A hub for innovation and home to top institutions like Harvard and MIT, Boston is one of the best large metros in America for science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals.

That’s according to a recent study from CoworkingCafe that analyzed 138 metros based on STEM job availability, average incomes, affordability and more. Boston ranked near the top of the list of large metros, second only to San Jose.

As of 2024, nearly 20% of available jobs in Boston were STEM-related, the second-highest share in the nation. The supply of STEM jobs in Boston flows from the city’s 12 local universities and over 4,500 STEM companies.

STEM professionals in Boston earned an average salary of $122,940, the seventh highest in the nation. Additionally, Boston led the nation in the number of residents with doctorate degrees: Per 100,000 Boston residents, 47 held doctorates.

Thanks to increased demand and intentional education efforts, Boston’s lead in the STEM space is growing. Since 2019, the number of science-focused workplaces in the city has increased by 37%.

“Depending on the area, local leaders need to consider their city’s needs and resources and take positive steps towards attaining this STEM capacity,” said Professor Lindsay A. Gold of the University of Dayton. “Leaders could invest in dedicated zones for innovation, such as Boston’s Seaport District or Chicago’s 1871 Independent Innovation hub. These spaces are ideal for technology startups, innovators and investors.”

Other Massachusetts cities also scored well in the study. Springfield ranked 18th among small metros, boasting a $107,302 average wage for STEM-related jobs and a nearly 12% market share of STEM jobs. Meanwhile, Worcester placed ninth amongmid-size metros with an $111,069 average STEM salary and 14% share of STEM jobs.