The economy is teaching young college grads a tough lesson: beggars can’t be choosers. Since the pandemic, the unemployment rate for workers aged 20 to 24 has risen, and companies are cutting back on recruiting to invest in artificial intelligence. Employers are still hiring — just not necessarily where people might expect. A new report from payroll company ADP highlights the top job markets for recent grads — considering the cost of living, wages, and hiring rates in their formula.

• According to the report, Raleigh, NC; Austin, TX; and Baltimore, MD, are the “most promising locations” for new grads to find work — followed by Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; and New York City, NY.
• On the other hand, Rochester, NY; Virginia Beach, VA; and New Orleans, LA, are the “lowest ranking metros,” with the lowest wages and weakest hiring.

Sun Belt shindig: Many young people are drawn to more expensive markets like San Jose, CA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; and Boston, MA — which ADP says offer high compensation… if you can secure a job. However, these cities are often overshadowed by Sun Belt metros, which have seen the majority of US job creation since the pandemic.