Entering the job market for the first time can be scary. Thankfully, with some of our nation’s lowest unemployment numbers in years, things might be a little easier for recent graduates! All cities and states have different and unique things that make them stand out. Let’s break down what are the best and worst United States cities to start a career, thanks to WalletHub.

What are the factors WalletHub took into account when determining the best (and worst) cities to start a career? Well, they compared 182 cities, 150 of which are the nation’s most populated, and at least two cities from every state. They compared these cities off of two dimensions – professional opportunities and quality of life. Finally, they evaluated over 29 different metrics that you can find here. 

Alright, let’s break it down!

Best cities to start a career:

  1. Salt Lake City, UT

  2. Pittsburgh, PA

  3. Atlanta, GA

  4. Orlando, FL

  5. Austin, TX

  6. Minneapolis, MN

  7. Seattle, WA

  8. Raleigh, NC

  9. Boston, MA

  10. Denver, CO

Worst cities to start a career:

  1. Shreveport, LA

  2. Montgomery, AL

  3. Hialeah, FL

  4. Bridgeport, CT

  5. Oxnard, CA

  6. Pearl City, HI

  7. New Haven, CT

  8. Toledo, OH

  9. Newport News, VA

  10. Jackson, MS

Caroline C.
FFL Cabinet Member

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