Stevenage Named the 3rd Best Place in the UK for Women in STEM
Stevenage has been ranked the third best city in the UK for women building careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to a new national study by CoworkingCafe.
The research assessed 95 major towns and cities across the country, analysing job demand, pay, workforce representation and affordability.
This recognition highlights Stevenage’s growing reputation as a leading STEM hub — and a place where women can thrive in high skilled, high growth sectors.
Strong Demand for STEM Talent
Stevenage ranks among the UK’s top 10 for hiring momentum, with 42 new STEM job adverts per month per 10,000 working age residents. Employers across engineering, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and technology are actively recruiting.
Established Local STEM Workforce
STEM roles make up 8.6% of all local employment, placing Stevenage 13th nationwide for STEM job concentration. This reflects the town’s long-standing strengths in scientific and technical industries.
High Earning Potential for Women
Women in STEM in Stevenage enjoy some of the highest salaries in the UK:
• £53,505 average salary for professional STEM roles
• £36,854 for associate STEM roles
These figures position Stevenage within the top five nationally for pay in both categories.
Positive Representation & Pay Parity
Women hold 26.2% of STEM roles locally — higher than many similar sized areas.
Across the wider East of England, the gender pay gap in STEM is one of the lowest in the UK, with women earning close to parity with their male counterparts.
A Balanced Place to Live and Work
Stevenage offers competitive wages alongside comparatively manageable living costs:
• Rent accounts for 39% of median full-time earnings
• The average home costs 7.4× the typical annual salary
This balance of opportunity and affordability makes the town an attractive option for women entering or progressing in STEM careers.
A Regional Leader in STEM
Stevenage’s success adds to the East of England’s reputation as a national STEM powerhouse.
Cambridge ranks 1st, and other nearby towns — including Chelmsford, Bedford and Hemel Hempstead — also appear in the top 20 locations for women working in STEM.
Nationally, the top three cities are:
1. Cambridge
2. Edinburgh
3. Stevenage
Explore STEM Careers in Hertfordshire
Stevenage’s strong performance demonstrates the exciting opportunities available for women in STEM across Hertfordshire. Whether you're starting out, considering a career change, or looking to progress in your field, there are excellent prospects across local employers and industries.
👉 Explore STEM pathways, training options and career routes on HOP:
Explore the engineering sector
You can find the full study, data tables and methodology here: https://www.coworkingcafe.com/blog/most-efficient-cities-uk/.
More info here- the best places in the UK for women pursuing STEM careers