(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
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
The Milwaukee region rose to second place, thanks to a jump in its hiring rate from 2.3% to 3.7%.
- Annual wage: $49,208
- Affordability-adjusted wage: $51,508
- Hiring rate: 3.7%
3. Baltimore, Maryland
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
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
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 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%…