LinkedIn has launched its second annual Cities on the Rise checklist, rating the highest 25 U.S. metro areas that it says have emerged because the fastest-growing locations for jobs and new expertise.
The Microsoft-owned social community analyzed its labor market knowledge to find out the place professionals are touchdown jobs, employers are hiring, and new expertise is launching their careers.
Augusta, Georgia, earned the top spot for 2026. Different cities on the checklist embrace Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Louisville, Kentucky; Richmond, Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
For these exploring new profession alternatives, this checklist affords perception into high-growth cities for jobs and new expertise. Take a look at the total checklist beneath.
Prime 25 cities for 2026:
- Augusta, Georgia
- Richmond, Virginia
- Reno, Nevada
- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Pensacola, Florida
- Austin, Texas
- Portland, Maine
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Albany, New York
- Portland, Oregon
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina
- Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, Wisconsin (Fox Cities)
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Sacramento, California
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
Right here’s why Augusta is ranked No. 1
Augusta sits on the prime of the checklist. When you’re searching for new profession alternatives and have the pliability to relocate, you might need to think about searching for work right here, says LinkedIn.
Prime industries hiring within the area embrace increased schooling, hospitals and healthcare, and electrical energy era.
Town’s prime employers embrace Savannah River Nuclear Options, the U.S. Military, and Augusta College.
The U.S. Military Cyber Command at Fort Eisenhower relies right here, as is the Georgia Cyber Heart, which is the nation’s largest state-owned cybersecurity facility. Past protection and cybersecurity, rising industries embrace medtech and knowledge facilities.
The median family earnings is $55,485, whereas the common residence itemizing value is $396,195. LinkedIn knowledge reveals that from February 1, 2024, to February 1, 2026, 26.5% of marketed jobs within the metro had been distant and three.5% had been hybrid.
Greater than half of the cities had been featured in final yr’s checklist
A yr in the past, LinkedIn launched its inaugural Cities on the Rise checklist. Augusta didn’t earn a spot on final yr’s roundup.
Nonetheless, 60% of the cities from that rating returned this yr, together with Richmond, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Albany, New York; Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Grand Rapids, which held the highest spot in LinkedIn’s inaugural 2025 rating, fell to twenty fifth place this yr—a dramatic shift. Forty p.c of the U.S. metros highlighted this yr are making their first look.
New metros embrace:
- Augusta, Georgia
- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, Wisconsin (Fox Cities)
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah
- Louisville, Kentucky
