Charlotte and Greenville Shine in WalletHub’s 2025 Analysis of Best Metro Areas for STEM Professionals

With STEM jobs expected to grow by an impressive 10.4% between 2023 and 2033—outpacing the 3.6% growth projected for other occupations—the demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals continues to surge. WalletHub has released its 2025 Best & Worst Metro Areas for STEM Professionals, providing valuable insights into the top markets for these high-demand jobs.

The study compared 100 of the largest metro areas across 21 key metrics, evaluating factors such as per-capita STEM job openings, median wage growth, and cost-of-living-adjusted salaries. The analysis also highlighted standout cities, including Charlotte, NC, and Greenville, SC, which demonstrated exceptional promise in specific categories.

Top 10 Best Metro Areas for STEM Professionals:

1. Austin, TX
2. Boston, MA
3. Seattle, WA
4. Atlanta, GA
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Pittsburgh, PA
7. Madison, WI
8. San Jose, CA
9. Springfield, MA
10. Orlando, FL

Bottom 10 Metro Areas for STEM Professionals:

91. McAllen, TX
92. Oxnard, CA
93. Greensboro, NC
94. Winston, NC
95. North Port, FL
96. Cape Coral, FL
97. Louisville, KY
98. Memphis, TN
99. Little Rock, AR
100. Jackson, MS

Key Highlights:

• Greenville, SC, claimed the top spot for STEM job openings per capita, boasting 17.8 times more opportunities than North Port, FL, which ranked lowest in this metric.
• Charlotte, NC, excelled in earnings, offering the highest median annual wage for STEM workers when adjusted for the cost of living—2.3 times higher than the lowest-ranking Honolulu, HI.

Other notable findings include San Jose, CA, leading in average monthly earnings for new STEM employees and in the share of workers in STEM roles, while McAllen, TX, lagged in both categories.

Why It Matters:

Cities like Charlotte and Greenville are becoming increasingly attractive for STEM professionals. Charlotte’s high wages and Greenville’s abundant job openings underscore their growing importance in the STEM landscape, particularly as professionals seek regions offering both career growth and a high quality of life.

To explore the full rankings and see where your city stands, visit WalletHub’s 2025 Best & Worst Metro Areas for STEM Professionals.

With the STEM job market evolving rapidly, cities like Charlotte and Greenville are proving they have what it takes to lead in this competitive arena.