Here are the top cities to find a job in 2026, data says

US private sector lost 32k jobs in November

According to new reporting from payroll processing firm ADP, companies in the private sector lost 32,000 jobs in November. However, despite widespread job losses in November, the education and health services sector gained 33,000 positions in the month. ADP chief economist Nela Richardson recently said, "Hiring has been choppy of late as employers weather cautious consumers and an uncertain macroeconomic environment." LiveNOW’s Andy Mac is learning more with Megan Leonhardt, a senior writer for Barron's covering economic issues.

As we enter 2026, many people are looking for a fresh start – and for many individuals, landing a new or better job may be high on their list of resolutions.

Of course, job prospects often depend heavily on where you live. 

In order to determine the best job markets in the U.S., WalletHub analyzed over 180 U.S. cities using 31 key factors that shape the strength of local job markets — from job openings per applicant and employment growth to the average starting salary each month.

Scottsdale, Arizona ranked best city for jobs

By the numbers:

According to the data, Scottsdale, Arizona, was ranked as the best city for jobs in 2026, in large part because it boasted one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Scottsdale also ranked 16th when it came to the prevalence of paid internship opportunities as well. 

But Scottsdale didn’t just deliver quantity when it came to jobs. WalletHub said it had quality as well, evidenced by the fact that the city had one of the highest median household incomes in the country, at over $101,000, adjusted for the cost of living.

WalletHub analyzed over 180 U.S. cities using 31 key factors that shape the strength of local job markets. (Credit: Getty Images)

Finally, Scottsdale ranked seventh among the best cities for recreation and 12th among the best cities for families. The city also had the 11th-lowest violent crime rate in the U.S.

Scottsdale was followed by Columbia, Maryland and Portland, Maine.

What they're saying:

"It’s important to look at more than just the number of jobs available or the unemployment rate when determining the best place to find employment. Quality matters just as much as quantity, from the average salaries and benefits to job security and overall satisfaction," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement. "There are plenty of secondary factors to take into account as well, from how easy a city makes commuting to jobs to whether it’s a good place for raising a family or engaging in recreational activities outside of work."

Best cities for jobs in 2026

1. Scottsdale, Arizona
2. Columbia, Maryland
3. Portland, Maine
4. South Burlington, Vermont
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

See the full report here.

Best cities to start your career

Dig deeper:

In 2024, another WalletHub report revealed the best and worst places for Americans to start their careers.

RELATED: Best and worst cities to start a career revealed

Company WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 26 key indicators of career-friendliness. The data set ranged from the availability of entry-level jobs to the monthly average starting salary to housing affordability.

That study found that Atlanta and Orlando were the best places to start a career, followed by Salt Lake City, Tampa and Pittsburgh.