The 10 U.S. Cities with the Worst Job Opportunities and Earning Potential
While cities like Raleigh and Nashville thrive with job growth and high wages, other major U.S. cities are struggling with stagnant employment and declining income. Checkr, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau, ranked the 100 largest U.S. cities based on employment opportunity and earning potential. Some of the lowest-ranked cities face high unemployment rates, low wages, and limited job prospects due to overreliance on industries that are shrinking.
Cities like Bakersfield, CA, Scranton, PA, and McAllen, TX struggle with a lack of high-growth industries and high unemployment. For example, Bakersfield and Fresno are heavily dependent on agriculture and energy, which require on-site work and limit opportunities for remote jobs. Rust Belt cities like Scranton and Rochester are still dealing with the decline of manufacturing and industry.
Though these cities may offer a more affordable cost of living, their lack of employment growth makes it hard to attract new businesses and talent. Unemployment rates in places like Bakersfield and Fresno are much higher than the national average, which adds another challenge for residents. Even finding a job that pays close to the national average can be difficult, making economic growth in these cities a significant struggle.
Here are the 10 cities with the lowest job opportunities and earning potential:
- Bakersfield, CA
- Scranton, PA
- McAllen, TX
- Fresno, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Jackson, MS
- Rochester, NY
- Toledo, OH
- Augusta, GA
- Spokane, WA
In these cities, job availability is limited, and securing a high-paying position is even harder, leaving many residents fighting to achieve financial stability.
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