When it comes to choosing your career and the earning potential, where you live plays a huge role. While some American metros are booming with opportunity, others continually struggle due to stagnant wages, weak employment growth, and a scarcity of high-paying industries.
These are some of the worst U.S. cities for job search and earning potential in 2025. So, if you want to climb the corporate ladder, think twice about living in these cities.
19. Memphis, TN
Despite having over 24,000 open positions and stability in sectors like transportation and healthcare, the city is routinely ranked among the worst U.S. metros for job prospects and earning potential. Entry-level wages average around $31,000 annually, and while the tech industry boasts salaries above $100,000 for specialized roles, broader wage growth remains sluggish for most workers.
The unemployment rate in Memphis has seen fluctuations, settling around 4.6% in May 2025, which is still higher than the Tennessee average.
18. San Bernardino, CA
The city’s unemployment rate has hovered between 5.3% and 5.4% in recent months, which is above the national average and not the best place to stay if you want to advance your career. While the local tech sector is booming, these opportunities are inaccessible for most of the workforce.
Outside of tech and specialized professions, the average salary sits around $77,000, with entry-level positions frequently starting near $33,000 yearly. “Lower-paying jobs, such as retail and food service, start around $33,000,” according to ReadySetHire.
17. Gulfport, MS
Although things might seem promising, not everyone has the best earning potential when it comes to living in Gulfport. The local job market has some stability, with an unemployment rate fluctuating between 3.3% and 4.1% throughout early 2025.
“As of Jun 25 the average annual salary in Gulfport is $48,735. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $23.43 an hour,” said Zip Recruiter. “Most salaries in Gulfport range between $33,678 (25th percentile) to $61,820 (75th percentile) annually.”
16. Newark, NJ
Some sectors in this city are doing better than ever, but if you aren’t part of the team, you might be missing your opportunity to earn a higher salary than you currently are. The overall unemployment rate hovers around 7%, notably higher than state and national averages, reflecting ongoing difficulties for workers outside lucrative tech and specialized roles.
“As of Jun 25 the average annual salary in Newark is $79,097. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $38.03 an hour,” said Zip Recruiter.
15. Ogden, UT
While the city’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, job seekers face challenging prospects. The average annual salary hovers around $49,486, well below the national average, and is concentrated mainly in the education, trade, and healthcare sectors. Though high-paying opportunities exist in contracting, specialized healthcare, and tech, they tend to be limited and require significant training or credentials.
14. Scranton, PA
Although there are over 10,000 job openings locally, many positions have entry-level wages in the $13–18 per hour range, with annual averages around $55,657. According to the United States Federal Reserve,” the Unemployment Rate in Scranton was 4.30% in May of 2025. Meanwhile, the area’s cost of living continues to rise, widening the gap between average earnings and essential expenses.
13. Bakersfield, CA
As of May 2025, the city’s unemployment rate stands at 8.7%, nearly double the California average. The average annual salary hovers around $41,534, with entry-level positions frequently starting near $38,000, and hourly wages averaging about $19.97, which is barely more than the statewide minimum wage of $15.50 per hour. Although the cost of living might be slightly lower, the lack of growth makes it one of the less desirable places to live.
12. Rochester, NY
The tech industry might be booming, but not every industry is as lucky as the tech industry to experience constant growth and earning potential. The average annual salary in Rochester is $56,168, with many entry-level roles in retail, food service, and clerical work starting below $35,000 annually. The persistent wage stagnation and the slow pace of growth in traditional sectors leave many job seekers stretched thin, which is why this city might not be the best choice for career growth.
11. Augusta, GA
Augusta hosts some major employers in healthcare, the military, and manufacturing. These sectors have largely failed to deliver robust wage growth or any growth beyond the position you started in. Average annual salaries are around $55,852, with many entry-level roles starting even lower and giving limited prospects for advancement.
10. Las Cruces, NM
While this city has seen some growth in a select few sectors, the unemployment rate in Las Cruces fluctuated throughout the year, settling at 4.4% in June and peaking at 5.4% in July. The average annual salary seems to stay around $53,513, with entry-level wages for many roles earning around $12.65 per hour.
9. Fort Smith, AR
Many entry-level manufacturing, healthcare, and retail roles pay significantly less, often below $39,000 per year. The city’s unemployment rate varied around 3.1–3.9% throughout the first half of 2025, slightly better than in previous years. Though the education and health services sector accounts for 60% of year-over-year job gains, much of this work is concentrated in lower-wage positions, while high-paying roles remain scarce and competitive.
8. Columbus, GA
You might think that moving to a city gives you a better opportunity to earn a higher salary than most, but you might not be so lucky in this case. The average annual salary in Columbus sits around $51,459 to $55,638. Entry-level and self-employed workers typically earn much less, with hourly rates often in the low $20s and self-employment averaging just above $31,000 annually.
7. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland’s average annual salary is $59,263, but many entry-level positions offer considerably less: between $31,541 and $37,754 per year. The city’s unemployment rate reached 5.8% in May, much higher than the 4.7% the previous year.
“As of Jun 25 the average annual salary in Cleveland is $59,263. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $28.49 an hour,” according to Zip Recruiter.
6. Detroit, MI
Coming in with one of the highest unemployment rates we’ve seen so far on this list, Detroit might not be the best choice when you’re thinking about career development. As of June 2025, Detroit’s unemployment rate is 8.9%, one of the highest among major metropolitan areas. Average annual salaries across Detroit are about $69,572, but most entry-level roles pay far less. The average entry-level wage is $15.82 per hour, roughly $32,902 annually.
5. Pharr, TX
According to US News, Pharr was ranked as one of the top 10 poorest cities in the United States, so I wouldn’t have much hope for career growth in general. The average annual salary is between $32,000 and $33,658, with many entry-level positions offering hourly wages from $15 to $17. Even slightly higher-paying jobs rarely exceed $40,000, while only specialized city positions approach the $65,735 mark.
4. Moreno Valley, CA
As of March 2025, the city’s unemployment rate was 5.5%, making it hard to climb the corporate ladder in an already-struggling job market. Average annual salaries in Moreno Valley hover around $46,479 to $49,081, with hourly wages typically ranging from $20.71 to $22.35. Entry-level positions won’t be so lucky and might earn barely more than the minimum wage.
Despite occasional job fairs and recruitment events, upward wage movement is slow, and local cost-of-living increases make it harder for residents to build stable financial futures.
3. Springfield, MA
The local unemployment rate reached 7.5% in June, which is much higher than both the Massachusetts state average and the national rate. Building a career might not be the easiest thing to do when you call Springfield home, but a few professions see ample growth.
Despite pockets of strength in the healthcare, education, and government sectors, wage growth remains slow, and living costs continue to rise, deepening the strain on new entrants and lower-skilled employees.
2. Pearl City, HI
The city’s average annual salary is around $48,804, and typical entry-level positions pay roughly $23 per hour and $18 per hour, respectively. Pearl City has a notably low unemployment rate of 2.4–3.1% as of mid-2025, but its highly competitive labor market is dominated by seasonal, part-time, and lower-wage jobs.
1. New Haven, CT
Residents of New Haven see a wide range of salaries, but starting off and progressing your career might not be as easy. While the average annual income is about $70,000, entry-level positions often pay far less, with a typical starting wage around $16.96 per hour (roughly $35,300 annually) and many jobs falling below $25 per hour.
Much of New Haven’s employment is concentrated in education, healthcare, and public administration, sectors that have seen slow wage growth and offer little growth potential.