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Here are the cities where new college grads are landing jobs

(NewsNation) — For the second year in a row, Raleigh, North Carolina, tops the list of best U.S. cities for recent college graduates thanks to its job opportunities, comparatively affordable cost of living and strong hiring, according to a study from payroll provider ADP.

ADP analyzed payroll data from more than 140,000 Americans aged 20 to 29 working at over 27,000 companies across the U.S. They then ranked 55 metro areas with at least one million residents based on hiring rates, average annual wages and affordability-adjusted wages.

Here are the 5 best cities for new graduates, according to ADP:

1. Raleigh, North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 2: Raleigh’s downtown skyline is seen from The Dillion’s ninth floor lobby terrace open to the public January 02, 2019 in Raleigh, NC. The convention center’s Shimmer Wall is seen at the far right. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Home to the Research Triangle, Raleigh continues to attract talent with its thriving tech industry and proximity to major universities, including Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill.

  • Annual wage: $55,580
  • Affordability-adjusted wage: $56,721
  • Hiring rate: Not specified

2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

FILE - The Milwaukee city skyline is seen on April 7, 2023, in Milwaukee. Both Democrats and Republicans are zeroing in on the critical Midwestern region ahead of next year's presidential election, with both parties choosing to hold their national conventions there. Republicans will hold their event in Milwaukee, while Democrats announced Tuesday, April 11, that they would hold theirs in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
FILE – The Milwaukee city skyline is seen on April 7, 2023, in Milwaukee. Both Democrats and Republicans are zeroing in on the critical Midwestern region ahead of next year’s presidential election, with both parties choosing to hold their national conventions there. Republicans will hold their event in Milwaukee, while Democrats announced Tuesday, April 11, that they would hold theirs in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

The Milwaukee region rose to second place, thanks to a jump in its hiring rate from 2.3% to 3.7%.

  1. Annual wage: $49,208
  2. Affordability-adjusted wage: $51,508
  3. Hiring rate: 3.7%

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore, Maryland Inner Harbor skyline. (Photo by: Robert Knopes/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Though it dropped one spot from last year, Baltimore remains a strong market for new grads.

  • Annual wage: $52,267
  • Affordability-adjusted wage: $50,907
  • Hiring rate: 3.5%

4. Austin, Texas

General view of atmosphere during the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: General view of atmosphere during the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival at Auditorium Shores on November 05, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images)

Austin slipped from the No. 3 spot but still ranks high with solid wages and job prospects.

  • Annual wage: $58,404
  • Affordability-adjusted wage: $59,828
  • Hiring rate: 2.8%

5. Birmingham, Alabama

pond reflection view of Birmingham skyline in Alabama. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Birmingham made a big leap from No. 20 in 2024 to the top 5, thanks to affordability and rising job opportunities.

  • Annual wage: $50,786
  • Affordability-adjusted wage: $54,863
  • Hiring rate: 2.8%

5. Denver, Colorado

Denver skyline
Sunset on the Denver skyline looking west towards the Rocky Mountains. (Photo by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Denver also entered the top 5 this year, moving up from No. 11 in 2024.

  • Annual wage: $59,094
  • Affordability-adjusted wage: $56,018
  • Hiring rate: 2.7%

Meanwhile, Atlanta, which ranked higher in 2024, dropped due to a decline in its hiring rate to 2.2%.

ADP’s 5 worst cities for new grads in 2025:

  • Portland, Oregon
  • Hartford, Connecticut
  • Riverside, California
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia

These cities ranked lowest based on limited job growth, lower wages, and higher living costs relative to earnings.

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