Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Utah Women Stats Research Snapshot

Volume

39

Publisher

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Publication Date

6-2-2022

First Page

1

Last Page

4

Abstract

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are expanding faster and pay better than other careers.1 The median annual wage for STEM occupations in 2020 was nearly $90,000, more than double the median annual wage for all occupations (about $42,000).2 STEM opportunities abound in Utah, one of the top 10 states for tech job growth, net tech employment concentration, and net tech employment job gains in 2020.3 In fact, Salt Lake City is ranked the second-best city in the country for professional opportunities in STEM.4

Yet, despite the abundance of STEM opportunities, Salt Lake City was ranked 43rd among other metro areas for “STEM-Friendliness,” a metric that, in part, considers the gender disparity in STEM field occupations and degrees.5 Nationally and locally, fewer women obtain STEM-related college degrees and work in STEM-related occupations, and they leave STEM careers once employed at disproportionate rates compared to men.6 Hence, the US and Utah STEM workforce remains predominately male. Recognizing the role that women contribute to a strong statewide workforce, educational and civic leaders are working to increase opportunities and pathways for more Utah women to be aware of, enter into, and thrive in STEM fields.

In 2016, the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released a research snapshot entitled “Utah Women and STEM.” This snapshot updates, expands on, and compares data of the three key areas featured in that snapshot:

  1. Current STEM employment data;
  2. Possible reasons for the STEM gender gap; and
  3. Ongoing efforts to increase diverse participation and success in STEM fields.

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