Plano’s seventh-place ranking was largely driven by strong incomes and earning potential
With the new year underway, job seekers across the country are reassessing their priorities, from pay and security to the appeal of starting over somewhere new. For those considering a move, Plano is emerging as a standout option.
WalletHub’s 2026 Best Places to Find a Job report places Plano at No. 7 nationwide, signaling one of the most competitive and opportunity-rich job markets in the U.S.
How Rankings Were Determined
WalletHub evaluated more than 180 U.S. cities using 31 different metrics designed to measure the health and quality of local job markets. Those factors go beyond basic unemployment numbers and include job opportunities per applicant, employment growth, starting salaries and income levels adjusted for cost of living.
The analysis comes as the labor market remains relatively resilient. Unemployment stayed low throughout 2025, and in some sectors, employers continued to face worker shortages, giving job seekers more leverage when negotiating pay and benefits.
Plano’s Job Market By The Numbers
Plano’s overall seventh-place ranking was driven largely by income strength and earning potential, even as some employment metrics lagged behind other cities.
In WalletHub’s breakdown, Plano ranked first in median annual income adjusted for cost of living, a key indicator of purchasing power. The city also placed 28th for monthly average starting salary and 16th for the percentage of the workforce living in poverty.
Other metrics were more mixed. Plano ranked 72nd in job opportunities, 66th in employment growth and 81st in unemployment rate. Housing affordability landed in the middle of the pack at 44th.
“It’s important to look at more than just the number of jobs available or the unemployment rate when determining the best place to find employment,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “Quality matters just as much as quantity, from the average salaries and benefits to job security and overall satisfaction.”
That broader definition of job quality is where Plano continues to stand out, particularly for professionals seeking higher incomes without the cost-of-living pressures found in many coastal markets.
Corporate Growth Fueling Opportunity
Plano’s ranking also comes amid continued corporate investment in the city. As Local Profile recently reported, AT&T is moving forward with plans to relocate its global headquarters to a new 54-acre campus in Plano’s Legacy District.
Announced Jan. 5, the headquarters at 5400 Legacy Drive will consolidate AT&T teams currently spread across Dallas, Plano and Irving into one primary location. AT&T told Local Profile that once complete, the campus will serve as the company’s main headquarters — a move likely to bring additional job opportunities and reinforce Plano’s reputation as a major corporate hub in North Texas.
Looking Ahead To 2026
With strong income levels, ongoing corporate expansion and a resilient labor market, Plano’s top-10 ranking signals continued momentum heading into 2026.
For job seekers considering a move or a career change this year, the city’s combination of opportunity and earning power may make it a place worth serious consideration.
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