News Summary
Austin has been recognized as the eighth best metro area for STEM professionals, according to a report from CoworkingCafe. The city’s strong availability of STEM job opportunities, with a projected 42.2% growth in the sector and an average salary of $105,071, showcases its potential as a leading hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. The University of Texas at Austin plays a vital role in this growth by producing graduates equipped for diverse STEM fields. Various local initiatives are also promoting STEM education and engagement for young individuals.
Austin has been ranked as the eighth best metro area in the United States for STEM professionals, according to a recent report from CoworkingCafe. This ranking highlights Austin’s growing prominence in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The report evaluated various factors to arrive at the rankings, including the number of STEM establishments, job density, job growth rates, average salaries for STEM positions, the presence of research universities, and unemployment rates. Austin scored favorably in all these categories, showcasing its potential as a leading hub for STEM careers.
Specifically, Austin boasts nearly 164 STEM jobs per 1,000 positions, with projections estimating a compelling 42.2% job growth in the STEM sector from 2019 to 2024. The city is home to almost 2,850 STEM establishments, providing a solid foundation for current and future job seekers in these fields. Furthermore, the average annual salary for STEM jobs in Austin stands at $105,071, reflecting the lucrative opportunities available to trained professionals.
Role of the University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a key player in enhancing the city’s STEM landscape. Recognized as a major research institution, UT Austin contributes to the local talent pool by producing graduates equipped for careers in various STEM disciplines. The university’s commitment to education and research is widely acknowledged as pivotal for Austin’s growth as a technology and science hub.
In context, Austin’s ranking as eighth comes after San Jose, California, which leads the pack with nearly 3,500 STEM establishments, a remarkable 60% growth rate per 1,000 jobs, and an average salary of $142,464. Dallas follows closely behind at sixth place with 6,552 STEM establishments and an average salary exceeding $116,600. Meanwhile, San Antonio and Houston are ranked 37th and 40th, respectively, indicating that while they are making strides, they have not reached the same level of recognition as Austin.
Growth beyond Major Cities
Looking beyond major cities, smaller Texas metros have also seen notable rankings. College Station is listed as the sixth best small metro for STEM professionals, while Waco, Beaumont, and Lubbock fall in the lower tier at 32nd, 33rd, and 34th, respectively. Interestingly, no Texas cities made the top ten in the mid-sized metros category, with El Paso coming in at 36th place.
Celebrating STEM Initiatives
In addition to its rankings, Austin has been recognized as one of the nation’s best cities for college graduates and has earned the title of “Smart City Powerhouse.” Efforts to promote STEM education and engagement in the community are ongoing. February 22 has been designated STEM Girl Day at UT Austin, providing free hands-on STEM activities aimed at inspiring young students and their families.
Furthermore, on October 8, Austin FC and AMD collaborated to host a hands-on STEM experience for 45 students from the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, coinciding with National STEM Day. This initiative aims to foster interest in STEM careers among young women, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and educational outreach.
Future Employment Trends
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM careers are expected to grow at twice the rate of other professions in the coming years. This anticipated growth underscores the significance of programs and institutions that nurture STEM education and professional opportunities. The trajectory of Austin as a tech and science hub is supported by a robust pipeline of young graduates coming from its universities, particularly the University of Texas at Austin, fostering hopes for sustained job creation and economic development in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- KVUE
- Houston Chronicle
- AllSides
- Fox 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: STEM
- Google Search: STEM careers growth
- Google Scholar: STEM education initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM
- Google News: Austin STEM
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
