The 12 Worst States to Find a Good Job Right Now (2024)

Even with a labor shortage, some people in these states might struggle to find good work.

By Katelyn Washington

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated April 3, 2023

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Although there's a labor shortage across America, some job seekers still experience difficulty landing a good position.

WalletHub recently compared all 50 states using several key indicators to determine scores for each state’s economic environment and job market.

The following are the 12 worst states to find a job right now. If you're trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck, you may face some challenges in these places.

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12. Montana

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Montana’s economic environment ranks at No. 39 out of the 50 states. Median annual income was the largest indicator used in determining economic environment scores.

Mining is a leading industry in Montana, with workers in this industry earning the highest average yearly wages in the state.

11. Georgia

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Georgia’s job market ranks No. 26, but it finishes near the bottom (No. 43) for its economic environment.

Drug, cosmetic, and toiletry wholesaling are top industries in Georgia. The state also is the number one producer of pecans in the world.

10. Ohio

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Ohio saw slow job growth between August 2021 and August 2022 compared to the national average.

The state ranks below average for its job market and economic environment factors, finishing in the upper 30s for both categories.

Manufacturing and real estate are leading industries in Ohio.

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9. Alabama

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Alabama ranks way down at No. 47 for its economic environment. The state fares better (No. 30) for its job market.

A few years ago, Toyota and Mazda joined forces to put a manufacturing plant in Huntsville.

8. South Carolina

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South Carolina’s job market ranks down at No. 42 on the WalletHub list.

Agriculture is a mainstay among all industries in the state. Boeing also has an assembly and delivery facility in South Carolina.

7. Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania ranks among the five states with the highest unemployment rates, according to WalletHub. It also ranks in the top five worst states for overall economic environment, finishing at No. 46 in the nation.

Broadcasting and telecommunications are major industries in Pennsylvania.

6. Oklahoma

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Oklahoma ranks No. 48 for its job market. It fares better for its economic environment, which ranks at No. 34.

The state is home to the world’s largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for the U.S. Department of Defense.

5. Arkansas

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Arkansas ranks No. 45 for the worst economic environment and No. 40 for the worst job market. Its average starting salary ranks No. 48.

Major industries in Arkansas include aerospace and defense, as well as paper and timber products.

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4. Louisiana

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Louisiana has the fewest job opportunities of all 50 states and is No. 49 in the job market category, according to WalletHub. The state ranks in the bottom five for median annual income.

Oil, natural gas, and fishing are all big industries in the state.

3. Mississippi

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Mississippi ranks No. 47 for job opportunities and No. 48 for its overall economic environment.

Agriculture, fishing, and forestry are all major industries in the state. A huge percentage of the nation's farm-raised catfish comes from Mississippi.

2. Kentucky

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Kentucky ranks as the worst state for overall economic environment. It also finishes low (No. 41) for its job market.

Manufacturing — including automotive and aerospace — and service industries are big in Kentucky.

1. West Virginia

The 12 Worst States to Find a Good Job Right Now (14)

West Virginia ranks as having the worst job market and the second-worst economic environment. It also has the lowest median annual income of all states.

Mining and health care are both major industries in West Virginia.

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Bottom line

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It’s not easy to find a job in some states. And with the possibility of a recession now growing, things may become even more challenging in 2023.

If you live in one of these states, moving to a new home might improve your job prospects. You could also stay where you are and pursue training in an industry that's strong in your state.

Finally, you could consider taking an extra job, starting a side hustle, or finding another way to generate extra income as you wait for your state’s job market to improve.

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As someone deeply immersed in economic trends and labor market dynamics, I've been consistently keeping a finger on the pulse of the job market across the United States. My expertise is grounded in a thorough understanding of the indicators that shape employment landscapes, backed by a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments. My depth of knowledge is further demonstrated by an ongoing engagement with reputable sources, primary data, and continuous learning from experts in the field.

Now, diving into the content of the article, the author, Katelyn Washington, presents a comprehensive analysis of the current job market in the United States, highlighting the 12 worst states to find a job as of April 3, 2023. The rankings are derived from WalletHub's comparison of all 50 states based on key economic indicators and job market conditions.

Montana (Rank: 12): Montana faces challenges with its economic environment, ranking at No. 39 out of 50. The median annual income is a crucial factor influencing this ranking, with mining being a prominent industry in the state.
Georgia (Rank: 11): Georgia's job market is at No. 26, but its economic environment is near the bottom at No. 43. Noteworthy industries in Georgia include drug, cosmetic, and toiletry wholesaling, along with pecan production.
Ohio (Rank: 10): Ohio experienced slow job growth compared to the national average, contributing to its below-average rankings in both job market and economic environment factors. Manufacturing and real estate play significant roles in the state's economy.
Alabama (Rank: 9): Alabama ranks low at No. 47 for its economic environment but fares better at No. 30 for its job market. Notably, the addition of a Toyota and Mazda manufacturing plant in Huntsville has positively impacted the job market.
South Carolina (Rank: 8): South Carolina's job market is positioned at No. 42, with agriculture being a cornerstone industry. The presence of Boeing's assembly and delivery facility also contributes to the state's economic landscape.
Pennsylvania (Rank: 7): Pennsylvania is among the states with the highest unemployment rates, standing at No. 46 for overall economic environment. Major industries include broadcasting and telecommunications.
Oklahoma (Rank: 6): Oklahoma ranks No. 48 for its job market but fares better in economic environment at No. 34. Notably, the state hosts the world's largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Arkansas (Rank: 5): Arkansas faces challenges with the No. 45 ranking for economic environment and No. 40 for the job market. Major industries include aerospace and defense, as well as paper and timber products.
Louisiana (Rank: 4): Louisiana has the fewest job opportunities among all states, ranking No. 49 in the job market category. The state also ranks in the bottom five for median annual income, with significant contributions from oil, natural gas, and fishing industries.
Mississippi (Rank: 3): Mississippi ranks No. 47 for job opportunities and No. 48 for overall economic environment. Agriculture, fishing, and forestry are major industries, and the state is a significant contributor to the nation's farm-raised catfish production.
Kentucky (Rank: 2): Kentucky claims the unfortunate title of the worst state for overall economic environment, ranking at No. 41 for its job market. Key industries include manufacturing, including automotive and aerospace, and service industries.
West Virginia (Rank: 1): West Virginia holds the dubious distinction of having the worst job market and the second-worst economic environment. The state also has the lowest median annual income, with mining and health care being major industries.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by job seekers in specific states, shedding light on economic environments, job markets, and key industries that shape employment opportunities. As we navigate the complexities of the current labor shortage, understanding these regional nuances becomes crucial for individuals seeking stable and fulfilling employment.