Atlanta is one of the best U.S. cities for science, technology, engineering and math careers, according to a new study from WalletHub.
STEM workers are in fierce demand, and not just in the global epicenter of high tech known as Silicon Valley. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis, STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — professions are expected to grow 8.1% between 2024 and 2034, compared to just 2.7% for all other occupations. In addition, the median annual STEM wage is $103,580, compared to $48,000 for all non-STEM occupations.
Given their growing demand, STEM careers today provide some of the most lucrative employment opportunities. They pay higher salaries and boast far fewer threats of unemployment compared with other types of jobs.
To determine the best markets for STEM professionals, WalletHub compared the 100 largest metro areas across 21 key metrics.The data set ranges from per-capita job openings for STEM graduates to median wage growth for STEM jobs. Here's top 10 cities in the US.
| Overall Rank | Metro Area* | Total Score | Professional Opportunities Rank | STEM-Friendliness Rank | Quality of Life Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston, MA | 69.43 | 3 | 1 | 67 |
| 2 | Atlanta, GA | 66.70 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| 3 | Seattle, WA | 65.42 | 4 | 7 | 35 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh, PA | 65.07 | 24 | 13 | 5 |
| 5 | Austin, TX | 64.78 | 6 | 20 | 10 |
| 6 | San Francisco, CA | 64.26 | 5 | 3 | 61 |
| 7 | Cincinnati, OH | 62.05 | 15 | 33 | 6 |
| 8 | Salt Lake City, UT | 60.77 | 2 | 37 | 23 |
| 9 | Minneapolis, MN | 59.69 | 22 | 24 | 14 |
| 10 | Orlando, FL | 59.61 | 19 | 31 | 11 |
Why You Should Be Moving to Atlanta If You Are a STEM Professional
If you're a STEM professional considering your next career move, Atlanta might just be the perfect destination. According to a comprehensive study by WalletHub, Georgia's capital has emerged as the second-best metro area in the United States for science, technology, engineering, and math careers—and the reasons go far beyond just job opportunities.
The Growing Demand for STEM Talent
The landscape for STEM professionals has never been more promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will grow by 8.1% between 2024 and 2034—triple the growth rate of all other occupations at just 2.7%. This surge in demand translates directly to job security and financial rewards, with the median annual STEM wage sitting at an impressive $103,580 compared to $48,000 for non-STEM positions.
In today's competitive job market, STEM careers offer not just higher salaries but also significantly lower unemployment risks compared to other fields. For professionals with the right skills, the opportunities are abundant and lucrative.
Atlanta: A Top Contender for STEM Excellence
WalletHub's analysis examined 100 of the largest metro areas across 21 key metrics, including per-capita job openings for STEM graduates and median wage growth for STEM positions. Atlanta's second-place ranking reflects its strength across multiple dimensions:
- Professional Opportunities: Ranked 7th nationally, Atlanta offers a robust job market with numerous openings for qualified STEM professionals
- STEM-Friendliness: Coming in at 12th place, the city demonstrates a welcoming environment for technical talent with strong industry support and resources
- Quality of Life: Perhaps most impressively, Atlanta ranks 9th in quality of life—a critical factor that sets it apart from many tech hubs
How Atlanta Stacks Up Against the Competition
While Boston claimed the top spot with a total score of 69.43, Atlanta followed closely with 66.70 points. More telling is how Atlanta balances all three crucial factors better than many of its competitors:
- Seattle (3rd place) ranks higher in professional opportunities but significantly lower in quality of life (35th)
- San Francisco (6th place) offers strong STEM-friendliness but struggles with quality of life, ranking 61st
- Austin (5th place) provides similar quality of life benefits but with less STEM-friendliness (20th vs. Atlanta's 12th)
This balanced approach makes Atlanta particularly attractive for professionals who want career growth without sacrificing their personal lives.
The Atlanta Advantage
What makes Atlanta stand out is its unique combination of professional opportunities and livability. Unlike Silicon Valley or Seattle, where sky-high costs of living can offset generous salaries, Atlanta offers a more balanced equation. The city provides:
- A thriving tech ecosystem with major companies and startups alike
- Affordable housing compared to other major tech hubs
- A diverse economy that extends beyond just technology
- Excellent weather and outdoor recreation opportunities
- A rich cultural scene and vibrant communities
Making Your Move
For STEM professionals evaluating their options, Atlanta presents a compelling case. The data shows that you don't have to choose between career advancement and quality of life—Atlanta offers both. With strong rankings across all measured categories and continued growth in the STEM sector, the city represents not just a job opportunity but a lifestyle upgrade.
Whether you're a recent graduate looking to launch your career or an experienced professional seeking new challenges, Atlanta's combination of opportunity, affordability, and livability makes it one of the smartest moves you can make in today's STEM job market.
The Bottom Line
As STEM careers continue to outpace other fields in growth and compensation, choosing the right location becomes increasingly important. Atlanta's second-place ranking isn't just about numbers—it's about finding a place where your career can thrive while you enjoy the life you've worked hard to build. In a world where tech hubs often demand sacrifices, Atlanta proves you can have it all.