The 10 best countries to attract STEM talent in 2025

If you’re hiring STEM professionals in 2025, you’re competing both locally and globally.

The demand for skilled professionals is especially high in sectors undergoing rapid transformation. Fields like renewable energy, power infrastructure, oil & gas, nuclear, petrochemicals, and digital technologies are actively hiring, fueled by the global push for sustainability, electrification, and energy security. 

With so many countries positioning themselves as hubs for attracting STEM talent, companies face a growing challenge: How to ensure their organisation and location appeal to the best candidates. This guide explores 10 of the most attractive countries for STEM professionals in 2025, enhanced by fresh insights from the 2025 Global Energy Talent Index (GETI). 

United States: The innovation powerhouse 

The United States remains a top destination for STEM professionals, offering some of the highest energy salaries globally, averaging $109,344 in nuclear and $99,378 in oil and gas.

Contractor rates are equally strong, with day rates reaching $847 in nuclear and $790 in traditional energy. Relocation interest has also grown, rising from 16% in 2021 to 22% in 2025. 

For many engineers, developers, scientists, and analysts, the US represents a career-defining move. Mature ecosystems in tech, biotech, engineering, and energy create a steady demand for high-calibre talent. While visa processes like the H-1B and immigration policies remain complex, candidates continue to view the US as a global innovation hub. 

Why it’s excellent for STEM professionals:  

• High earning potential: Tech, engineering, and healthcare roles consistently offer some of the highest salaries globally.  

• World-class companies: The United States is home to major players like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Pfizer, as well as a thriving startup scene.  

• Culture of innovation: Autonomy, agile environments, and access to capital all support continuous innovation and career growth. 
  

Germany: The engineering and manufacturing leader 

Germany continues to attract STEM professionals seeking both career advancement and quality of life.

Engineering salaries in Europe remain competitive, averaging $88,562 in petrochemicals and $81,580 in nuclear. While relocation interest has eased slightly (down from 39% in 2023 to 33% in 2025), Germany’s strong manufacturing base and clean energy push still make it one of the most appealing destinations. Notably, 37% of professionals see the clean energy transition as a major opportunity in the European region. 

With established strengths in automotive, green energy, and industrial technology, Germany offers more than just a job — it provides long-term stability, professional excellence, and an appealing lifestyle. Streamlined immigration routes like the EU Blue Card make it easier for companies to bring in international talent quickly. 

Why it’s excellent for STEM professionals:  

• Strong job market: Especially in engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability-focused industries.  

• Work-life balance: Shorter hours and generous vacation time.  

• Quality of life: Universal healthcare and strong infrastructure. 

Canada: The inclusive tech and innovation hub 

Canada ranks highly for skilled professionals in STEM seeking both career opportunity and long-term stability.

GETI data shows strong optimism in North America's energy sector, with 71% of traditional energy professionals expecting salary increases. Salaries in power and renewables are globally competitive, averaging $87,933 and $93,892, respectively. 

With booming sectors like AI, clean tech, biotech, and software development—particularly in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—Canada offers fast-track immigration pathways and inclusive policies that appeal to globally mobile talent. For many STEM professionals, it’s not just about the job, but the opportunity to build a future in a diverse, welcoming society. 

Why it’s excellent for STEM professionals:  

• High quality of life: Universal healthcare and safe cities.  

• Multicultural: Nearly 25% of the population is foreign-born.  

• Friendly immigration: Fast-track visa and PR programs. 
  

Australia: The emerging tech and renewable energy scene  

Australia is rapidly emerging as a top destination for STEM professionals who want career growth without sacrificing quality of life.

According to GETI 2025, Australasia leads the world in pay for energy roles, with project managers in the power sector earning an average of $246,975 and drilling supervisors in oil and gas reaching up to $300,000. The region is also becoming increasingly attractive to internationally mobile foreign talent, with Australia’s mix of career opportunity and lifestyle cited as a major draw. 

Driven by government investment and private sector momentum, sectors like biotech, mining tech, and renewables are expanding rapidly in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Combined with flexible working cultures, multicultural communities, and an outdoors-oriented lifestyle, Australia offers a compelling package for globally mobile STEM talent. 

Why it’s great for STEM professionals:  

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours and outdoorsy culture.  

• Thriving sectors: Biotech, clean energy, resource tech.  

• Multicultural: Diverse communities and vibrant cities. 

Watch our webinar on mobilising talent to Australia:

Singapore: The Southeast Asian tech gateway  

STEM professionals seeking global exposure and strong career prospects often find themselves drawn to Asia, especially Singapore.

 Permanent salaries in Asia’s energy sector average between $66,158 and $77,919. Regional relocation interest among skilled workers has also increased since 2023, fueled by ongoing infrastructure investment across Asia. 

Backed by government support, digital infrastructure, and business-friendly policies, Singapore offers employers a highly skilled, globally mobile talent pool. For candidates, the city-state offers safety, modern infrastructure, and a multicultural, English-speaking environment, making it one of Asia’s most attractive landing spots for international STEM professionals. 

Why it’s excellent for STEM professionals:  

• Business-friendly: Competitive tax and legal protections.  

• Excellent infrastructure: Transport and digital systems.  

• Multicultural: English-speaking and globally connected.

Discover why Singapore is a central hub for tech startups:

Sweden: The sustainable innovator 

Sweden remains a prime destination for STEM professionals seeking meaningful work in clean technology, ethical innovation, and sustainability.

37% of European professionals now view clean energy as the region’s top opportunity, with growing demand for digitally enabled skills and safety expertise — areas where Sweden is leading the way. 

With its collaborative work culture, strong social safety nets, and commitment to equality, Sweden appeals to mission-driven professionals looking for more than just financial reward. For employers, this creates a strong pipeline of skilled talent aligned with long-term impact and purpose. 

Why it’s excellent for STEM professionals:  

• Purpose-driven: Circular economy and clean innovation.  

• Quality of life: Healthcare, education, and equality.  

• Flat hierarchies: Empowering work environments. 

Malaysia: The growing tech and manufacturing hub  

Malaysia is becoming an attractive destination for skilled workers in STEM industries seeking career growth, affordability, and regional exposure in Southeast Asia.

In the Asian region, salaries in petrochemicals and power range from $61,217 to $71,040, with competitive contractor day rates. Malaysia’s lower cost of living, paired with access to regional markets, is drawing more international professionals. 

The country’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, supported by government strategies like MyDIGITAL. For employers, Malaysia offers a business-friendly environment, an English-speaking workforce, and streamlined visa pathways, making it easier to attract and retain international STEM talent. 

Why it’s great for STEM professionals:  

• Growth sectors: Semiconductors, IT, fintech, e-commerce.  

• Inclusive culture: Diverse and welcoming.  

• Regional access: Ideal base for Southeast Asia expansion. 

Watch our video below on how expats can work in Malaysia:

Switzerland: The precision engineering and pharma leader

Switzerland remains a top choice for STEM professionals seeking career-defining roles in pharma, life sciences, and precision engineering.

European salaries average $88,562 in petrochemicals and $81,580 in nuclear according to GETI, with Switzerland benefiting from strong regional momentum in digitalisation and clean innovation. 

Global leaders like Roche, Novartis, and ABB are based here, supported by world-class academic partnerships and significant R&D investment. While the cost of living is high, professionals are drawn by Switzerland’s stability, safety, and excellent quality of life. 

Why it’s great for STEM professionals:  

• Innovation economy: Precision and research-focused.  

• Stability: Political and economic predictability.  

• Natural beauty: Urban access meets alpine serenity. 

South Korea: The tech and electronics powerhouse 

South Korea offers STEM professionals the chance to work at the cutting edge of semiconductors, AI, and smart manufacturing.

Asia’s energy professionals earn $66,000+ across many roles, with rising interest in relocation to Asia since 2023 — driven largely by opportunities in technology and innovation. 

Government programmes like the Digital New Deal continue to fuel rapid growth, while major employers such as Samsung and LG sit at the centre of global innovation. For international professionals, South Korea combines advanced infrastructure with a dynamic, modern culture. 

Why it’s great for STEM professionals:  

• Technological leadership: Samsung, LG, and startups.  

• Modern infrastructure: Connectivity and efficiency.  

• Cultural richness: Tradition meets modernity.
  

Portugal: The emerging tech and creative hub 

Portugal is becoming a strategic choice for startups, remote teams, and STEM professionals seeking flexibility, affordability, and lifestyle.

According to GETI 2025, Europe’s growing interest in flexible relocation is driving talent to innovation hubs, and Portugal is one of the growing talent innovation hubs where professionals value digital freedom and work-life integration at lower living costs. 

Lisbon and Porto have emerged as key creative and tech centres, supported by government initiatives and accessible residency pathways. For companies building remote or hybrid teams, Portugal offers both talent appeal and business advantages.  

Why it’s great for STEM professionals:  

• Affordability: Lower costs than Western capitals.  

• Lifestyle: Sun, surf, and slower pace.  

• Expats welcome: English-friendly and accessible visas. 

Your next step: Where and how to hire globally 

While this list highlights some of the top destinations for STEM professionals in 2025, the right location for your business depends on your priorities. Beyond salary and lifestyle, many professionals are seeking meaningful career development.

In fact, career progression remains the number one motivator for switching roles globally, with 71% of professionals expecting a salary increase in 2025.

Regions that offer strong development pathways, training opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance will be best positioned to attract and retain top STEM talent. 

Before choosing your next hiring destination, consider:  

• Visa and immigration pathways — How easy is bringing in and retaining international talent?  

• Cost of living vs. salary expectations — Will your compensation offer remain competitive and sustainable in each market to provide adequate living standards and cover living costs?  

• Language barrier and cultural alignment — Will your team thrive in the local professional and social environment?  

• Industry demand and ecosystem maturity — Is there strong infrastructure, partner networks, and demand for your hiring roles?  

Need help hiring international STEM talent?

Airswift has helped companies find, relocate, and onboard top-tier professionals across engineering, technology, and science. The demand for STEM talent is increasing, and many industries are leveraging the increase in global talent mobilisation. 

Whether you’re expanding into new markets or strengthening your workforce in existing ones, our team can help you hire confidently and compliantly—wherever the talent takes you. 

Speak to our experts to start building your global team in STEM fields.