Graduation season is here, and the job market is opening wider for new college graduates. According to a new study from WalletHub, U.S. employers plan to hire 7.3% more graduates from the Class of 2025 than they did in 2024.
WalletHub compared over 180 cities using 25 metrics—including entry-level job availability, salary potential, and housing affordability—to find the best places to start a career this year.
Top 10 cities for starting a career in 2025
These cities ranked highest in career-friendliness for college graduates:
- Atlanta, GA
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Austin, TX
- Miami, FL
- Charleston, SC
- Richmond, VA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Columbia, SC
- Pittsburgh, PA
Atlanta tops the list, offering a high median income near $85,400 and strong job satisfaction scores. The city also boasts one of the highest income growth rates at 8.2% annually.
Where not to launch your career
At the other end of the spectrum, these cities ranked lowest for job market potential and affordability:
- Moreno Valley, CA
- Toledo, OH
- Newark, NJ
- Santa Clarita, CA
- Shreveport, LA
- Detroit, MI
- New York, NY
- Oxnard, CA
- Bridgeport, CT
- Pearl City, HI
Detroit, for example, has the highest unemployment rate among all cities in the study, while Pearl City ranks lowest overall.
Key factors for grads choosing a city
The WalletHub report revealed striking gaps in opportunity:
- Starting salaries: Durham, NC offers the highest average salary adjusted for cost of living—2.9 times more than Juneau, AK, the lowest.
- Household income: Columbia, MD leads in adjusted household income, over three times higher than Detroit.
- Workforce diversity: Oxnard, CA ranks highest, with a diversity score 2.3 times that of New Haven, CT.
- Job security: Rapid City, SD boasts the lowest unemployment rate, more than six times lower than Detroit.
What experts say about career success after college
Starting a career in 2025 offers both opportunity and complexity. Experts urge graduates to focus on values, resilience, and flexibility.
“Hard work still matters,” said Dr. Matthew Joseph of Duquesne University. “But new grads should also be willing to reassess their direction and values over time.”
Dr. John Link of Bennington College emphasized the importance of alignment:
“Pursue roles that match your interests. Motivation is key—and relationships formed early can open unexpected doors.”
Both agree that professionalism, flexibility, and a wide network are essential in today’s evolving job market.
What to expect from the 2025 job market
While artificial intelligence and global economic shifts create uncertainty, most signals point to stability for new grads. A recent update from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows nearly 90% of employers expect to increase or maintain hiring levels in 2025.
However, success may depend on more than just a degree. Willingness to relocate, adaptability, and strategic networking are increasingly important.
Key takeaways for graduates
- Pick the right city: Cost of living and job availability vary widely.
- Plan long-term: Entry-level jobs should support career growth.
- Build your network: Mentorship and connections open career paths.
- Stay flexible: Job markets evolve—especially with tech disruption.
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