Most new jobs are created in cities

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Between 2014 and 2024, about 1.9 million new jobs were created in large urban areas, making up roughly 75% of all employment growth nationwide. This urban job boom, especially in higher-paid roles concentrated in cities like London, highlights the increasing economic importance of metropolitan centers while regions outside cities see slower job growth.

Over the past decade, the majority of new employment opportunities have been concentrated in urban areas, according to recent research from the Centre for Cities think tank. Between 2014 and 2024, large cities across the country added approximately 1.9 million new jobs, accounting for about 75% of all job creation during this period.

The study highlights that the growth in higher-paid positions was even more pronounced, with 90% of these roles emerging in urban centers. London, in particular, stood out, contributing two-thirds of all newly created jobs offering higher wages.

This concentration of employment growth in cities underscores the continuing role of urban centers as hubs for economic activity and well-paid work. The findings suggest that while cities are driving overall job creation and wage growth, opportunities outside major urban areas have grown at a much slower pace.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.