What state has the least jobs?

Based on recent data (late 2025), South Dakota often has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. (around 1.9-2.0%), while West Virginia has frequently held the lowest employment-population ratio (meaning fewer people are working relative to the population). The specific state can vary slightly by month, but South Dakota and Hawaii are consistently among the lowest for unemployment, with West Virginia and Mississippi often having the lowest employment-population ratios.


Which state has the least jobs?

States with fewer job opportunities often include West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alaska, frequently appearing on lists for low job openings, high unemployment, or difficulty in hiring, though rankings vary by specific metric (openings vs. low unemployment) and year. Other states like Arkansas, South Carolina, and New Mexico also face challenges in job creation or availability, depending on the source and time frame.
 

What state has the most unemployed people?

While the District of Columbia often has the highest rate, California consistently has the largest number of unemployed people due to its massive labor force, followed by states like Texas and Florida, with recent data in late 2025 showing California with high rates (around 5.6%) alongside Nevada and New Jersey, and D.C. sometimes topping the rate charts. 


Which is the most unemployed state?

As of late 2025 (September data), the District of Columbia (D.C.) generally reports the highest unemployment, followed closely by states like California and Nevada, with D.C. around 6.2%, California at 5.6%, and Nevada at 5.3%, though numbers fluctuate monthly and annually, showing California often leading state-specific rates with D.C. having the highest overall in the U.S.
 

Which state is hardest to get a job?

Worst states to find a job:
  • West Virginia — 37.93.
  • Louisiana — 39.89.
  • Kentucky — 43.68.
  • Alaska — 43.97.
  • Oregon — 44.39.
  • North Carolina — 45.21.
  • Pennsylvania— 45.22.
  • Montana — 45.68.


Why Jobs Are Disappearing In The U.S.



What skill pays $100 an hour?

To earn $100 an hour, professionals typically need specialized expertise in high-demand fields such as executive consulting, advanced IT services, legal counsel, or medical specializations, often backed by advanced degrees or certifications.

What state is easiest to get a job in?

The easiest states to get a job generally have strong economies, low unemployment, and high job growth, with New Hampshire, Vermont, and Minnesota frequently topping lists, followed by places like Utah, Virginia, and North Dakota; these states offer good opportunities due to robust sectors like tech, healthcare, and steady employment, but "easiest" depends on your industry and remote preferences, with places like Utah also great for remote work. 

Which state has the best employment?

Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Minnesota often rank as top states for job markets due to strong worker protections, high job growth, low unemployment, and competitive wages, though Virginia, Vermont, and New Hampshire also excel in job opportunities and stability in recent analyses. The "best" state depends on priorities, but these Northeastern and Midwestern states consistently show excellent overall job market health in 2024-2025 reports. 


What state has the lowest unemployment pay?

There isn't one single state with the absolute lowest unemployment pay year-round, as benefit amounts vary by earnings and state formulas, but Mississippi consistently ranks as having some of the lowest, with very low minimums (around $30/week in 2021) and low averages, making it challenging for families. Other states like Florida also offer relatively low average payments, while Louisiana has low minimums but higher maximums compared to Mississippi.
 

What race is the most unemployed in the USA?

In 2022, Black and Native American people had the highest unemployment rates among all racial and ethnic groups reported by the census, while Asian Americans and white people had the lowest rates. Since 1990, Native Americans have consistently had the highest unemployment rates.

Which state has the most employed?

California consistently has the most total jobs due to its massive economy and population, followed by Texas, then Florida and New York, though the ranking can shift slightly by industry or specific metrics like job growth vs. total number. California leads in sectors like tech and manufacturing, while Texas is strong in construction and has high overall job numbers, with Florida also a major player across tourism, healthcare, and construction. 


What jobs are least affected by unemployment?

What industries do well in a recession? 10 recession-proof job fields
  • Health care. Medical professionals tend to be essential, and within health care, you can find a job with just about every education and experience level. ...
  • Public safety. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Mental health. ...
  • Utilities. ...
  • Trade.


What states pay $15 an hour?

As of early 2026, many states have minimum wages at or above $15, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and D.C., with rates often increasing annually, like California's $16.90 and Washington's $17.13 in 2026, though some like New Jersey and New York have tiered rates or higher for specific areas. 

Which jobs pay $50 an hour in the USA?

Roles offering $50 an hour are often found in highly skilled professions, such as nursing, software engineering, skilled trades, consulting, or technical project management.


What's the hardest working state?

North Dakota ranked No. 1 for hardest-working state due to high employment, long work weeks, and minimal vacation usage. Americans work an average of 1,805 hours a year, leaving 33% of paid time off unused, according to WalletHub and World Economic Forum data.

What state is hardest to find jobs?

Here are the 10 worst states to find work ranked by their unemployment rates.
  • South Carolina. ...
  • Alaska. ...
  • California. ...
  • District of Columbia. Unemployment rate: 6.1 percent. ...
  • Ohio. Unemployment rate: 6 percent. ...
  • Arkansas. Unemployment rate: 5.9 percent. ...
  • Nevada. Unemployment rate: 5.8 percent. ...
  • Kentucky. Unemployment rate: 5.7 percent.


What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Jobs that can pay $400K a year without a degree include commercial real estate brokers, successful YouTubers or influencers, self-employed software developers, high-stakes sales roles like enterprise tech sales, and business owners. These roles rely on skill, market demand, and performance rather than formal education.


What state has the lowest cost of living?

Mississippi consistently ranks as the state with the lowest cost of living, driven by exceptionally low housing, transportation, and overall expenses, making money stretch furthest, though it also faces high poverty rates. Other very affordable states include West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, with low costs for housing, groceries, and utilities. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?
  • Dental Assistant. Dental assisting is one of the best-paying jobs you can start with no degree. ...
  • Medical Assistant. ...
  • Electrician or HVAC Technician. ...
  • Delivery Driver or Courier. ...
  • Office or Administrative Assistant. ...
  • Security Guard. ...
  • Real Estate Agent.


How can I make $2000 a week working from home?

$2,000 week jobs in Remote
  1. CPS Technical Help Desk Representative. U.S. Bank National Association. ...
  2. Customer Support Associate - Weekends. M7 Health. ...
  3. Customer Service (Part-time) Daisy. ...
  4. Content Assistant. Amuse. ...
  5. Data Entry Clerk. Sensor Tower. ...
  6. Create a profile on Indeed. Dismiss this. ...
  7. Telephone Interviewer. ...
  8. Application Specialist.


What is the least stressful job in the USA?

Key takeaways

Some examples of low-stress, well-paying jobs include data scientists, astronomers, and technical writers.

What state is hiring the most right now?

California, Texas, and Florida consistently lead in the sheer number of job openings, but states like Massachusetts and New Hampshire rank highest for overall job market health and opportunity due to factors like economic environment and low unemployment. Manufacturing-heavy regions, particularly the "Battery Belt" (Michigan, Georgia, Carolinas), also show high demand for skilled labor, creating numerous vacancies, notes Visual Capitalist. 

What jobs make $10,000 a week?

Make 10K Week Jobs (NOW HIRING)
  • Nurse Practitioner (CA License Required) - $10k sign on bonus! ...
  • Medical Technologist $10K Sign-On 2 year/$15K Sign-On 3 year, $15 Relocation and Retention Bonus ... ...
  • Controller - Commercial Construction. ...
  • Speech Language Pathologist - $10k bonus! ...
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist.


What is the best state to move to start over?

The best state to start over depends on your priorities (jobs, affordability, lifestyle), but top contenders often include Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee for balance of growth and cost, while New Hampshire, Utah, and Virginia offer strong economies and opportunities, and Vermont or Wyoming suit those seeking slower, smaller-town living. Consider job markets (like tech in Utah/VA, diverse in TX/FL), cost of living (low in OK/TN), and lifestyle (outdoors in NC/UT/VT) when choosing.