While the job market has dramatically improved and unemployment has hovered around historically low levels, where you live can have a huge impact on the availability of work.
Whether you lost your job or merely want a better one, moving may increase your chances of finding the work you want. Exactly which jobs are available varies from market to market, and Glassdoor broke down 25 Best Cities for Jobs in 2017 using three equally weighted factors:
- How easy it is to get a job (hiring opportunity).
- How affordable it is to live there (cost of living).
- How satisfied are employees working there (job satisfaction)?
"Big, metropolitan cities may be more famous than others, including being home to some amazing companies to work for, but this recognition is also what contributes to them being among the most expensive places to live," said Glassdoor Chief Economist Andrew Chamberlain in a press release. "People may be overlooking mid sized cities like Pittsburgh or St. Louis if they are looking to relocate or find new opportunities."
The report shows that many mid-size cities offer the best mix. They have a strong job market, but also offer affordable homes, leading to happier workers.
| Rank | City | Job openings | Median salary | Median home value | Hot jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25. | Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | 249,235 | $49,000 | $211,000 | Software Engineer, Financial Analyst, Server |
| 24. | Charlotte, NC | 78,285 | $45,000 | $174,800 | Business Analyst, Sales Consultant, Clinical Nurse |
| 23. | Chicago, IL | 332,546 | $50,000 | $211,200 | Occupational Therapist, Manufacturing Engineer, Account Executive |
| 22. | San Jose, CA | 106,809 | $100,000 | $1,013,700 | Software Development Engineer, Marketing Manager, Test Engineer |
| 21. | Milwaukee, WI | 63,772 | $46,000 | $215,500 | Civil Engineer, Medical Assistant, Sales Consultant |
| 20. | Nashville, TN | 80,192 | $42,000 | $220,100 | Professor, Licensed Practical Nurse, Restaurant Server |
| 19. | Baltimore, MD | 123,370 | $48,000 | $261,000 | Project Manager, Controls Engineer, Executive Assistant |
| 18. | Atlanta, GA | 195,021 | $46,000 | $179,900 | Mechanical Engineer, Physical Therapist, Marketing Manager |
| 17. | Seattle, WA | 187,741 | $65,000 | $447,100 | Software Development Engineer, Technical Program Manager, Barista |
| 16. | Washington, DC | 293,481 | $62,000 | $382,600 | Systems Engineer, Financial Analyst, Risk Consultant |
| 15. | Oklahoma City, OK | 43,898 | $36,000 | $134,900 | Compliance Manager, Medical Assistant, Restaurant Manager |
| 14. | Hartford, CT | 46,274 | $55,000 | $223,100 | Physician Assistant, Professor, Mechanical Engineer |
| 13. | Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN | 151,656 | $52,000 | $247,400 | Manufacturing Engineer, Graphic Designer, Sales Associate |
| 12. | Detroit, MI | 119,567 | $46,344 | $141,000 | Business Operations Manager, Software Engineer, Auto Technician |
| 11. | Birmingham, AL | 40,123 | $38,000 | $133,400 | Marketing Manager, Insurance Agent, Truck Driver |
| 10. | Louisville, KY | 49,213 | $40,138 | $148,600 | Mechanical Engineer, Nurse Manager, Warehouse Associate |
| 9. | Cleveland, OH | 66,410 | $43,000 | $134,600 | DevOps Engineer, Consultant, Sales Associate |
| 8. | Cincinnati, OH | 79,554 | $44,637 | $152,600 | Data Engineer, Medical Assistant, Account Executive |
| 7. | Columbus, OH | 78,370 | $45,000 | $162,500 | Office Manager, Database Administrator, Restaurant Manager, |
| 6. | Memphis, TN | 42,347 | $41,200 | $119,700 | Physical Therapist, Software Engineer, Maintenance Technician |
| 5. | St. Louis, MO | 104,725 | $45,600 | $148,600 | Electrical Engineer, Communications Manager, Recruiter |
| 4. | Raleigh-Durham, NC | 65,810 | $50,000 | $228,200 | Mobile Developer, Physician, Civil Engineer |
| 3. | Kansas City, MO | 90,649 | $45,000 | $159,400 | Software Engineer, Research Associate, Audit Manager |
| 2. | Indianapolis, IN | 80,561 | $43,000 | $138,100 | DevOps Engineer, Marketing Manager, Machine Operator |
| 1. | Pittsburgh, PA | 95,399 | $44,000 | $137,400 | Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Registered Nurse |
Just because one city has more jobs does not mean you should move there. Image source: Getty Images.
Should you move for work?
Of course, just because one city or another has better job prospects does not mean you should move. Some cities are better suited for workers in specific professions, and the best opportunities for you and your career might not be in one of the cities above. Additionally, before packing up and making a move, you should factor in what your prospects are where you live now. It's also important to consider all the other non-work things that go into life -- family, friends, and whether you would be happy in a new city.
If you're willing to move, find a job first, and move second. When you apply for work however, make it clear you are looking to move to that city, and if possible include a reason in your cover letter. "I have family in the city" or "I'm eager to live in a warm weather climate" may go a long way toward convincing a recruiter you're serious and not just kicking the tires.
