Austin Ranked No. 1 Again in 2025 STEMdex, Leading Nation in STEM Job Growth
The capital city of Texas continues to prove itself as a dominant force in the nation’s innovation economy. Austin has once again claimed the No. 1 spot on RCLCO’s 2025 STEM Job Growth Index (STEMdex), a nationally recognized report that tracks cities with the strongest projected growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
The STEMdex, released annually by real estate consulting firm RCLCO, uses a combination of 24 indicators across four key categories—STEM Trends and Economic Factors, Workforce Quality, Quality of Life and Health, and Business Climate—to rank the nation’s top 20 metro areas for STEM job growth. This year’s findings place Austin at the top for the fourth year in a row—and the seventh time since the STEMdex began in 2016.
Founded in 1967, RCLCO has served as a trusted advisor to developers, investors, and institutions across the country. With offices in Austin, Denver, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Bethesda, MD, RCLCO provides data-driven insights and strategic consulting to help clients navigate complex real estate and economic landscapes. The STEMdex, now in its ninth edition, remains a flagship benchmark for forward-looking labor and economic trends.
A Growing Powerhouse in the Innovation Economy
“Austin, TX remains in the top spot for the fourth year in a row, and seventh time in nine years,” the report noted, reinforcing the city’s consistency and resilience as a tech and innovation leader.
Known for its thriving startup culture, strong university presence, and a growing list of tech giants including Tesla, Apple, and Google expanding their Austin campuses, the city scored the highest in the “Economic Factors” category, reflecting job availability, affordability, and employment growth potential.
Gregg Logan, Managing Director at RCLCO, emphasized the broader impact of STEM job growth, stating, “STEM occupations, supported by a highly educated and innovative workforce, are among the most economically influential and highest paying in any market. Their expansion not only creates quality jobs but also drives innovation, attracts investment, and shapes long-term housing and infrastructure demand.”
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National Rankings Reflect Texas' Rise
Austin wasn’t the only Texas city to make the list. Dallas also ranked high, coming in at No. 9 and earning the top score nationally for its “Business Climate,” a measure that reflects corporate tax rates, business incentives, and regulatory environment. This reinforces Texas’s growing reputation as a business-friendly state with a tech-forward focus.
In total, two Texas cities—Austin and Dallas—ranked in the top 10, placing the Lone Star State in elite company alongside California, Florida, and North Carolina, which also each had multiple cities on the 2025 list.
Other top contenders included:
- Seattle, WA (2nd) — Highest score for Workforce Quality
- Raleigh, NC (3rd) — Strong blend of education and innovation
- Denver, CO (4th) — A magnet for young professionals and startups
- Boston, MA (5th) — Climbing four spots this year with deep-rooted academic and medical research infrastructure
Newcomers Tampa and Jacksonville, FL entered the Top 20 for the first time this year, replacing Phoenix and St. Louis from last year’s rankings.
Why STEMdex Rankings Matter for Austin
Austin’s ongoing leadership in STEM job growth signals more than just economic prosperity—it also foreshadows increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and services to support a booming professional class. The city’s reputation for a high quality of life, relatively affordable cost of living compared to Silicon Valley, and a vibrant cultural scene continue to make it a destination for tech workers and companies alike.
With the University of Texas at Austin producing a strong pipeline of graduates in computer science, engineering, and biotech fields, and major employers continuing to expand local footprints, the city is well-positioned to sustain its top-tier ranking into the next decade.
For Austin residents, the latest STEMdex is more than a point of pride—it’s a clear sign that the city is not just growing, but leading the future of American innovation.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.