For the second yr in a row, Raleigh, N.C., tops the checklist of finest U.S. cities for current faculty graduates because of its job alternatives, comparatively reasonably priced price of residing and powerful hiring, based on a examine from payroll supplier ADP.

ADP analyzed payroll knowledge from greater than 140,000 People ages 20 to 29 working at over 27,000 corporations throughout the U.S. They then ranked 55 metro areas with at the very least a million residents based mostly on hiring charges, common annual wages and affordability-adjusted wages.

Listed below are the 5 finest cities for brand spanking new graduates, based on ADP:

1. Raleigh, N.C.

Raleigh’s downtown skyline is seen from The Dillion’s ninth ground foyer terrace open to the general public January 02, 2019 in Raleigh, N.C. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Put up by way of Getty Photographs)

House to the Analysis Triangle, Raleigh continues to draw expertise with its thriving tech trade and proximity to main universities, together with Duke and the College of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Annual wage: $55,580

Affordability-adjusted wage: $56,721

Hiring charge: Not specified

2. Milwaukee

The Milwaukee metropolis skyline is seen on April 7, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Picture/Morry Gash, File)

The Milwaukee area rose to second place, because of a soar in its hiring charge from 2.3 p.c to three.7 p.c.

Annual wage: $49,208

Affordability-adjusted wage: $51,508

Hiring charge: 3.7 p.c

3. Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland Inside Harbor skyline. (Picture by: Robert Knopes/Schooling Photographs/Common Photographs Group by way of Getty Photographs)

Although it dropped one spot from final yr, Baltimore stays a robust marketplace for new grads.

Annual wage: $52,267

Affordability-adjusted wage: $50,907

Hiring charge: 3.5 p.c

4. Austin, Texas

Common view of ambiance throughout the Austin FOOD & WINE Pageant at Auditorium Shores on November 05, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (Picture by Rick Kern/Getty Photographs)

Austin slipped from the No. 3 spot however nonetheless ranks excessive with strong wages and job prospects.

Annual wage: $58,404

Affordability-adjusted wage: $59,828

Hiring charge: 2.8 p.c

5. Birmingham, Ala.

A pond reflection view of Birmingham skyline in Alabama. (Picture by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Common Photographs Group by way of Getty Photographs)

Birmingham made a giant leap from No. 20 in 2024 to the highest 5, because of affordability and rising job alternatives.

Annual wage: $50,786

Affordability-adjusted wage: $54,863

Hiring charge: 2.8 p.c

5. Denver

Sundown on the Denver skyline trying west in direction of the Rocky Mountains. (Picture by: Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Common Photographs Group by way of Getty Photographs)

Denver additionally entered the highest 5 this yr, transferring up from No. 11 in 2024.

Annual wage: $59,094

Affordability-adjusted wage: $56,018

Hiring charge: 2.7 p.c

In the meantime, Atlanta, which ranked larger in 2024, dropped because of a decline in its hiring charge to 2.2 p.c.

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

Portland, Oregon

Hartford, Connecticut

Riverside, California

Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah

Virginia Seaside, Virginia

These cities ranked lowest based mostly on restricted job progress, decrease wages, and better residing prices relative to earnings.