Young adults in Ohio are sending mixed signals about the job market heading into 2026, hopeful in some cities, far more uneasy in others.

A new survey from Careerminds looked at how people ages 18 to 25 feel about their career prospects next year. More than 3,000 young adults nationwide were surveyed, including respondents across Ohio.

Among Ohio cities, Cincinnati emerged as the most optimistic, earning a 7.1 out of 10 score for career confidence in 2026. Akron ranked last, with an optimism score of just 3.5. Cleveland and Columbus landed closer to the middle.

The survey suggests AI and automation are weighing heavily on young workers’ minds. Nearly half of respondents say news about artificial intelligence has already pushed them to rethink their career path, and about one in three worry they won’t be in stable work by late 2026.

Cost of living is another major concern. Two-thirds of respondents say rising expenses have already shaped their career decisions, and more than a third believe they’ll need a second job next year just to cover basic costs.

Despite the anxiety, most young adults don’t feel the system is stacked against them. Instead, researchers say they’re trying to plan carefully in a job market that feels increasingly unpredictable.