10 of the Worst States for Jobs in the U.S., According to a New Study
Job hunting can be a total drag. Resumes, cover letters, and endless job boards – it’s a never-ending cycle. Don’t even get me started on those “How to Ace Your Interview” YouTube marathons. And if you’re looking at the wrong places, landing that dream job is nearly impossible.
A recent study assessed the job markets across the U.S. and pinpointed the best states for work. These places make it easier to find and keep a job, plus they offer stellar pay and perks. Now, flip that, and you will get the worst states for job seekers.
If you’re on the hunt for a job that can support a family or just looking to stash some savings for the future, some states are definitely better than others. Knowing which states are least recommended for job hunting is key.
West Virginia
If you’re looking for work, you’ll have better luck in other places in America than in West Virginia. The job market here is rough, with one of the lowest median incomes in the country and high work-related stress. Most locals would say the economy and job situation are their biggest worries.
Even though the unemployment rate hovers around 4.1-4.3%, the real problem is the low workforce participation—just 54.6%, far below the national average. With the state’s economy still tied to coal mining, opportunities outside that sector are slim.
Louisiana
Louisiana isn’t any better if you’re chasing the American dream. The economy struggles, with many jobs tied to risky industries like oil, gas, and chemical plants. And the pay is nothing to write home about—Louisiana has one of the lowest median incomes in the country.
Just think about it: nearly one in five residents live in poverty. Even some families working multiple jobs face food insecurity. The opportunities don’t stack up, leaving many people hustling hard just to get by.
Indiana
Indiana has worked hard to bounce back from the inflation left in the pandemic’s wake, but challenges remain. The state’s economy thrives on manufacturing and agriculture, offering solid jobs. But if you’re in tech or specialized fields, there aren’t many options, and many professionals leave for better prospects elsewhere—fueling Indiana’s “brain drain.”
While Indianapolis has a broader range of job opportunities, rural areas often mean fewer choices or long commutes. Don’t be fooled that affordable living is a perk; low wages and sluggish growth can leave you feeling stuck.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a lot going for it—commercial airports, major shipping hubs, universities, and a growing agricultural tech sector. But let’s be honest, the stats don’t exactly scream opportunity. Workforce participation is below average, the quit rate is the highest in the nation, and job growth is actually shrinking at -1.49%.
Sure, the cost of living is affordable, but that’s mostly due to low wages and a weak job market. And if you land a job, commuting can be a headache, especially outside big cities with limited public transit options.
Alaska
Think you’ll make good money in Alaska? Think again. Sure, people spend the longest hours working here, but the average starting salary is the lowest in the country—ouch. Combine that with sky-high living costs, like nearly double the national average for homes, and steep grocery and healthcare bills, and it’s tough to make ends meet.
Most of Alaska’s economy revolves around resource-heavy careers in fishing, mining, and oil drilling. These can pay well, but you’re better off looking elsewhere for opportunities if that’s not your thing.
Montana
Montana might seem like a dream—short commutes, low work stress, and a growing appeal for remote workers and people fleeing expensive cities. Western Montana, in particular, is a hot spot. But don’t be fooled; it’s still ranked as one of the worst states for jobs.
The unemployment rate sits around 3%, but there’s a catch. More than 60,000 parents can’t work fully because of limited childcare options. On top of that, labor force participation here is noticeably lower than in other states.
Oklahoma
Is Oklahoma’s job market really okay? Not with a 3.3% unemployment rate. So many young people are escaping to bigger cities or other states offering better pay and opportunities.
If you’re considering working in Oklahoma, make sure it fits your skills and goals well. Oklahoma’s economy leans heavily on oil and gas. That means job security and growth take a hit when energy prices drop. It’s a risky setup for anyone relying on these industries to make a living.
Wyoming
The Cowboy State might have short commutes, but the long hours worked are just the beginning of the problem. If you’re job hunting here, you’re facing two big issues: a short-term lack of workers and long-term stagnation in job and wage growth. Most of the state’s industries pay less and have lower output per worker compared to the national average.
STEM jobs haven’t seen much growth here, showing there’s little demand for those skills in the state.
Idaho
Idaho saw a huge surge in new residents during the pandemic, with a 194% increase, making it the fastest-growing state at the time. Even now, the lower cost of living keeps people moving here. But if you’re looking for job growth, Idaho doesn’t have much to offer—it ranks fifth for the lowest employment growth.
The state does have some solid industries, like education, health services, and manufacturing. But if you’re looking to break into tech or advance in your career outside of farming or hospitality, opportunities just aren’t there.
New York
For many of us, New York is supposed to be the place to land your big break or snag a high-profile office job. Not to mention, it offers the third-highest starting salary. But it’s actually the tenth worst state for jobs.
Job opportunities are scarce, and commutes are some of the longest in the country. Plus, remote work has shaken up the job market in New York City. Now, you’re not just competing with city locals but job seekers nationwide. That means the race for positions has only gotten tougher.
Source: WalletHub
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