Why More College Grads Are Starting Their Careers in Rochester
Where are today’s college graduates launching their careers? According to new data from ADP, featured in The Wall Street Journal, Rochester is one of the fastest risers. The city jumped 57 percentile points in the rankings of metros where recent grads are landing jobs, a clear sign that Rochester is gaining serious momentum as a destination for young professionals.
So, what’s driving this growth?
A More Affordable Path to Building a Career
For grads weighing the high costs of launching their careers in places like NYC or the Bay Area, Rochester offers a compelling alternative. The region combines strong job opportunities with a much lower cost of living, allowing early-career professionals to stretch their paychecks, build savings, and enjoy a high quality of life without the financial strain.
A Region Invested in Talent
Rochester’s upward trend isn’t just luck—it’s the result of intentional, ongoing investment in workforce development. Regional employers, 18 public and private colleges and universities, and community partners are working together to create pathways into high-quality jobs, especially in fields like healthcare, tech, advanced manufacturing, and education.
At Greater Rochester Chamber, we’re proud to lead initiatives like CampusROC, which helps local college students and recent grads see the long-term value of staying in Rochester, and Greater ROC Careers, a regional job board that connects emerging talent with some of the best employers in the area.
That means more internships, apprenticeships, entry-level roles, and skill-building opportunities for new graduates, plus a business community that’s actively looking to retain talent in the region.
A City on the Rise and a Place to Stay
Rochester continues to gain national attention as an affordable, opportunity-rich city with a strong quality of life. Beyond cost of living, the region offers a dynamic arts and culture scene, live music, world-class festivals, diverse food, and access to outdoor recreation, all of which help recent grads feel connected and invested in staying.
As more recent graduates choose to launch their careers here, the region’s ability to attract and retain young professionals becomes a growing advantage for employers looking to build diverse, long-term talent pipelines.
Tap Into Greater Rochester’s Growing Talent Pool
As Rochester strengthens its reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent, TalentFEST is your chance to tap into that energy. Hosted by Greater Rochester Chamber, this flagship hiring event connects job seekers with innovative employers across the region and offers a direct line to the new wave of graduates, career changers, veterans, and remote workers choosing to build their future in Greater ROC.
As an employer, this is your opportunity to:
- Build brand awareness with emerging and experienced talent
- Conduct on-site interviews and make connections in real time
- Highlight your open roles and workplace culture to an engaged, local audience
- Align your organization with Greater Rochester’s broader workforce development efforts
Be part of the region’s momentum. Register for TalentFEST and connect with candidates who are ready to make a difference.