In a significant development for India’s evolving job landscape, Visakhapatnam has topped LinkedIn’s inaugural ‘Cities on the Rise’ report, released on July 15, 2025. The report identifies the fastest-growing non-metro cities offering robust career opportunities across sectors—making them attractive destinations for professionals beyond traditional urban centers.
Joining Visakhapatnam in the top five are Ranchi, Vijayawada, Nashik, and Raipur—each showcasing a surge in hiring trends, professional relocation, and industrial growth.
🚀 Why Visakhapatnam Leads
According to the report, Visakhapatnam is evolving into a major industrial and employment hub, supported by a growing tech ecosystem and strong government-backed infrastructure initiatives. The city is attracting notable employers like:
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Miracle Software Systems
- Laurus Labs Limited
Visakhapatnam’s strategic investments in data, pharma, and connectivity have positioned it as a key center for innovation and talent.
📈 Vijayawada and Others on the Rise
Andhra Pradesh makes another strong appearance with Vijayawada ranked third. The city is witnessing increased IT activity and major urban development projects, including metro rail and airport expansion. Key employers here include HCL Tech, Tata Consultancy Services, and Infosys.
Other notable cities on the list include:
- Ranchi (2nd)
- Nashik (4th)
- Raipur (5th)
- Followed by Rajkot, Agra, Madurai, Vadodara, and Jodhpur
These Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are rapidly becoming talent magnets thanks to:
- Growing MSME ecosystems
- Government investments aligned with the “Viksit Bharat” vision
- Increasing presence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
🗣️ Expert Insight
“Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are at the heart of India’s economic transformation,” said Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn’s Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor. “Today, meaningful career progress doesn’t require moving to a big city. These emerging cities offer substantial opportunities across industries—right where professionals are.”
🏙️ India’s Top 10 Rising Non-Metro Cities (LinkedIn 2025)
- Visakhapatnam
- Ranchi
- Vijayawada
- Nashik
- Raipur
- Rajkot
- Agra
- Madurai
- Vadodara
- Jodhpur
The report reinforces the shift in India’s professional map, as smaller cities take the spotlight in the country’s economic and employment narrative.
