Best States for Jobs in 2026: Rankings and Key Metrics
No single U.S. state wins for jobs in 2026--it depends on your field, whether that's manufacturing, healthcare, tech, or remote work. If you're in skilled trades, healthcare, tech, or freelancing, Michigan leads manufacturing with over 600,000 workers earning $92,439 on average (Michigan.gov LEO, 2024), while Massachusetts tops remote and high-skill roles with 1.41% remote job postings and a $67,932 average remote salary (RemotePeople, 2025). California pays healthcare workers well--nurses make around $124,000--but unemployment sits at 5.6% versus the national 4.4% (Capital and Main, 2026). If you're looking to relocate for better job prospects, this guide can help. It won't fit if low cost-of-living matters more to you than high wages.
Current Job Market Snapshot for 2026
Michigan leads in manufacturing job volume, with over 600,000 workers across 12,000+ companies and clean energy adding 127,690 roles--more than 44 other states (Michigan.gov LEO, 2024). Wages nationwide are growing at 2.5% annually, and the average U.S. salary is $63,795 (Indeed Hiring Lab, 2025; DemandSage, 2025). Healthcare postings are still 22.6% above pre-pandemic levels (Indeed Hiring Lab, 2025), which works for nurses and other professionals.
California tells a different story: 5.6% unemployment beats the national 4.4%, even with strong sectors (Capital and Main, 2026). Skilled trades workers chasing volume and pay will do well in Michigan, but if overall unemployment risk worries you, look elsewhere. Full BLS 2026 state unemployment rankings aren't out yet--check their latest reports for updates.
Top States by Sector Opportunities
Different industries drive job markets in different states. Manufacturing thrives in Michigan, healthcare in California and Texas, tech in Austin and Raleigh-Durham, and remote work in Oregon and Virginia. Match your skills to these leaders for the best shot, weighing high pay against things like cost-of-living.
Manufacturing and Clean Energy Leaders
Michigan dominates manufacturing with over 600,000 employees averaging $92,439 yearly, plus 127,690 clean energy jobs leading 44 states (Michigan.gov LEO, 2024). This boom supports advanced projects and offers stable, well-paying careers for specialists.
Search Michigan LEO job boards, target clean energy firms through state incentives, and network at events like Manufacturing Week (Oct 4-11). Skip this if you don't have trade skills--manufacturing is declining in most other states (Coalition for a Prosperous America, historical, 2024).
Healthcare and Tech Hotspots
California employs the most RNs--325,620 nurses at $124,000 average (historical data, 2023--markets shift, so flag replication concerns)--followed by Texas (231,060), Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh ranks in the Top 25 Life Sciences Research Talent Clusters (Duquesne.edu, 2022), while tech hubs like Austin and Raleigh-Durham are growing fast, with net employment up 4.4% in some regions (CompTIA via Matlen Silver, 2025). California holds 24% of U.S. tech jobs (historical, 2024). But state unemployment hits 5.6% (Capital and Main, 2026), explained by sector-specific demand mixed with broader weakness--healthcare is growing 8.4% over the decade (PARWCC, 2025). If unemployment worries you, skip California; emerging hubs have less competition.
Job Openings and Wage Growth Comparison
Oklahoma leads job openings at 5.5%, with Michigan, Georgia, Kentucky, and the Carolinas near 5%--Southern and Western states are strong (Visual Capitalist, 2025). Michigan wages hit $92,439 versus the national $63,795 (Michigan.gov LEO, 2024; DemandSage, 2025), with 2.5% national growth (Indeed Hiring Lab, 2025).
Nationwide, gains lean toward low-wage service jobs over manufacturing, and 60% of jobs face AI exposure (Coalition for a Prosperous America, historical, 2024; PARWCC, 2025). High openings mean opportunity, but quality varies--Michigan gives you a wage edge while the national market tilts toward service work.
Remote Work and Work-Life Balance Standouts
Oregon tops remote job postings at 1.76%, with 223 Mbps internet and affordable $1,500 rent; Massachusetts and Virginia follow at 1.41-1.42% postings (RemotePeople, 2025). Washington has no income tax and 14-25 vacation days; Massachusetts and California hit $16.50 minimum wage (Tempo.co, 2025).
Checklist for remote movers:
- Verify internet (e.g., OR 223 Mbps).
- Check rent/taxes (no-tax AK/FL/SD/WA).
- Assess trails/parks for balance (VA 537 trails/1,000 sqm).
State Comparison: When to Choose What
Michigan works for manufacturing seekers with high volume but medium unemployment risk; California suits healthcare despite 5.6% joblessness; avoid high-COL spots like Virginia ($3k rent) if you're on a tight budget.
Steps for decisions:
- Match your sector (e.g., MI manufacturing).
- Factor COL/unemployment (CA high risk).
- Test remote fit (OR/MA strong).
Data covers sectors; your skills and location will change results. Washington showed 8.6% GDP growth (historical commerce data, 2024--conditions may have changed; CoworkingCafe, 2024).
Evidence Pack
| State | Job Volume/Openings | Avg Wage | Unemployment Risk | Remote %/Internet | Sector Strength | Work-Life Notes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | High (600k+ mfg) | High ($92k) | Medium (>5% possible) | Medium | High mfg/clean energy | Growing projects | Michigan.gov LEO (2024) |
| Massachusetts | Medium | High remote ($68k) | Low-Med | High (1.41% postings) | High remote/high-skill | Inclusive, $16.50 min wage | RemotePeople (2025), Tempo.co (2025) |
| California | High healthcare | High ($124k nurses, hist.) | High (5.6%) | Medium | High healthcare/tech | High COL, benefits | Capital and Main (2026), Research.com (2023 hist.) |
| Washington | Medium-High | Competitive ($95k nurses hist.) | Low | High (no tax) | Tech/GDP growth hist. | 14-25 vac days | Tempo.co (2025), CoworkingCafe (2024 hist. commerce) |
| Oregon | Medium | Medium ($63k remote) | Medium (>5%) | High (1.76% postings, 223 Mbps) | High remote | Affordable rent | RemotePeople (2025) |
| Virginia | Medium | Medium-High | Low | High (1.42% postings, 227 Mbps) | Emerging tech/remote | Trails, high rent | RemotePeople (2025), Matlen Silver (2025) |
Thresholds: High (top quartile per sources), Medium, Low/No data.
Apply This to Your Situation
- What's your top sector--manufacturing, healthcare, remote?
- Can you handle high COL (e.g., VA $3k rent)?
- Prioritize low unemployment or high openings?
FAQ
What state has the lowest unemployment in 2026?
Full rankings aren't available yet; California reports the highest at 5.6% vs. national 4.4% (Capital and Main, 2026). Only MI, NJ, OR, NV topped 5%--check BLS for the latest state data.
Best state for manufacturing jobs?
Michigan, with 600k+ workers at $92,439 avg across 12k companies, plus 127k clean energy roles outpacing 44 states (Michigan.gov LEO, 2024).
Top states for remote work 2026?
Oregon (1.76% postings, 223 Mbps), Massachusetts/Virginia (1.41-1.42% postings, strong trails/internet) (RemotePeople, 2025).
Which states lead healthcare employment?
California (325k RNs, $124k avg), Texas (231k), Florida, NY, PA (historical data, 2023--sector demand stays 22.6% above pre-pandemic; Research.com, 2023; Indeed, 2025).
How does job quality vary by state?
Michigan offers high-wage manufacturing ($92k) vs. national low-wage service tilt; AI exposes 60% jobs, healthcare grows steadily (Michigan.gov (2024); Coalition (historical, 2024); PARWCC (2025)).
Check BLS state reports and Indeed for your sector's latest openings, then update your resume targeting top matches.