Get a job: Study reveals best and worst areas for STEM professionals to find work

While the Department of Commerce estimated jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math were — as a whole — expected to grow 1.7 times faster than those in non-STEM professions between the years 2008 and 2018, a study by personal finance social network WalletHub proves that where you’re located will help you more so when it comes to finding a job.

The company used 11 different metrics to analyze 100 of the most populated metropolitan areas in the United States and determine which areas are best for STEM professionals to find available occupations. The data report includes metrics like job openings per capita for STEM graduates, annual median wage growth for STEM jobs, and the projected number of STEM jobs needed in 2018.

Among their more general findings:

Best Metro Areas for STEM professionals
1. Houston, TX
2. Austin, TX
3. Raleigh, NC
4. Denver, CO
5. Omaha, NE
6. Seattle, WA
7. Oklahoma City, OK
8. Salt Lake City, UT
9. Columbus, OH
10. Cincinnati, OH

Worst Metro Areas for STEM professionals
91. Lakeland, FL
T-92. El Paso, TX
T-92. Stockton, CA
94. Cape Coral, FL
95. Deltona, FL
96. Oxnard, CA
97. Fresno, CA
98. North Port, FL
99. Riverside, CA
100. Miami, FL

Some of the interesting statistics the group found:
• Job openings per capita for STEM graduates are 12 times higher in San Jose, Calif., than in North Port, Fla.
• Percentage of all workers in STEM occupations is five times higher in San Jose, Calif., than McAllen, Texas. 
• Projected number of STEM jobs needed in 2018 per capita is 13 times higher in Washington than in Baton Rouge, La. 
• Unemployment rate for people with a bachelor’s degree or higher is four times higher in Riverside, Calif., than in Ogden, Utah.
• Annual median wage for STEM workers (adjusted for cost of living) is two times higher in Houston than in Honolulu.
• Housing affordability for STEM professionals is two times higher in Winston-Salem, N.C., than in Honolulu.
To see the full report, and to find out where your area ranks, visit wallethub.com