest.
• Palm Bay, Florida, has the highest median annual wage for STEM workers* - 2.3 times higher than in Honolulu, which has the lowest.

*Adjusted by the cost of living.

Tips for Finding a Good STEM Job

• Consider the Best Cities and Online Work: Moving to a city with an abundance of STEM jobs, high salaries, and a relatively low cost of living can set you up for success. If you are considering moving to a different city, make sure to look at quality of life factors like recreation opportunities and the environment for singles or families, which can be just as important as job openings. However, many STEM jobs can be done remotely now, so you can apply to jobs that are based in cities you might not want to move to as well.
• Seek Out Quality Schools: If you haven't gone through college yet, picking a university that offers robust STEM classes is key. Good schools may also help you connect with internships and employment opportunities once you graduate. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to go to an expensive name-brand school, just one that has a good program.
• Build a Strong Professional Network: Networking is key in STEM. Connect with professionals, attend conferences, and engage in online communities. Building a strong network not only opens up collaboration opportunities but also provides insights into industry trends and potential career paths.
• Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial, especially when dealing with complex scientific or technical concepts. Hone your ability to convey ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. This skill is valuable for collaborations, presentations, and bridging the gap between science and the broader community.
• Diversify Your Skill Set: STEM fields often require a broad skill set. Beyond technical expertise, develop skills such as project management, teamwork, and problem-solving. This versatility not only enhances your effectiveness in the workplace but also makes you adaptable to changing industry demands and allows you to switch between jobs in adjacent fields.

Full report: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-metro-areas-for-stem-professionals/9200