US job market 2025: Looking for a job in the US and wondering where your chances are actually good? It turns out not all states are created equal when it comes to landing that dream role—or even a decent paycheck. From bustling cities to quiet plains, the odds can vary dramatically depending on where you live.
WalletHub ranked all 50 US states to determine the best and worst places for job seekers in 2025. The company analysed 34 metrics, including employment growth, median household income, job security, average commute times, and even the likelihood of roles being affected by artificial intelligence.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that in August, the number of job seekers in the US outpaced available openings for the first time since April 2021. The shift comes amid a wave of layoffs across major employers, including Amazon, Meta, and GM.
Best states for jobs cluster in New England and the Upper MidwestWalletHub’s analysis found that the top-performing states for jobs are concentrated in New England, the Upper Midwest, and the Great Plains, with Texas as the only Southern state among the leaders. These states show strong employment growth, low unemployment, and competitive compensation.
Chip Lupo, in conversation with WalletHub, said, “The best states for jobs make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs, and employers in these states also offer very competitive compensation and benefits.”
The 10 best states for jobsRank
| State
| Job market rank
| Economic market rank
| Median household income
| Median home sale price
|
1
| Massachusetts
| 1
| 22
| $104,828
| $639,100
|
2
| Connecticut
| 4
| 15
| $96,049
| $461,800
|
3
| Minnesota
| 8
| 4
| $87,117
| $363,300
|
4
| Vermont
| 5
| 17
| $82,730
| $427,600
|
5
| New Hampshire
| 7
| 12
| $99,782
| $509,900
|
6
| South Dakota
| 10
| 7
| $76,881
| $325,700
|
7
| Texas
| 18
| 2
| $79,721
| $339,100
|
8
| North Dakota
| 13
| 9
| $77,871
| $297,100
|
9
| Maine
| 2
| 31
| $76,442
| $396,400
|
10
| Rhode Island
| 15
| 8
| $83,504
| $570,000
|
On the lower end, WalletHub ranked the 10 worst states for job seekers. These states generally have slower economic growth, lower median incomes, or higher unemployment, although some show strong employment in niche industries.
The 10 worst states for jobsRank
| State
| Job market rank
| Economic market rank
| Median household income
| Median home sale price
|
1
| West Virginia
| 50
| 44
| $60,798
| $239,800
|
2
| Louisiana
| 49
| 43
| $60,986
| $253,000
|
3
| Kentucky
| 35
| 49
| $64,526
| $270,500
|
4
| Alaska
| 48
| 30
| $95,665
| $401,800
|
5
| Oregon
| 27
| 50
| $85,220
| $507,800
|
6
| North Carolina
| 46
| 37
| $73,958
| $379,500
|
7
| Pennsylvania
| 29
| 48
| $77,545
| $306,200
|
8
| Montana
| 40
| 41
| $75,340
| $547,000
|
9
| Indiana
| 44
| 36
| $71,959
| $276,200
|
10
| Oklahoma
| 42
| 38
| $66,148
| $252,900
|
WalletHub noted that even states in the lower rankings have pockets of opportunity. For example, Alaska maintains strong employment in energy sectors, while Oregon shows concentration in tech and service jobs.
Income and housing data also correlate with job market rankings. Massachusetts has the highest median household income at $104,828, paired with median home prices of $639,100. West Virginia ranks lowest, with household earnings of $60,798 and median home costs of $239,800.
These findings provide a detailed snapshot for millions of Americans seeking employment, highlighting where the strongest and weakest job markets exist across the US. Click
here for the complete list.
Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now! Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of e...
Read MoreSanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad. Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics. He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems.
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