According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are expected to grow by nearly 11% between 2022 and 2032, compared to just 2.3% for non-STEM fields.
However, choosing the right location for your career can make all the difference.
By considering factors such as professional opportunities, quality of life, and ‘STEM-friendliness’ in an analysis by WalletHub, we’ve identified the standout cities for a thriving career in STEM.
Here are the top 10 US cities to launch STEM careers after business school.
1. Austin, Texas
Dubbed the next ‘Silicon Valley’ of the US, Austin is the top city in the country for STEM careers.
With a booming tech sector, STEM jobs account for more than 11.5% of employment in the city. The Texas capital is also among the top 10 cities in the US for median earnings for STEM jobs, with salaries averaging over $101,000 per year, even after adjusting for cost of living.
Austin is also home to the University of Texas at Austin McCombs, ranked 44th in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024.
2. Seattle, Washington State
Seattle, one of the most renowned tech hubs on the West Coast, ranks second in the US for STEM employment.
STEM positions account for over 13% of jobs, with more than 15% of new job postings on Indeed being in tech. The city also boasts one of the highest rates of GDP contributions from research and development, at more than 7.5%.
The University of Washington Foster School of Business, which claims the 30th best MBA program globally in the Financial Times ranking, is located in Seattle.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is renowned for its top-tier engineering universities, so it’s no surprise that the city offers one of the highest median wages for STEM jobs, at over $105,000 per year after adjusting for the cost of living.
The city has a significant share of STEM jobs and job openings, creating a strong job market for STEM graduates. Atlanta is also highly regarded for its quality of life, providing ample opportunities for leisure activities and socializing.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Home to prestigious business schools such as Harvard and MIT Sloan, Boston ranks as the top city in the US for STEM friendliness.
With close to 1,000 biotech companies operating in the city, Boston offers an abundance of job opportunities for STEM graduates.
5. Sacramento, California
Ranked as the fifth best city for STEM friendliness, Sacramento boasts a growing tech sector and proximity to Silicon Valley.
The city also houses top schools such as UC Davis Graduate School of Management and a more affordable cost of living compared to other business schools in California, making it an attractive destination for STEM graduates.
6. San Jose, California
At the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose offers unparalleled access to some of the world’s leading tech companies, including Google, Apple, and Facebook.
After Austin, San Jose is second in the country for professional opportunities in STEM industries. With a vibrant startup ecosystem, the city is an excellent destination for business school graduates looking to build thriving careers in STEM.
7. San Francisco, California
The city of innovation and entrepreneurship, San Francisco is highly ranked for both STEM friendliness and professional opportunities.
While San Francisco is just a short distance from Silicon Valley, the city is also home to many startups and established tech giants of its own.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The hometown of language learning app Duolingo and more than 500 startups, Pittsburgh has become a major hub for technology and innovation. Combined with the city’s affordable cost of living, the city is an attractive destination for STEM professionals.
Pittsburgh is also home to several top-tier schools such as Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, providing a strong talent pool for employers.
9. Madison, Wisconsin
The capital of Wisconsin, Madison, ranks sixth for quality of life, making it an appealing city for building a career with work-life balance.
For aspiring STEM professionals looking to study in the Madison area, the Wisconsin School of Business is placed at 81st globally.
10. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis boasts one of the largest economies in the Midwest. Home to corporate giants such as Target and General Mills, the city offers STEM graduates close access to a flourishing tech scene.
With 15 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the area, Minneapolis provides a wealth of opportunities in various STEM fields.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a thriving tech ecosystem or build a successful career with a good work-life balance, choosing your location carefully will ensure you’re set up for the best return on investment after business school.
