These Are the Best Cities to Start Your STEM Career

If you’re pursuing a path at the intersection of business and tech, your choice of city can be a total strategic asset. Across the U.S., certain metros are supporting STEM ecosystems more than others.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.4% between 2023 and 2033. As of 2024, the median annual wage for these roles is $103,580, which shows the demand is there, and the returns are significant.

To target where that growth is most concentrated, CoworkingCafe’s latest study assessed U.S. metros driving STEM success, looking at job availability, income trajectories, affordability, and institutional support. Then they segmented cities by size: large (1M+), mid-sized (500K–999K), and small (200K–499K).

THE BEST STEM LARGE, MID, AND SMALL METRO CITIES

Among large metros, San Jose, CA takes the cake. In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers nearly 3,500 science-related jobs and average salaries exceeding $142,000. San José State University’s Lucas College of Business is a launchpad for many business professionals. Boston, MA ranks second with 20% of local employment in STEM fields and the highest number of doctorate holders per capita, with many students nearby at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Rounding out the trio, Washington, D.C. boasts 12,000 STEM establishments and a 24% surge in STEM jobs from 2019 to 2024, with Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in the heart of the action.

Mid-sized metros also have much to offer. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC leads the category with 635 STEM institutions, with UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and Duke Fuqua nearby. Madison, WI combines opportunity with stability, also with the lowest unemployment rate (1.1%) for working-age adults with a bachelor’s degree. Also, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business offers one of the nation’s strongest public business programs. In Omaha, NE, STEM wages rose almost 36% over five years. The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business attracts students in this city.

Small metros offer a different experience than the bigger metro cities. Ann Arbor, MI leadsr this group, with nearly one-quarter of its jobs in STEM. Here, business students are attracted to the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. In second is Boulder, CO, where 735 STEM-focused establishments call home. A great option here for prospective students is the Leeds School of Business. Over in Burlington, VT, STEM wages climbed nearly 38% between 2019 and 2024. Those interested in living and studying here might look to the Grossman School of Business.

To access details on the top large-to-small metros for STEM ecosystems, click here.

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