Starting a career? Houston, other Texas cities ranked top U.S. locations

​​TEXAS – Houston’s job market isn’t as strong as it was just a couple of years ago, but the city still ranks among the top 10 places to start a career.

That’s according to WalletHub, which ranked the 150 most populated U.S. cities based on a score compiled using eight professional opportunity metrics and nine quality of life metrics.

According to the analysis, Houston ranks No. 9 overall with a score of 61.04, just below Amarillo with 61.94 and above Corpus Christi with 60.10.

However, Austin was the top-ranked Texas city at No. 3 with a 64.37, losing out to Salt Lake City with 69.56 and Denver with 65.27.

Several Dallas-area cities also made the list, including Irving at No. 12, Dallas at No. 17, Plano at No. 20 and Fort Worth at No. 21. San Antonio followed at No. 26.

In the two main categories, Houston took the No. 2 spot in professional opportunities, second only to Salt Lake City, but came in at No. 59 in quality of life. 

Houston also ranked No. 1 for highest starting salaries adjusted for cost of living.