Skip to main content

Houston a Leading City for Diversity in STEM Jobs

Published Nov 24, 2020 by A.J. Mistretta

Collaboration

Houston, long a hub for engineering talent, has been working in recent years to develop its tech workforce. Collective employment in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields totals nearly 80,000 in the City of Houston, which is also one of the most diverse STEM workforces in the country, according to a new report. 

Financial tech company SmartAsset’s latest list of the top U.S. cities for diversity in STEM ranks Houston No. 7 ahead of Dallas and Los Angeles. 
U.S. STEM employment has grown by nearly 80% over the past 30 years, according to data from Pew Research Center. But the sector continues to lack diversity on the whole, with Blacks and Hispanics accounting for just 16% of the STEM workforce nationwide. 

SmartAsset takes a closer look at racial and gender breakdowns of workers in the 35 cities with the largest STEM workforces to compile its annual report. The 2020 report found that white men still fill the majority of U.S. STEM jobs. But cities such as Houston are making inroads toward diversification. 

Metro Houston has a STEM workforce of roughly 300,000 and about 80,000 STEM jobs are located within the City of Houston itself. While just 30% of the city’s STEM workers are women, Houston has the third-best race/ethnicity index score in the study: nearly 20% of STEM workers are Hispanic/Latino, while another 20% are Asian and more than 8% are Black. 

To find the best cities for diversity in STEM, SmartAsset analyzed data for the 35 cities in the county with the largest STEM workforces, looking at both racial and gender diversity. Those two indexes were averaged to create the final score used to rank the cities. Data for both metrics came from the Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. 
 

See the latest employment data for the Houston region and learn more about STEM talent.

Related News

Education

Texas Lawmakers Continue Reforming Small Colleges to Add More ‘Credentials of Value’

6/23/25
Houston is one of the nation’s biggest hubs for young professionals, thanks to strong job growth and an affordable cost of living. Between 2020 and 2024, the region added an estimated 240,000 new jobs, part of a broader economic boom across Texas. Now, a new law aims to build on that momentum by expanding access to workforce training and education programs. Senate Bill 1786 (SB 1786) was signed into law on May 27 and takes immediate effect to remove barriers for Texans seeking to enroll in local community and junior college programs. Additional provisions, including regional job demand studies and data analysis, will take effect on September 1. Free Courses for Disadvantaged StudentsSB 1786 expands free dual credit courses for economically disadvantaged students in grades 9–12, helping more Texans earn college credit before graduation. The law also addresses delays in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rulemaking for financial aid, speeding up access to grants and loans. It improves coordination across state and federal programs, including Jobs and Education for Texans (JET), P-TECH early college high schools, and TRUE reskilling programs. These changes will begin with the 2025–26 school year. Aligning Funding with Workforce Needs SB 1786 builds on the 2023 overhaul of the state’s community college finance system by tying funding to student outcomes, specifically: Earning degrees or industry-recognized credentials that lead to well-paying jobs Successfully transferring to four-year universities Completing targeted dual credit coursework Supporting  Business Growth and Regional Competitiveness By strengthening access to high-value credentials and aligning education funding with workforce outcomes, SB 1786 reinforces the region’s position as a destination for business investment and expansion. These reforms help ensure Houston has a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the needs of employers in high-growth sectors such as energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology. As the Partnership works to attract companies and jobs to the region, these policies send a strong signal that Houston is preparing its people for the careers of tomorrow. The law also strengthens the definition of a “credential of value” as one that helps a student earn more than a high school graduate and justifies the cost of their education. Credentials in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare and education, may also qualify. These updates will take effect in the 2027–28 school year. Workforce-Driven Reform The goal of SB 1786 is to reduce redundancy, maximize impact, and ensure postsecondary programs are aligned with the needs of Texas employers. By supporting this legislation, Houston’s business community is helping to sustain a robust talent pipeline for years to come.  
Read More
Education

Texas Lawmakers Expand Focus on High-Growth, High-Wage Job Training for High Schoolers

6/23/25
This week, the Partnership highlighted the Texas Legislature’s work to deliver a new pathway for college, career, and military readiness in public schools. House Bill 120 expands programs that enable high school students to focus on career-oriented education. Building on that foundation is House Bill 20 (HB 20), which prescribes the types of high-growth, high-wage jobs for which Texas students can now earn high school credit. The goal of the bill is to improve outcomes for high school juniors and seniors by allowing them to focus their classwork on industry-aligned skills rather than solely traditional courses. Prescribed Career Programs HB 20 specifies 20 targeted high-wage, high-growth occupations. Here’s the list of eligible career fields: Automotive technology  Aviation maintenance Carpentry Construction management and inspection Diesel and heavy equipment Electrical Electronics technology Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Industrial maintenance and processes Information technology and cybersecurity Manufacturing and industrial technology Masonry Mechanical and aerospace engineering Oil and gas exploration and production Plumbing & pipe fitting Refining and chemical processes Robotics and automation Sheet metal Transportation, distribution, and logistics Welding Partnering with Local Colleges and Universities The bill requires public school districts to partner with local colleges and universities to offer these courses. This builds on the Legislature’s work from the 2023 session to expand the ability of community colleges to provide credentials of value. One key change is that students participating in these courses will receive high school credit, and the classes will be factored into the per-student funding formula for school districts. Students may also earn a Level 1 or Level 2 certification, credentials that can make them immediately hirable for in-demand job opportunities after graduation.  Prepared to Extend the Program HB 20 limits the program to a five-year pilot period ending in 2031. However, lawmakers have the authority to extend the program based on the outcome. The Texas Education Commissioner is also authorized to adjust the prescribed industries every five years to match job market needs.   Ready to Explore High-Growth Careers? Start Here. Do you have a Texas high school student or recent graduate exploring their career path? The Kinder Institute offers a Workforce Demand Dashboard that highlights high-demand jobs and career clusters, with a focus on specific industries. This tool helps students make informed decisions using real-time data on skills, wages, and opportunities. 
Read More

Related Events

Diversity and Inclusion

Talent Forward: Shaping Houston’s Workforce for a Stronger Tomorrow

Houston’s future depends on how we develop and empower all who call this region home. Talent Forward brings together business, education, and community leaders to shape a more connected,…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners