News Summary
Miami ranks 52nd out of 100 U.S. metro areas for STEM jobs, trailing behind Orlando and Tampa. Key challenges include low housing affordability and a lack of tech employment, although there is a growing demand for STEM professionals. Local initiatives aim to attract a more educated workforce and improve Miami’s position in the future.
Miami Faces Tough Competition in STEM Jobs, Ranking 52nd in the U.S.
In the busy world of science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM for short, Miami is taking a backseat compared to other cities in Florida and across the nation. A recent analysis has placed the Miami area at a disappointing 52nd out of 100 U.S. metro areas for STEM professionals, trailing behind cities like Orlando and Tampa that have taken leading spots in the Sunshine State.
Orlando and Tampa Lead the Way
According to the WalletHub study, Orlando stands proud at the top market in Florida, boasting an impressive 10th ranking nationally. Hot on its heels is Tampa, coming in at 13th. These cities have carved out an attractive environment for STEM professionals, thanks to a variety of factors like job opportunities and a workforce that’s increasingly represented in STEM roles.
What Makes Miami Lag Behind?
The WalletHub study looked at 21 different metrics to gauge how appealing different metro areas are for those working in STEM fields. Some of these important criteria included professional opportunities, the percentage of the workforce employed in STEM jobs, employment growth, and housing affordability. Unfortunately for Miami, this lovely beach city faced some stiff challenges.
While Miami ranked 26th for professional opportunities, it didn’t fare as well when it comes to overall STEM friendliness (53rd) and quality of life (76th). A major factor pulling Miami down is its significantly low housing affordability; it ranked a dismal 96th out of 100 metro areas, making it hard for young workers and professionals to make a comfortable living in the region.
Low Employment in Tech Roles
When we delve deeper into the numbers, we find that only 2.8% of employment in the Miami area is in technology roles. This has dropped Miami down to 27th place out of 50 when comparing tech talent across large U.S. and Canadian markets for 2024. As a result, this lack of tech representation makes the city less attractive for STEM talent looking to relocate.
The Challenge of a Less Educated Workforce
Another significant concern is Miami’s low concentration of young people with college degrees. This trend was further emphasized by a recent report from CBRE. With fewer educated individuals in the workforce, the region is likely to face challenges in building a sustainable pipeline of STEM professionals. However, local businesses and universities are stepping up with initiatives aimed at creating pathways for young workers. This could help Miami boost its numbers in the future.
Growing Demand for STEM Jobs
On a more positive note, the national demand for STEM jobs is projected to grow by a whopping 10.4% by 2023. This indicates that regions that manage to attract and retain skilled STEM personnel have a bright future ahead. With the average median salary for STEM roles sitting at around $101,650, it’s clear that there are financial rewards waiting for those who dive into this field, especially when compared to the $46,680 median salary for non-STEM jobs.
Miami’s Ray of Hope
Despite the current economic challenges, there is a sense of optimism. If Miami can successfully implement targeted workforce development initiatives aimed at bringing in and keeping talented individuals, it stands a chance to improve its standing in the rankings. There’s hope for a brighter future in this lively city!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- USA Today: Free Training for Tech Jobs
- US News: Skills Gap in Miami
- Miami Marlins: Job Opportunities
- Miami Heat: Career Opportunities
- Miami Hurricanes: Internships
- Wikipedia: STEM
- Google Search: STEM education
- Google Scholar: STEM jobs Miami
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM education
- Google News: Miami STEM jobs
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange 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 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
