Fast-growing Southern metropolitan areas are emerging as the top destinations for college graduates entering the job market, according to a new study by payroll processor ADP.
Top Metros for New Graduates
Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, lead the rankings, based on ADP’s analysis of hiring rates for 20-somethings, wages, and affordability. The full top 10 list includes:
- San Jose, California
- Columbus, Ohio
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- San Francisco
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- New York
Metros with the Weakest Job Prospects
At the bottom of the rankings are:
- Salt Lake City
- Riverside, California
- San Diego
- Portland, Oregon
Expert Insight on Job Market Challenges
"Even graduates who do land jobs in these metros face a tough financial tradeoff in the form of high cost of living," wrote Sam Adieze, an ADP researcher, in the report.
The study analyzed 53 U.S. metropolitan areas, each with populations of at least 1 million.
Job Market Outlook for Young Professionals
The Wall Street Journal reports that entry-level hiring is rebounding this spring. However, young professionals’ job prospects may vary significantly depending on their role, industry, and location.
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