Best States to Find a Job in 2026: Rankings, Data, and Relocation Guide
Looking for the best state to land your next job? In 2026, job markets vary wildly across the US, with some states offering abundant opportunities in high-growth sectors like tech, healthcare, and manufacturing, while others struggle with high unemployment and fierce competition. This guide draws on projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Indeed, TopResume, UCLA Anderson Forecast, and more to rank states by unemployment rates, job openings per capita, sector-specific growth, and cost-of-living-adjusted salaries. Whether you're a recent graduate, career changer, relocator, or veteran, we'll help you identify top spots like North Dakota and North Carolina--and steer clear of pitfalls like California.
Quick Answer: Top 5 Best States for Jobs in 2026
For immediate value, here are the top 5 states based on low unemployment (e.g., 2.5-2.6% in ND/VT per Visual Capitalist), high entry-level jobs per capita (ND at 129/100k per TopResume), workforce development (NC #1 per Site Selection Magazine), and sector strengths:
- North Dakota - Lowest unemployment at 2.5%, 129 entry-level jobs per 100k people, $52k adjusted median salary (TopResume).
- Virginia/Wisconsin/Indiana - Strong entry-level markets with adjusted salaries $58k-$60k (TopResume/SILive).
- Colorado/Washington - Remote work leaders (31.7% and 28.5% remote workforce, MyRelocationSavings).
- North Carolina - #1 workforce development, largest SE manufacturing workforce, 100k+ clean energy jobs (Gov NC).
- Alabama/Tennessee - Top for veterans hiring (VA News).
Quick Summary/Key Takeaways
- ND leads for per capita openings and low unemployment.
- NC excels in manufacturing/clean energy with record 2025 job announcements.
- CO/WA for remote flexibility.
- Sources: TopResume (33k LinkedIn postings), Visual Capitalist, Employment Rate by State.
Key Takeaways: 2026 Job Market Overview
The US job market in 2026 shows stability amid AI disruptions (60% jobs exposed per IMF/PARWCC) and sector splits: healthcare surges +8.4% over the decade (PARWCC), manufacturing has 4.2% vacancies (NAM), while overall postings are stable but down YoY in most sectors (Indeed). National unemployment peaks at 4.6% early 2026 (UCLA), but 63% of firms plan hiring increases (ZipRecruiter). State choice matters for stability--smaller states like ND offer outsized opportunities vs. crowded giants.
| Metric | National Avg | Top States (e.g., ND/NC/CO) |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1-4.6% | 2.5% (ND), low in NC |
| Job Growth Projection | Tepid | NC record announcements |
| Remote % Workforce | ~20% | 31.7% (CO), 28.5% (WA) |
| Entry-Level/100k Pop | Low | 129 (ND) |
Overall Job Growth and Unemployment Projections by State
BLS trends and Visual Capitalist data project ND (2.5%) and VT (2.6%) with the lowest unemployment, far below NV/CA (5.4%) and LA (4.9%). SC lags with 58% labor participation (Employment Rate by State). MN adds 181k jobs 2016-26 but slows (DEED). NC bucks trends with its best-ever 2025 job announcements and #1 workforce ranking. CA faces contraction through 2025 (UCLA), despite absolute size.
Job Openings Per Capita and Entry-Level Opportunities
TopResume's analysis of 33k LinkedIn postings crowns ND #1 at 129 openings/100k, with $52k adjusted salary. WI/IN/MS/NJ follow at $58k-$60k post-COL adjustment. CA is worst at 1.8/100k (score 0.29). Mini case: A 2026 grad thrives in ND's abundant entry-level roles vs. CA's cutthroat competition (TX/FL/NY/PA also tough).
Best States by Industry and Career Type
Tailor your search: Tech in emerging hubs, healthcare booming +22.6% postings (Indeed), manufacturing 4.2% vacancies.
Tech and Software Engineering Jobs
Raleigh-Durham (3.0 talent index), Austin, Richmond lead emerging hubs (Matlen Silver). Case: Durham, NC dubbed "Boulder East" for devs--low rent, vibrant scene (Arc.dev).
Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Emerging Sectors
Healthcare +8.4% growth (PARWCC). NC: Largest SE manufacturing workforce, 100k clean energy jobs, post-recession strength (Gov NC). Mini case: NC's 2025 job boom continues into 2026.
Remote: CO (31.7%), WA (28.5% no-tax), NV rising (MyRelocationSavings). Veterans: AL (Huntsville Lockheed), TN (Franklin), ME/MD/NJ/TX/CA (VA News).
Cost of Living vs. Salary: Where Your Paycheck Goes Furthest
$100k remote goes 30-40% further in TX/Austin vs. SF (MyRelocationSavings). ND/VT salaries beat inflation slightly (Visual Capitalist); WI/IN top adjusted pay.
| State | Adj. Median Salary | COL Index | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND | $52k | Low | Entry-level |
| WI/IN | $59-60k | Low | Entry-level |
| CA/NV | High nominal | 128+ | Competitive |
| CO | High remote | 112 | Tech/remote |
Worst States for Job Hunting in 2026: States to Avoid
CA (1.8 openings/100k, 5%+ unemployment, payroll losses per UCLA/TopResume). TX/FL/NY/PA highly competitive. Mini case: CA's absolute market hides per capita scarcity.
Remote Work Hotspots: Top States for Flexible Jobs
CO (31.7% remote, outdoor lifestyle), WA (28.5%, 0% tax), NV (growing from CA exodus), MD (56.5% per Mismo). 85% jobs via networking (Mismo).
Checklist:
- Pros CO: High remote %, lifestyle.
- Cons: 4.4% tax.
- Pros WA: No tax.
- Cons: Potential monitoring rise (Remotive).
Pros & Cons: Best States Compared (North Dakota vs. North Carolina vs. Colorado)
| Metric | ND | NC | CO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment | 2.5% | Low | Moderate |
| Entry-Level/100k | 129 | High mgf | Remote |
| Remote % | Moderate | Growing | 31.7% |
| COL-Adj Salary | $52k | Competitive | High |
| Sectors | Entry-gen | Mfg/energy | Tech/remote |
- ND Pros: Abundant jobs, low unemp. Cons: Remote?; harsh winters.
- NC Pros: #1 workforce, mfg boom. Cons: Rising competition.
- CO Pros: Remote king. Cons: 4.4% tax, higher COL.
Job Market for Veterans and Special Groups
VA News highlights AL (Huntsville Financial Analyst), TN (Franklin Claims), ME/NJ/MD/TX/CA roles. SC's 58% participation signals opportunities. Strong post-recession in ND/NC.
How to Relocate and Land a Job in Top States: Step-by-Step Guide
- Target by career (e.g., ND entry-level, NC mfg).
- Update LinkedIn (88% entry-level no-degree reqs, ZipRecruiter).
- Network (85% jobs filled this way).
- Skills assessments (38% employers).
- Compare COL/salary tools.
- Veterans: Apply VA programs.
Mini case: Grad relocates to ND, lands entry role in weeks via LinkedIn.
2026 Trends: AI, Skills, and Hiring Shifts
AI exposes 60% jobs (IMF), college hiring at 1.6% (NACE), but 63% firms hiring more (ZipRecruiter/Remotive). Healthcare surges vs. Indeed slowdown--focus skills over degrees.
FAQ
What are the best states for entry-level jobs in 2026?
ND (129/100k), WI/IN ($59-60k adjusted, TopResume).
Which states have the lowest unemployment rates in 2026 projections?
ND (2.5%), VT (2.6%), per Visual Capitalist.
Best states for tech jobs and remote work in 2026?
Tech: Raleigh-Durham/Austin. Remote: CO (31.7%), WA (28.5%).
How does cost of living affect job choices in top states?
ND/IN stretch paychecks further; $100k in TX > SF (30-40% savings).
Worst states to find a job in 2026?
CA (1.8/100k), TX/FL/NY/PA (TopResume).
Top states for veterans and manufacturing jobs?
Veterans: AL/TN/MD/TX. Mfg: NC (largest SE workforce, 4.2% vacancies NAM).