This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Rachael Gerendasy.

With more than 45,000 listings, D.C. has more open jobs in science, technology, engineering and math than any other major city in the U.S., according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The District beat out technology hubs like San Francisco and San Jose, Calif. for the most STEM jobs paying over $50,000 a year. Last year’s leader, New York City, fell to fourth place in the top 10 list with about 28,000 positions listed this year.

Mark Steinard, a recruiter at the jobs website Indeed, said the District has consistently ranked as a top city for STEM positions.

“It’s home to lots of defense and aerospace companies that are increasingly relying on qualified computer and engineering professionals,” he said. “Across the U.S., universities and even high school educators are realizing both the opportunity created by and the importance of STEM jobs.”

These occupations make up about 10 percent of the U.S. job market, according to the data.

GW and three local technology firms released a report in May that predicted the tech boom will create 20,500 jobs to the D.C. area in the next three years, and companies will likely look to hire recent graduates who studied in STEM programs.

In recent years, more GW students have majored in science and technology as the University has expanded programs to boost its research footprint in those fields. The School of Engineering and Applied Science had 122 computer science majors in 2013, a 23 percent increase from 2009.