10 Best Cities To Work

Are you changing careers or just out of college and ready to head to one of the 10 best cities to work? Take a look at our list before heading to your next professional destination.

1. Houston, Texas has one of the best average starting salaries for recent graduates or anyone just beginning their career. At an average starting salary of $44,000, Forbes gives Houston top billing for recent graduates or for those seeking to change careers in this troubling economy.
2. Dallas, Texas came in second as one of the most lucrative cities in the Forbes list of 10 best cities to work. Texas is really a hot state for those seeking to earn top dollars. With the low cost of living and booming technology fields, Dallas is attractive to what some describe as tech geeks.
3. Austin, Texas ranks third on the Forbes list of 10 best cities to work. Oil and gas is the attraction in Austin. With Dallas as the natural crude based area, Austin still leads the way for those seeking high starting salaries with minimal living expenses.  And the low population growth makes it even more attractive for those seeking to start a family.  
4. Denver, Colorado ranks number 4 in the nation as the top 10 list. With an average beginning salary of $40,900, Denver is attractive for the finance major and any aviation fanatic.  
5. Seattle, Washington is always going to be one of the top ten on someone's list. Known as the Microsoft capital of the world, Seattle is attractive to all the technology dynamos. Then, those in the insurance and finance fields rush to Seattle. 
6. Atlanta, Georgia comes in as number 6 on the top 10 list. Known for its financial dynamics and its bustling night life, Atlanta is the city that draws dozens of major corporations such as Home Depot and Georgia Pacific. 
7. Charlotte, North Carolina ranks number 7 on the top 10 best cities to work. Defense contractors congregate here and most locate their main bases in Charlotte.  In addition,  financial giants such as Bank of America and Wachovia are based in Charlotte. 
8. Durham, North Carolina might not have made it to the top ten list had it not been for their almost recession proof economy. It has been said that their safety net is due to education and government. However, technology and health care are definitely strong in this area.
9. Washington D.C. is strangely holding only the position of number 9 on the list. With the key factor of politics and notable salaries in the six figures in this area, Washington should be listed as a stronger draw. Perhaps, their low base may be due to the major academia requirements.
10. San Francisco, California holds the top 10 spot of the 10 best cities to work. With an average starting salary higher than any at $48,900, you name it and its almost certainly a top field of choice in San Francisco. From Lockheed Martin to Levi Strauss, if you can think, find or desire it, San Francisco has it.