Top 10 Cities for Jobs 2014

As the U.S. economy attempts its lengthy recovery, opportunities for job seekers are starting to crop up all over the country.  Many of the larger cities have continued to exhibit growth, thus aiding the rest of the economy. If you’re a mobile individual who is looking for work, here are some of the best cities for you to go.

1. Austin, TX

Population growth 2010-2012: 5.9%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,725
Median income: $29,000
Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Number one on our list is Austin which is experiencing tremendous growth.  The city has the highest working-age population increase at 5.9%.  The top employers are Dell and IBM (each employ over 6,000 people).  Construction of the Circuit of the Americas has generated exposure worth $376.1 million for Austin over the first two years of its contract and it has created thousands of jobs ifor its grand prix and races.  Austinis a very livable city at only $1,725 median homeowner cost per month.  Texas also has no state income tax.

2. Washington, DC

Population growth 2010-2012: 4.6%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $2,300
Median income: $45,000
Unemployment rate: 4.9%

Our U.S. capital’s population increased by 4.6% from 2010 to 2012, and has a higher median income of $45,151 per year.  In addition to the government sector, Washington is also booming in the education and health care industries.  The top employers are Georgetown University and George Washington University. Tourism is Washington’s second largest industry.  Approximately 18.9 million visitors contributed an estimated $4.8 billion to the local economy in 2012.

3. Fort Worth, TX

Population growth 2010-2012: 5.1%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,400
Median income: $28,600
Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Located some 30 miles west of Dallas, Fort Worth was originally established as (surprise) a fort to defend settlers after the Mexican American War.   Today the city’s main industries are the government sector and manufacturing, but the area retains its western spirit and culture.  The top employers are American Airlines, Pier 1 Imports, RadioShack and Lockheed Martin (the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics production plant manufactures the F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon).

4. Denver, CO

Population growth 2010-2012: 4.9%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,600
Median income: $32,000
Unemployment rate: 5.8%

Just east of the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City’s main industries are aerospace and manufacturing. The top employers are Ball Corporation and Lockheed Martin. Denver has also enjoyed success as a pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, with many popular national chain restaurants founded and based in Denver.  Chipotle Mexican Grill, Quizno’s, and Smashburger were founded and are headquartered in Denver.  Qdoba Mexican Grill,Noodles & Company, and Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard also originated in Denver.

5. Charlotte, NC

Population growth 2010-2012: 5.6%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,400
Median income: $30,600
Unemployment rate: 6.9%

Charlotte lies on the southwestern border between North and South Carolina and is one of the country’s major financial centers. The top employers are Bank of America and Wells Fargo.  Charlotte has a thriving arts community and the Arts and Science Council offers many workshops to cultivate the professional development of creative individuals.  Charlotte is also the major center in the U.S. motorsports industry housing multiple offices of NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord.  Approximately 75% of the NASCAR industry’s race teams, employees, and drivers are based nearby.

6. Raleigh, NC

Population growth 2010-2012: 4.2%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,400
Median income: $30,800
Unemployment rate: 5.4%

Located in the heart of the state, the capital of North Carolina is known for its research and development industry (which is largely due to Research Triangle Park - a hub for tech companies).  The top employers are IBM, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Carquest, Golden Corral, and Red Hat.  The city is also a major retail shipping point for eastern North Carolina and a wholesale distributing point for the grocery industry.

7. Omaha, NE

Population growth 2010-2012: 2.8%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,300
Median income: $27,400
Unemployment rate: 3.6%

Omaha is widely regarded as the telecommunications capital of the United States.  The city’s economy includes agriculture, food processing, insurance, transportation, healthcare, and education.  The top employers are Alegent Health System, First Data Corporation, Methodist Health System, Mutual of Omaha, ConAgra Foods, Nebraska Medical Center, Offutt Air Force Base, and the West Corporation.  First Data Corporation is in the data-processing industry, employing thousands of people who live in the area.  Omaha’s most prominent businessman is Warren Buffett, nicknamed the “Oracle of Omaha”, who is regularly ranked one of the richest people in the world.

8. Minneapolis, MN

Population growth 2010-2012: 2.5%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,600
Median income: $30,127
Unemployment rate:4.0%

Known as the City of Lakes, Minneapolis has more than 20 lakes and wetlands.  The city’s diverse economy is based on commerce, finance, health care, and trucking.  The top employers are Target, Allina Health, Fairview Health Services, Wells Fargo, Ameriprise, Hennepin County Medical Center, U.S. Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Capella Education Company, RBC Wealth Management, Macy’s, TCF Financial, Thrivent, and the Star Tribune.  Minneapolis offers plenty of culture as well.  There’s a thriving theater scene and several film and arts centers. The city also hosts the Minnesota Fringe Festival; one of the largest performing arts festivals in the country.  Minneapolis is one of the best cities for recreation, hockey being one of the city’s favorite past times.

9. Oklahoma City, OK

Population growth 2010-2012: 2.9%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,300
Median income: $26,500
Unemployment rate: 4.7%

Oklahoma City is located right in the center of the state.  The energy industry has a strong presence in the area. Top employers that are also Fortune 500 companies include Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Devon Energy Corporation and McKesson Corporation.  Other large employers in Oklahoma City include: AAA, AT&T, Bank of America, The Boeing Company, Braum’s Restaurants, The Coca-Cola Company, Dell, FAA, Farmers Insurance Group, The Hertz Corporation, Hobby Lobby, JPMorgan Chase, SandRidge Energy, Southwest Airlines, Sprint, United Parcel Service, Williams-Sonoma, Xerox, and the Federal government of the United States.  In 2008, Forbes magazine named Oklahoma City the most “recession proof city in America.” The magazine reported that the city had a steady decline in unemployment, one of the strongest housing markets in the country, and solid growth in energy, agriculture and manufacturing.

10. San Antonio, TX

Population growth 2010-2012: 3.7%
Median monthly homeowner cost: $1,200
Median income: $25,900
Unemployment rate: 5.6%

San Antonio is known for its River Walk along the San Antonio River, which flows through downtown on a vibrant waterway lined with shops and restaurants.  Over twenty million tourists visit the city and its attractions every year, contributing substantially to the city’s economy, primarily due to The Alamo and Riverwalk.  Tourism employs 94,000 citizens and makes an economic impact of over $10.7 billion in the local economy.  Technology and energy are growing industries in this city.  The top employers include Fortune 500 companies Valero Energy Corp, Tesoro Corp, USAA, Clear Channel Communications, NuStar Energy, and CST Brands, Inc.. The city is also home to one of the largest military concentrations in the United States.  The defense industry in San Antonio employs over 89,000 citizens and provides $5.25 billion to the city’s economy.