Grand Rapids landed at number 16 on WalletHub’s latest “Best and Worst Places to Start a Career” list.
A news release says the ranking reflects Grand Rapids’ strong job market, solid wages and a high quality of life for young professionals.
Grand Rapids’ ranking comes as the region continues to strengthen its workforce. New data from The Right Place shows the area added 2,000 new jobs in 2025 and is attracting younger workers at a higher rate than the state, the nation and most peer metro areas.
Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand says, “Grand Rapids continues to grow because our business community keeps creating opportunities for the next generation.”
WalletHub analyzed more than 180 U.S. cities using 25 measures, including entry‑level job availability, starting salaries and housing costs. In the report, WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said the top‑ranked cities help make the move from school to career smoother for young workers
