Posted on 01/06/26
| News Source: FOX45
Columbia, MD - Jan. 6, 2026 - Columbia, Maryland, has been ranked as the second-best city in the United States to find a job in 2026, according to a new report by WalletHub.
The personal finance company evaluated over 180 cities using 31 key metrics, including job opportunities per seeker, employment growth, and average starting salaries.
Columbia stood out in several major categories. The city has the highest median household income in the nation when adjusted for cost of living, at nearly $129,000, a factor WalletHub says played a significant role in its high ranking. That income level is more than three times higher than Detroit, Michigan, which ranked last in the study.
Columbia also ranked fourth nationwide for net employment outlook, which measures the percentage of employers planning to hire minus those expecting to cut jobs.
Another advantage for workers in Howard County is job stability. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workforce, Columbia has the ninth-lowest share of jobs considered at risk of automation, making it one of the safer job markets in the country for long-term employment.
Affordability further boosts Columbia’s appeal. WalletHub found that the average fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment consumes only about 16% of the city’s median household income, the fifth-lowest percentage nationwide, allowing residents’ earnings to stretch further compared to other major job hubs.
The report highlights the importance of considering factors beyond just job availability, such as salary, benefits, job security, and overall satisfaction. It also emphasizes the significance of secondary factors like commuting ease and quality of life.