This year has been defined by an air of economic insecurity, as large companies made headlines for downsizing budgets and teams. But depending on the city, there may be more opportunities around the corner than one thinks.
Checkr, a background screening company for employers, ranked 100 of the largest cities in the U.S., scoring each locale based on factors like the unemployment rate, labor force growth, job openings, percentage of households making more than $200,000 and average 10-year income growth. Notably, Nashville, Austin and San Jose, California, made it to the top three for job opportunities and earning potential. For those looking for cities that boast opportunities in a diverse number of industries as well as relatively competitive pay, they may want to start there, says Sara Korolevich, head of digital content at Checkr.
"Job seekers should keep in mind that, in general, large and growing mid-sized cities have a more diverse job market with a wider range of industries and high-paying job opportunities," she says. "Small cities tend to have a more limited job market that is often focused on specific industries such as agriculture or manufacturing."
Read more: 10 cities where people work more than one job to keep up with costs
Bakersfield, California, Augusta, Georgia, and Scranton, Pennsylvania ranked in the bottom three due to a low number of employment opportunities, and hence low earning potential. Their scores were about 65 points away from Nashville's top score, emphasizing the disparity in the cities' economic landscape. Still, Korolevich underlines that job seekers have to decide for themselves which regional markets will best serve their career goals.
Here are the 10 best and worst cities for job opportunities and earning potential, according to Checkr.
