Today’s job seekers are finding opportunities in unexpected places, as smaller U.S. cities prove to be competitive job markets. Rising employment numbers and growing salaries are making mid-sized regions especially attractive for professionals seeking career growth and an improved quality of life.
On behalf of Aurora University, this analysis examined employment trends in cities with populations ranging from 50,000 to 250,000. Using federal data, this report explores the metropolitan areas that experienced the strongest job growth and the highest salaries. The findings highlight opportunities for students, recent graduates, and other workers considering relocation to smaller communities.
Key Takeaways
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the top small to mid-sized U.S. metropolitan area for job opportunities. Rochester, Minnesota, and Bloomington, Illinois, follow next.
- Midland, Texas, has the highest employment rate per 100,000 residents (63,158).
- Residents of Rochester, Minnesota, have the highest average salary ($78,320).
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts, had the highest employment growth from 2023-2024 (49.2%).
- Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, had the highest salary growth from 2023-2024 (9.6%).
Top Cities Leading in Job Opportunities
To find the best small and mid-sized cities for jobs, four important factors were compared: the number of people working, average salaries, how much employment grew from 2023 to 2024, and how much salaries increased in the same time.
Each city was given a combined score out of 100, which created the overall ranking. This unique approach pinpoints where job seekers are most likely to find both strong career opportunities and good pay.
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the top small to mid-sized U.S. metropolitan area for job opportunities. Rochester, Minnesota, and Bloomington, Illinois, follow next.
Where Growth and Salaries Are Rising Fastest
- Midland, Texas, has the highest employment rate per 100,000 residents (63,158).
- Residents of Rochester, Minnesota, have the highest average salary ($78,320).
- Pittsfield, Massachusetts, had the highest employment growth from 2023-2024 (49.2%).
- Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, had the highest salary growth from 2023-2024 (9.6%).
Methodology
This report was created only on behalf of Aurora University. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) was leveraged to analyze which small and mid-sized metropolitan areas (cities with populations between 50,000 and 250,000) top the list for job opportunities. To create this unique meta-ranking, the following metrics were analyzed and given these respective weights:
- Number of employees in 2024 (25%)
- Average salary in 2024 (25%)
- Increase in the number of employees from 2023 to 2024 (25%)
- Increase in average salary from 2023 to 2024 (25%)
About Aurora University
Aurora University offers a comprehensive array of online degree programs designed to support adult learners at every stage of their academic and professional journeys. Undergraduate options include:
- Business Administration (BS)
- Business Management (BA)
- Criminal Justice (BA)
- General Studies (BA)
- Healthcare Administration (BS)
- Psychology (BA)
- Social Work (BSW)
At the graduate level, AU offers multiple fully online options, such as:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Social Work (MSW), with traditional and advanced standing options
- Exercise Science (MS)
- Educational Leadership – Principal Endorsement (MA), only for licensure in Illinois
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
Each program is tailored to fit around work and personal commitments and is taught by practitioner-based faculty who bring real-world expertise to the virtual classroom. Aurora University delivers a personalized, student-first experience that reflects its supportive small-college environment.
Fair Use Statement
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