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Despite the low unemployment rate, some Americans struggle to find jobs, especially ones that pay enough to survive. The job market is strong on paper, but in some states, finding a job is easier said than done.
But which states are the worst states for job seekers? And how do we define ‘worst’?
To compile this list, we focused on states and their unemployment rates for February 2024. These are the 14 worst states for job seekers while comparing unemployment rates.
California
Finding a job in California can be challenging. Unemployment in this sunny and beautiful state was a whopping 5.3% in February 2024, making California one of the most problematic states in which to find and keep work.
The cost of living is atrocious, and more people are looking for jobs than are available.
Nevada
Nevada and California often fight for first place as the worst states for job seekers. Although there are service jobs, Nevada’s unemployment rate in February 2024 was 5.2%, which isn’t that far away from California’s rate.
Some industries are more demanding than others. In Nevada, you are more likely to land a job in tourism and customer service than in tech and software.
District of Columbia
The next worst state for finding a job is the District of Columbia. Technically, the District of Columbia isn’t a state but a federal district. Still, the unemployment rate is high, at 5.1%.
While there is no shortage of work, people still struggle to find jobs that pay well. Some jobs are more in demand than others. You’ll have much better luck looking for nursing, program management, and food positions.
New Jersey
New Jersey is the fourth worst state for job seekers, a surprising addition to this list. New Jersey rose to the top of the list with a high unemployment rate only recently. In November 2022, its unemployment rate was 3.4%. In February 2024, it was 4.8%.
Understanding why is tricky. One possible reason could be that businesses downsized after the Federal Reserve’s interest hikes.
Illinois
Illinois is tied with New Jersey. Illinois had an unemployment rate of 4.8% in February 2024. The job market in Illinois can be hard to navigate.
My friends and family live in Illinois and struggle to find jobs. Two to three interviews for one role aren’t uncommon. Despite this high unemployment rate, the labor demand is high. The problem is that the roles available with companies actively hiring have low pay or minimal to no benefits.
Washington
Washington may surprise people. A few months to a year ago, this state ranked high among the best states for finding a job. And yet, the unemployment rate is 4.7%.
Still, some industries are more accessible than others. If you have the right degree and requirements, getting into the medical or education field is best. State and local jobs are also high in demand.
Alaska
Tied with Washington State is Alaska. While there are many job openings in Alaska, not everyone is interested in the industries. This doesn’t mean you can’t find jobs in every sector. There may just be a lot of competition.
Some in-demand jobs in Alaska include physical therapists, servers/cooks, delivery drivers, and nurses.
Connecticut
Finding a job isn’t just black or white. The process looks different for each person. In certain places, like Connecticut, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average, and people struggle to find good-paying jobs.
The unemployment rate in Connecticut in February 2024 was 4.5%, which is 0.7 higher than the national average.
New York
New York is another difficult state for job seekers. This doesn’t mean you can’t find a job in The Empire State, but it’s trickier. You may even need multiple low-paying jobs to make it work.
In February 2024, the unemployment rate in New York was 4.4%. It’s not the only state with the same unemployment rate.
Kentucky
Kentucky and New York couldn’t be any more different, yet they share the same unemployment rate. In February 2024, Kentucky had an unemployment rate of 4.4%
This doesn’t mean that jobs in Kentucky are scarce but aren’t available for everyone. Not all Kentucky residents live in larger cities with access to jobs.
West Virginia
West Virginia has a slightly lower unemployment rate than Kentucky at 4.3%. Finding a job in West Virginia can feel like a chore. This is especially true for job seekers looking in the tech industry.
Still, there are job openings in West Virginia. You can apply for state and local jobs. West Virginia has a massive teacher, sub, and bus driver shortage.
Oregon
Oregon suffered job losses during the pandemic. About 1 in 7 jobs were lost in a short period, and the state’s unemployment rate was a jaw-dropping 13.3%.
While the job market in Oregon has significantly improved in the last four years, it’s dropping again. The job market is cooling, and some companies are initiating layoffs.
Louisiana
Louisiana is the thirteenth worst state for job seekers. Compared to other states, Louisiana has a relatively high unemployment rate of 4.2%. Despite this rate, the job market in Louisiana has grown.
While job openings are available, they aren’t high-paying or glamorous. One of the most in-demand jobs in this state is food service positions.
Arizona
Last but not least is Arizona, which had an unemployment rate of 4.1% in February 2024. This unemployment rate isn’t far from the national average of 3.8%.
Still, people are struggling to find jobs in Arizona. Stories of job seekers attending three to four interviews and still coming away empty-handed are common. Some industries, like construction, medical, and education, are desperately hiring.
Source: Unemployment rates for February 2024.
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