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Where It’s Easiest—and Hardest—to Find a Job Now

2 min read

Nov 4, 2025 9:23:15 AM

A new nationwide ranking offers a timely snapshot of where job seekers have an edge—and where they face headwinds. WalletHub’s 2025 list, published by Business Insider, names Massachusetts the best state to find a job and West Virginia the toughest, arriving as federal data show a labor market that has cooled from its pandemic-era peak. A map highlighting job market challenges across the U.S.

A map highlighting job market challenges across the U.S.

What Happened

WalletHub compared all 50 states across 34 indicators of job-market strength and economic conditions, then Business Insider highlighted the top and bottom performers. The Top 10 are, in order: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, North Dakota, Maine, and Rhode Island. The 10 most challenging states are West Virginia, Louisiana, Kentucky, Alaska, Oregon, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, Indiana, and Oklahoma. The list blends measures such as employment growth, job openings, pay, commute time, and job security. Business Insider; WalletHub.

The Bigger Picture

Nationally, the number of available jobs has drifted lower, and in August 2025 job openings were roughly 7.23 million. Importantly, the openings-to-unemployed ratio dipped below 1.0, meaning there were slightly more job seekers than jobs, a reversal from most of the past three years. Job openings are now fewer than job seekers, a sign of softer demand even as layoffs remain subdued. Reuters; BLS JOLTS.

Why These States Top The List

The states clustered near the top of WalletHub’s ranking generally combine low joblessness, resilient hiring, and stronger pay. For example, BLS data show South Dakota with one of the lowest unemployment rates in August 2025 at 1.9%, while the District of Columbia and California sat at the high end. Low unemployment paired with steady hiring helps tighten local labor markets, improving odds for candidates. BLS State Employment and Unemployment.

What It Means For Job Seekers

If you’re mobile, the leaders—Massachusetts and its New England neighbors, parts of the Upper Midwest, and the Great Plains—offer relatively favorable conditions. Texas stands out as the lone Southern entry in the Top 10, reflecting scale and continued investment across industries. In lagging states, opportunities still exist, but candidates may need more time, broader searches, or a willingness to pivot sectors. Local dynamics can outweigh the national trend—so check regional openings and industry clusters alongside headline rankings. Business Insider; BLS JOLTS.