While major U.S. metropolitan areas still offer ample job opportunities, job seekers don’t necessarily need to go to the largest cities to find work.

Take Pittsburgh, for example. According to a recent WalletHub study comparing employment in 182 U.S. metropolitan areas, this former steel city, with a population of approximately 308,000, boasts the highest number of jobs per capita among all metropolitan areas in the nation.

While traditional industries such as manufacturing and construction remain crucial pillars of Pittsburgh’s economy, other sectors are also rapidly expanding.

Labor data shows that education and healthcare services employ nearly 280,000 people in the region.

WalletHub’s research also found other smaller cities with abundant job opportunities including Columbia, South Carolina; Orlando, Florida; and Richmond, Virginia.

“In addition to abundant job opportunities, these cities offer strong job security, top-tier employers, and a wealth of part-time or internship opportunities to support employees at different stages of their careers,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo stated in an email to CBS News.

“While starting salaries and industry diversity may not be the highest, the combination of opportunity, stability, and job quality makes these markets extremely attractive to anyone looking to change their career.”

To determine which cities have the most job opportunities relative to their population, WalletHub calculated the ratio of job opportunities to labor force size, while also considering the local unemployment rate.

This analysis highlights that while Americans may be drawn to the vibrancy of large cities, mid-sized metropolitan areas also offer significant employment opportunities at a lower cost of living.

For example, according to apartments.com, housing costs in Pittsburgh are 7.2% lower than the national average.

Cities with the most job opportunities per capita:

1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2. Columbia, South Carolina
3. Orlando, Florida
4. St. Louis, Missouri
5. Richmond, Virginia

Cities with the fewest job opportunities per capita:

175. Glendale, California
176. Santa Clarita, California
177. North Las Vegas, Nevada
178. Stockton, California
179. Detroit, Michigan

WalletHub’s research includes a more comprehensive analysis, ranking 182 cities based on 31 key indicators, including factors such as average commute time, safety, and family-friendliness.

Scottsdale, Arizona, tops WalletHub’s overall ranking. The city is praised for its low unemployment rate, high median household income ($101,000), high quality of life, and low crime rate.