Midsize Cities Deliver Big Gains for Women in Jobs, Pay, and Equity

Key Trends in the 2025 Job Market

The job market is undergoing significant changes, driven by the rise of hybrid work models and the increasing role of automation. These shifts are reshaping the skills that employers value and prompting individuals and families to make strategic decisions about their careers and financial stability. One notable trend is the movement of people to cities that offer strong career opportunities and better earning potential.

According to Sam Radbil, a research strategist at Checkr, the 2025 Best US Cities for Job Opportunities and Earning Potential report highlights an important insight: women do not necessarily have to move to major metropolitan areas to build successful and equitable careers. Midsize cities such as Raleigh, Charlotte, Salt Lake City, and Omaha provide strong pay, high job density, and upward mobility within affordable and livable environments. When factors like affordability, income growth, and reduced wage gaps align, these cities create real opportunities for women to take control of their economic futures.

To help job seekers, remote workers, and those looking to relocate identify the best places to grow their careers, Checkr analyzed the 100 largest U.S. metro areas. The analysis used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis. The study focused on seven key metrics, including unemployment rates, labor force growth, real per capita income, and high-earning households, to calculate each city’s Employment & Earnings Score—a balanced measure of job opportunity and earning potential.

Top Cities for Employment and Earning Potential

The 2025 job market reflects a transformed American economy shaped by remote work, changing demographics, and technological advancements. In this evolving landscape, certain cities are standing out for their ability to offer a mix of job availability, wage growth, and economic diversity. These urban centers are becoming key destinations for professionals seeking financial stability and long-term opportunities.

Raleigh, North Carolina, leads the list, solidifying its position as a modern economic hub. With a strong presence in tech and biotech, close ties to leading universities, and steady population growth, Raleigh offers a high concentration of well-paying jobs without the high cost of living seen in traditional coastal cities.

Nashville comes in second, driven by a booming healthcare sector, a vibrant cultural scene, and a growing startup environment. Its combination of economic dynamism and lifestyle appeal makes it particularly attractive to young, mobile professionals.

Austin, Texas, ranks third, thanks to its ongoing tech sector growth, even amid broader industry recalibrations. The city's business-friendly climate, innovative ecosystem, and appeal to creative workers keep it at the forefront of high-opportunity metros.

Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland, Maine, round out the top five. Salt Lake City continues to mature as a regional finance and tech center, while Portland stands out for its low unemployment, wage growth, and integration of remote talent into a smaller but agile economy.

Other top contenders include Denver, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, all benefiting from growth in sectors like healthcare, logistics, clean energy, and financial services. Meanwhile, Omaha and Indianapolis represent the strength of the Midwest, offering stable job markets, affordable living, and broad economic diversity.

Worst Cities for Employment and Earning Potential

In contrast, some U.S. cities continue to face long-standing structural challenges that limit job growth, suppress wages, and hinder economic mobility. These lower-ranked metros struggle with persistent obstacles that make it difficult for workers to advance, whether due to industry limitations, population decline, or gaps in infrastructure and education.

Bakersfield and Fresno, California, both located in the Golden State’s Central Valley, illustrate the difficulties of economies heavily reliant on agriculture and energy. These sectors often provide fewer high-paying, upwardly mobile jobs. Combined with higher unemployment and lower educational attainment rates, these cities continue to lag in overall job market performance.

McAllen, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi, also rank near the bottom due to consistently low wages and a lack of access to fast-growing or future-focused industries. Without diversification and stronger economic engines, these areas face an uphill climb in building sustainable, high-opportunity job markets.

In the Northeast and Midwest, cities like Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Rochester, New York, are still grappling with the aftershocks of industrial decline. Once-thriving manufacturing centers, they now contend with population stagnation and brain drain, as younger, skilled workers seek better prospects elsewhere.

Southern metros such as Memphis and Augusta, Georgia, are challenged by limited wage growth, higher poverty rates, and uneven economic development, while Toledo and Spokane, Washington, struggle with affordability concerns and a lack of robust industry diversity relative to larger, more dynamic urban centers.

Though each of these cities has unique strengths and dedicated communities, they collectively underscore the urgent need for targeted investment in education, innovation, and infrastructure. As the economy continues to evolve, bridging these gaps will be key to creating more equitable opportunity and resilience across the country.

Final Thoughts

According to Radbil, cities that score highly for job opportunities and earning potential may also offer support for family-friendly policies, transparency measures, and workplace equity practices. This makes them attractive for both female professionals and progressive employers. As the job market continues to shift, understanding these trends can help individuals make informed decisions about where to live and work.