Pittsburgh's Science- and Technology-Focused Workforce Ecosystem

With funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the Heinz Endowments, the Henry L. Hillman Foundation, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, RAND was asked to assess Pittsburgh’s science- and technology-focused (STF) workforce ecosystem. The study included the seven-county region that constitutes the Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area. The research team held conversations with regional STEM experts, analyzed federal, state, and local data sources, and conducted focus groups with a range of regional stakeholders.

The RAND research team sought to define STF occupations in a regionally relevant way, characterize the current state of the STF ecosystem, identify barriers and facilitators to participation in the STF ecosystem, and develop strategies to facilitate the STF ecosystem’s continued growth.

Project Publications

  • Report

    Pittsburgh's Science- and Technology-Focused Workforce

    About 18 percent of Pittsburgh's employment is in science- and technology-focused occupations, and the growth rate suggests the need for more workers in the future. What investments and policy changes could safeguard the region's strengths and support it as a flourishing science and technology hub?

  • Tool

    Science- and Technology-Focused Postsecondary Options in the Pittsburgh Area

    Pittsburgh-area residents have many local options for pursuing education and training to prepare for science- and technology-focused (STF) jobs. Potential students can search providers based on county, type of degrees or certificates, and STF field.

Pittsburgh Area Science- and Technology-Focused Postsecondary Options

Program types

  • Apprenticeship
  • Certificate
  • Associate Degree
  • High School Career and Technical Education
  • Bachelor'​s Degree or Higher

Note: Category reflects the highest credential offered. For example, a community college that offers associate degrees and certificates will be listed as “Associate Degree.”