The big picture: Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, topped payroll processor ADP's rankings.

• That's based on wages, hiring rates and cost of living data in 53 metros with at least 1 million residents.
• The survey, which did not include Colorado Springs, specifically examined the hiring of people in their 20s for jobs that typically require a bachelor's degree.

The rest of the top 5 metros are:

• San Jose, California
• Columbus, Ohio
• Raleigh, North Carolina

At the bottom of the rankings are:

• Salt Lake City
• Riverside, California
• San Diego
• Portland, Oregon

The bottom line: Entry-level hiring is rebounding. But young professionals' prospects depend on the specific role, sector and location, The Wall Street Journal reports.