10 Great Places Hiring New College Graduates in 2025

Published May 15, 2025

As the Class of 2025 steps into the professional world, the job market presents both challenges and opportunities. While entry-level hiring has tightened in recent years, with the unemployment rate for recent graduates rising to 5.8% as of March 2025, numerous industries and companies are actively seeking fresh talent. From technology to healthcare, legal services to nonprofits, specific sectors are showing robust demand for new graduates with the right skills. This article highlights ten great places—industries, companies, and cities—hiring new college graduates in 2025, offering promising career starters with competitive salaries, growth opportunities, and supportive work environments.

1. Healthcare Industry: A Surge in Demand

The healthcare sector is a powerhouse for new graduate hiring, driven by an ongoing talent shortage and increased demand post-pandemic. According to Adzuna’s analysis of over 6.3 million job listings, healthcare and nursing boast over 19,000 vacancies for entry-level roles, with average salaries around $57,000 annually. Roles like registered nurses, pharmacists, data specialists, and clinical research associates are in high demand. Even graduates without medical degrees can find opportunities in business, analysis, or operations roles within healthcare organizations.

Why It’s Great: Healthcare offers stability, competitive pay, and meaningful work. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Cleveland Clinic are known for robust mentorship programs and career development for new grads. The sector’s growth trajectory ensures long-term job security, especially in roles addressing public health needs.

How to Apply: Check job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn for openings at major hospitals, clinics, or healthcare tech firms. Tailor your resume to highlight analytical skills or internships in related fields.

2. Technology Giants: Google, Microsoft, and More

Despite recent layoffs in some tech sectors, companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle remain top employers for new graduates, particularly in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Entry-level roles such as software developers and IT analysts offer starting salaries averaging $83,000, well above the national average for new grads.

Why It’s Great: Tech firms provide cutting-edge projects, comprehensive training, and visa sponsorship for international students. Google, for instance, is renowned for its innovative culture and benefits like wellness programs and flexible work options. These companies also prioritize diversity, offering mentorship and employee resource groups.

How to Apply: Visit company career pages or platforms like Handshake, which lists tech giants hiring for “New Grad” positions. Highlight coding projects, internships, or certifications like AWS or Google Cloud on your application.

3. New York City: A Hub for New Grad Opportunities

Geographically, New York City stands out as the top metro area for hiring new college graduates, accounting for 10% of all new grad hires in 2024. With an average starting salary of $64,134, the city offers diverse opportunities in finance, media, marketing, and tech. However, its high cost of living means grads must budget carefully, as this salary equates to about $28,500 in less expensive cities when adjusted.

Why It’s Great: NYC’s vibrant job market spans industries like legal services, arts, and entertainment, which are among the top sectors hiring new grads. The city’s cultural amenities and networking opportunities make it ideal for ambitious professionals.

How to Apply: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters in NYC-based firms. Focus on industries like advertising or finance, and consider roles at companies like JPMorgan Chase or Deloitte, which are major employers of new grads.

4. Big Four Accounting Firms: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG

The Big Four accounting firms are perennial favorites for new graduates, especially those with degrees in accounting, finance, or business. These firms are among the top five companies hiring new grads, offering roles like staff accountants and financial analysts with entry-level salaries around $48,000.

Why It’s Great: These firms provide structured career paths, with opportunities to pursue CPA certification and advance to higher-paying roles. They also offer exposure to diverse industries, from healthcare to tech, and prioritize professional development through training programs.

How to Apply: Apply directly through company career portals or attend campus recruiting events. Highlight quantitative skills and any relevant internships, as these firms value practical experience.

5. Nonprofits: Making a Difference

Nonprofits are a growing sector for new graduates, particularly those passionate about social impact. Roles in program coordination, fundraising, and data analysis are common, with organizations like 10,000 Degrees seeking recent grads to support underserved communities. Salaries vary but typically start around $40,000–$50,000.

Why It’s Great: Nonprofits align with the values of 2025 graduates, 91% of whom prioritize workplaces where mental wellness is openly discussed. These roles offer meaningful work and opportunities to build skills in project management and communication.

How to Apply: Explore job boards like Idealist.org or check Handshake for nonprofit listings. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your commitment to the organization’s mission.

6. Salt Lake City: A Rising Star for Grads

Salt Lake City tops Apartment Advisor’s 2025 ranking of the best U.S. cities for recent college graduates, thanks to its fast population growth, affordability, and job opportunities. With a large young adult population and decreasing rent due to new construction, it’s an attractive destination.

Why It’s Great: The city offers a low cost of living compared to coastal hubs, with strong demand for entry-level roles in tech, healthcare, and education. Its outdoor lifestyle and cultural amenities appeal to graduates seeking work-life balance.

How to Apply: Search for jobs on platforms like ZipRecruiter, which lists verified entry-level roles in Salt Lake City. Focus on local employers like Intermountain Healthcare or tech startups.

7. Financial Services: JPMorgan Chase and Beyond

Financial services firms like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup are major employers of new graduates, hiring for roles like financial analysts, software developers, and relationship managers. Entry-level salaries start around $55,000, with potential for rapid growth.

Why It’s Great: These firms benefited from increased bank deposits during the pandemic, fueling hiring. They offer robust training, hybrid work options, and clear advancement paths, appealing to 54% of grads who reject jobs without growth opportunities.

How to Apply: Apply through company websites or platforms like WayUp, which lists financial services roles for new grads. Highlight analytical skills and internship experience.

8. Legal Industry: Opportunities Beyond Law School

The legal sector is a surprising hotspot for new graduates, even those without law degrees. Roles like paralegals, legal assistants, and data analysts are in demand, with firms leveraging AI to streamline entry-level tasks. Salaries start around $50,000.

Why It’s Great: Legal roles offer exposure to high-stakes work and opportunities to develop research and communication skills. Firms are increasingly open to non-traditional candidates, making this accessible for diverse majors.

How to Apply: Check USAJobs for federal legal roles or Indeed for private firm openings. Emphasize attention to detail and any legal internships.

9. Arts and Entertainment: Creative Careers

The arts and entertainment industry is hiring new graduates for roles in media production, marketing, and event coordination. Companies like Netflix and Live Nation are active on Handshake, seeking creative talent. Salaries vary widely, starting at $45,000.

Why It’s Great: This sector appeals to graduates seeking dynamic, creative work environments. Hybrid roles and project-based opportunities align with the 67% of grads who view traditional 9-to-5 schedules as outdated.

How to Apply: Use Handshake or LinkedIn to find openings. Build a portfolio showcasing creative projects or internships to stand out.

10. Federal Government: Pathways Program

The U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies offer the Pathways Program, designed for recent graduates. Roles in policy analysis, IT, and administration are available, with salaries starting at $40,000–$60,000.

Why It’s Great: Federal jobs provide stability, benefits, and conversion to permanent roles upon program completion. The Workforce Recruitment Program also supports graduates with disabilities, aligning with inclusive hiring trends.

How to Apply: Apply through USAJobs, ensuring eligibility within two years of graduation (or six for veterans). Highlight coursework and internships relevant to public service.

Navigating the 2025 Job Market

The job market for 2025 graduates is competitive, with 48% expecting difficulty finding their preferred role. However, strategic approaches can boost success:

• Leverage Internships: Employers prioritize candidates with internship experience, which outweighs GPA or major.

• Target Growing Industries: Focus on healthcare, tech, legal, and nonprofits, which show consistent demand.

• Consider Location: Cities like Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and NYC offer strong job prospects, but weigh cost of living.

• Highlight Skills: Emphasize soft skills like communication and adaptability, as 39% of hiring managers cite poor communication as a reason for unsuccessful hires.

Conclusion

For the Class of 2025, opportunities abound in diverse sectors and regions, from healthcare’s stable roles to tech’s innovative projects and Salt Lake City’s affordable growth. By targeting high-demand industries, leveraging platforms like Handshake and USAJobs, and emphasizing practical experience, new graduates can secure rewarding positions. As 83% of graduates remain confident in finding a job post-graduation, the key is persistence, flexibility, and alignment with employers’ evolving needs. Start exploring these ten great places today to launch your career in 2025.

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