RACE/ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND EARNINGS OF EARLY CAREER STEM GRADUATES IN THE U.S.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the job earnings of STEM college graduates in the U.S. over the 2000-2010 decade. Findings show that after controlling for individual and college level characteristics, geographic factors, mainly the college area’s STEM employment concentration and proximity to STEM clusters, are significantly related to STEM graduates’ job earnings, unemployment, and underemployment. Women and Blacks are considerably more disadvantaged when compared to their male and White counterparts; however, gender and racial disparities significantly decrease when the college location’s STEM concentration increases. Through a multi-scalar research design, this study bridges scholarship in STEM education, labor market inequalities, and regional development. It also provides insight on how race, gender, and place interact in shaping STEM labor market outcomes. The findings have significant implications for policy and practice.

Keywords:

• STEM
• gender
• race
• higher education
• labor market