This is why choosing the right city could be crucial.
"It is important to look at more than just the number of jobs available or the unemployment rate," said Chip Lupo, an analyst at personal-finance website WalletHub, emphasizing that the quality of jobs — those offering good salaries, benefits, and overall satisfaction — is also important to consider when searching for new opportunities.
Some cities, like Norfolk, Virginia, have high rates of employment growth, while others, like Burlington, Vermont, offer the shortest average commute times, per WalletHub. Depending on your priorities, these factors could play a role in shaping your career choices.
To help with your search, WalletHub recently released a ranking of the best cities to find a job in 2025.
The study analyzed 182 cities, including the 150 most populated US cities and at least two most populated cities in each state, across 31 factors in two key areas: job market and socioeconomic factors.
WalletHub placed greater emphasis on the job market category because it "most heavily influence[s] a job seeker's decision in terms of relocation for employment," according to the report.
The data used for the ranking was sourced from the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and others. BI also identified the cities' populations and median household incomes using July 2023 estimates from the US Census Bureau.
Here are the 10 best cities to find a job in the US, according to WalletHub.
10. OrlandoLake Eola in Orlando.
Keith J Finks/Shutterstock
Population: 320,742
Median household income: $69,268
There's more to Orlando, ranked 10th on the report, than just Disney.
It's also, for example, a city with the fifth-highest availability of job opportunities and among the fastest-growing cities in America, according to WalletHub.
It secured 14th place in the job market category, which evaluated factors like job opportunities, employment growth, unemployment rate, and automation risk, among others.
9. Tempe, ArizonaTempe, Arizona.
Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
Population: 189,834
Median household income: $77,643
Tempe is a sprawling college town on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona.
WalletHub's report ranked Tempe 17th in the job market category and 22nd in the socioeconomic one. According to the American Community Survey shared by the Arizona Commerce Authority, 25.2% of all employed individuals in Tempe work in education, healthcare, or social assistance, making these the city's largest employment sectors.
In addition to being a thriving economic space, the city is popular for building America's self-proclaimed "first car-free neighborhood."
8. Washington, DCThe US Capitol in Washington, DC.
Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock
Population: 678,972
Median household income: $106,287
The capital city ranked eighth on WalletHub's index, scoring 11th in the job market and 36th in the socioeconomic category.
The US' capital and political center has the second-highest employment growth and the fifth-highest monthly average starting salary.
However, it ranked 181st among 182 cities for the longest average work and commute time.
7. Chandler, ArizonaDowntown Chandler, Arizona.
Matt Gush/Shutterstock
Population: 280,167
Median household income: $103,691
Another city in the Grand Canyon State has been named one of the best places to find a job this year.
In the job market category, Chandler ranked 15th, reflecting strong employment opportunities and growth.
Additionally, its socioeconomic rank of 29th indicates a stable and supportive environment for job seekers in terms of housing affordability, transit access, and annual transportation costs, among other factors.
6. Charleston, South CarolinaHistoric district in Charleston, South Carolina.
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Population: 155,369
Median household income: $90,038
Known for its historic charm, vibrant culture, and beautiful coastal views, Charleston, South Carolina, is the sixth-best city for finding a job in 2025, according to WalletHub.
The port city has a thriving job market, ranking sixth in the category, partly because of its booming trade and transport industry. It's also one of the three locations in the world — alongside Everett and Renton in Washington — where Boeing's wide-body jets get assembled.
Maine's biggest city is also the fifth-best place in the US to find a job this year.
The 2020 launch of the $100 million Roux Institute has spurred significant growth in Portland's tech sector, alongside a thriving bioscience and healthcare industry supported by over 400 life science companies.
Adding to its appeal, US News & World Report ranks Portland as the seventh-best city in the US for quality of life, making it a standout choice for job seekers seeking career opportunities and a good standard of living.
4. South Burlington, VermontThe north lighthouse in Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.
It fared well in the job market and socioeconomic categories, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. It also has the second-most job opportunities among the 182 cities.
South Burlington has a diverse economy with several thriving industries, including healthcare and social assistance, retail, hospitality, and education.
3. Columbia, MarylandWilde Lake in Columbia, Maryland.
KhanIM/Shutterstock
Population: 104,681 (2020)
Median household income: $115,564
In 2022, WalletHub ranked Columbia, Maryland, the No. 1 city for finding a job in the US. This year, it remains in the top three, coming in at No. 3.
The city has maintained its spot partly because it has the highest median annual income. It also has the ninth-lowest share of jobs that are likely to be automated in the coming decades, offering long-term job security in a changing economy.
Beyond the job market offerings, Columbia stands out for its affordability. WalletHub notes that fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around 16% of the city's median household income, the sixth-lowest percentage in the country.
2. PittsburghThe Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge) on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh.
JNix/Shutterstock
Population: 303,255
Median household income: $64,137
Pittsburgh ranks as the second-best city for jobs, thanks to a high number of job opportunities and the quality of companies.
It offers the most job opportunities per capita and the third-highest number of full-time jobs at top-rated companies.
The city's jobs are also highly rated, with residents reporting the ninth-highest job satisfaction in the country. It also has the fourth-highest percentage of workers with access to an employer-based retirement plan.
Beyond work, Pittsburgh is the fourth-best city for singles, has the 11th-best public transit system, and boasts affordability with the 18th-lowest median house price in the U.S.
The city, which has recently become a second home to wealthy retirees, entrepreneurs, and CEOs, is at the top partly because it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
It's also great for college students looking for their first work experience, as it ranks first in the number of paid internship opportunities available.
The high number of job opportunities is complemented by a high quality of life. The city has one of the highest median household incomes in the country and, with the 12th-lowest violent crime rate in the US, it's also a safe city.
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