LinkedIn’s 2026 Cities on the Rise - The 25 Emerging Cities for Jobs and Career Growth

Key Insights

• Cities on the Rise identifies the fastest-growing U.S. metros for jobs and new talent.
  
  
• The ranking highlights the emerging cities for jobs and career growth, showcasing mid-sized metros where employers are hiring, industries are expanding, and new opportunities are emerging for professionals.
  
  
• With nearly 80% of professionals feeling unprepared to find a job in 2026, Cities on the Rise helps people identify the best places to move for work and make more informed career decisions.
  
  
• The top five cities include: Augusta, GA, Richmond, VA, Reno, NV, North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL and Harrisburg, PA.
  
  

Career Opportunity Is Expanding Beyond Traditional Hubs

LinkedIn released its 2026 Cities on the Riseopens in a new tab list, spotlighting the fastest-growing U.S. cities for jobs and new talent. The ranking identifies emerging metro areas where the job market is gaining momentum and reflects how today’s labor market is changing.

As the future of work evolves, professionals are looking beyond the country’s largest metropolitan areas for places where opportunity, affordability, and quality of life intersect. In fact, two-thirds of professionals say they work to live, not live to work, reflecting a growing focus on balancing career ambition with overall well-being.

“Finding the right place to build a career has become just as important as finding the right job,” says Laura Lorenzetti, VP and Executive Editor, LinkedIn. “Career opportunity is expanding well beyond the traditional hubs. From growing AI ecosystems in Albany and Salt Lake City, to healthcare in Indianapolis, we’re seeing more cities create new avenues for career development.”

What the Rankings Reveal About the Future of Work

Cities on the Rise offers a data-driven view of where economic momentum is accelerating outside of major hubs across the U.S. The ranking uses LinkedIn data to track growth in where professionals are getting hired, jobs are being posted and new talent is building their careers — uncovering areas of opportunity and the trends driving it. Explore the full 2026 rankings to discover the metros on the rise.

U.S. Cities on the Rise:

1. Augusta, GA: Augusta pairs its cybersecurity and defense leadership with a growing medtech sector, data center investment and a world-renowned golf legacy.
   
   
2. Richmond, VA: Richmond combines a fast-growing economy, expanding tech infrastructure and strategic East Coast location to attract businesses and new residents.
   
   
3. Reno, NV: Reno has become a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, offering business-friendly policies and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation.
   
   
4. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL: This Gulf Coast metro is experiencing rapid growth fueled by major development projects, healthcare investment and its desirable coastal lifestyle.
   
   
5. Harrisburg, PA: Harrisburg offers a diverse economy anchored by government, healthcare and logistics, with new business investment strengthening the region.
   
   
6. Charleston, SC: Charleston blends a thriving port economy, advanced manufacturing and a rapidly expanding workforce with its renowned coastal culture.
   
   
7. Pensacola, FL: Pensacola is building on its defense and aerospace strengths with new manufacturing investment while continuing to attract workers with its coastal lifestyle.
   
   
8. Austin, TX: Austin remains one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs, driven by its booming tech sector, startup ecosystem and semiconductor investment.
   
   
9. Portland, ME: Portland combines a celebrated food scene, coastal charm and a growing healthcare and life sciences sector.
   
   
10. Tulsa, OK: Tulsa is attracting remote workers and expanding opportunities across energy, aerospace and emerging industries.
    
    
11. Lancaster, PA: Lancaster offers a historic, well-connected community with a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, tourism and agriculture.
    
    
12. Albany, NY: Albany is emerging as a national leader in semiconductor research, supported by major public investment and a strong education sector.
    
    
13. Portland, OR: Portland pairs a growing clean tech and manufacturing economy with outdoor recreation, a vibrant culture and a globally recognized athletic apparel industry.
    
    
14. Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis is leveraging its role as a major transportation hub alongside expanding healthcare, technology and life sciences industries.
    
    
15. Charlotte, NC: Charlotte continues to grow beyond its financial roots, attracting major employers across industries with its strong talent pipeline and expanding economy.
    
    
16. Myrtle Beach, SC: Myrtle Beach is pairing sustained tourism growth with expanding healthcare investment and one of the nation’s fastest-growing retiree populations.
    
    
17. Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI (Fox Cities): The Fox Cities combine affordable living, revitalized downtowns and a diverse economy spanning healthcare, manufacturing and finance.
    
    
18. Fort Wayne, IN: Fort Wayne is expanding beyond its aerospace and defense heritage with major technology investment and a revitalized downtown.
    
    
19. Sacramento, CA: Sacramento is strengthening its role as a center for agriculture, biotechnology and innovation while attracting residents seeking an alternative to California’s larger metros.
    
    
20. Little Rock, AR: Little Rock’s diverse economy, expanding logistics network and ongoing downtown investment are helping drive the region’s continued growth.
    
    
21. Salt Lake City, UT: Salt Lake City is building on its thriving tech ecosystem with continued investment, strong job growth and preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
    
    
22. Wilmington, NC: Wilmington combines a long-standing film industry, growing healthcare and technology sectors, and a popular coastal lifestyle.
    
    
23. Louisville, KY: Louisville is a national hub for logistics, manufacturing and healthcare, with additional momentum from its bourbon industry and iconic horse racing tradition.
    
    
24. Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee is evolving beyond its manufacturing roots with growth in tourism, entrepreneurship and emerging industries like water technology.
    
    
25. Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids is blending its manufacturing heritage with a growing healthcare and technology sector while offering easy access to outdoor recreation.
    
    

Explore the Cities on the Rise list in your region: 🇦🇺 Australiaopens in a new tab: 🇧🇷 Brazilopens in a new tab: 🇫🇷 Franceopens in a new tab: 🇩🇪 Germanyopens in a new tab: 🇮🇳 Indiaopens in a new tab: 🇮🇹 Italyopens in a new tab: 🇪🇸 Spainopens in a new tab: 🇬🇧 UKopens in a new tab

Key Takeaways

Career opportunity is expanding beyond traditional coastal hubs as fastest-growing metro areas attract talent, employers, and investment. Mid-sized cities are becoming some of the best cities for jobs, driven by economic development, AI jobs, and evolving labor market trends. Professional networking continues to fuel career growth, while LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise helps professionals identify emerging job markets, the best places to move for work, and where the future of work is taking shape.

FAQs

What is the Cities on the Rise list?

Cities on the Rise spotlights emerging metros across the country where opportunity is growing. By analyzing trends in hiring, job creation, and professional migration, the list identifies emerging metros that are becoming magnets for talent and new jobs.

This ranking helps professionals stay ahead of the curve by revealing where demand for workers is rising, while also guiding communities and employers to better understand and respond to shifting career trends. It reinforces LinkedIn’s role as a trusted source for career insights and delivers real, local value for members navigating the evolving job market.

What industries are growing in Cities on the Rise locations?

Cities on the Rise locations are seeing growth across industries, including technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, manufacturing, and business services. These expanding sectors are creating new career pathways and attracting talent across the country.

How can I use LinkedIn Cities on the Rise to decide where to move for work?

Cities on the Rise provides data-driven insights into where hiring is growing and industries are expanding. Professionals can use the rankings to explore emerging job markets, understand local career trends, and identify places that align with their professional goals.

How are the rankings determined?

LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise identifies the metro areas where career opportunity is growing fastest. The rankings are based on LinkedIn data, looking at where hiring is increasing, where employers are posting more jobs, and where more professionals are choosing to move. Together, these signals help identify cities experiencing the strongest momentum for career growth. Read the full methodology, hereopens in a new tab.