The U.S. is currently grappling with a massive labor shortage. During the pandemic, early retirements surged, parents of school-age children left the workforce en masse, and immigration slowed considerably – resulting in millions of fewer workers than there otherwise would have been. Meanwhile, American workers – primarily in low-wage sectors – continued to quit their jobs in record numbers in search of better opportunities.Â
Currently, the labor force participation rate – the share of Americans 16 and older either working or looking for work – stands at 62.2%, a low not seen in the pre-pandemic United States since 1977. This is what it costs to retire comfortably in each state.Â
The national shortage of workers has left employers struggling to fill open positions – forcing some businesses to reduce hours of operation and others to shutter completely. There were 10.9 million job openings nationwide at the end of 2021, a 62% increase from a year earlier – and the problem shows few signs of slowing. In the last month alone, most states reported an uptick in the number of unfilled jobs.Â
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states where job openings are surging. States are ranked by the change in the number of open jobs between November 2021 and December 2021, the most recent months of available data. Â
Only 14 states had fewer open positions at the end of December compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, in some states, the number of open jobs increased by over 10% over the same period.Â
Despite the need for workers, many members of the labor force are unemployed, suggesting a mismatch between either the skills employers are seeking and the labor pool, or the kind of work or benefits job seekers desire and what is available. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.9% at the end of last year. Depending on the state, unemployment ranges from 1.3% to 5.4%. Here is a look at the worst states to look for a job.Â
Click here to see the states with the most new job openings
Click here to read our detailed methodology
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50. New York
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -8.1% (52,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 588,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 5.0%
> Labor force size: 9,140,537 people
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
49. Massachusetts
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -7.2% (21,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 269,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.5%
> Labor force size: 3,692,403 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
48. Alabama
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -7.1% (11,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 144,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.8%
> Labor force size: 2,238,778 people
Source: pawel.gaul / E+ via Getty Images
47. Michigan
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -7.0% (24,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 321,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.4%
> Labor force size: 4,772,856 people
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Source: JamesBrey / E+ via Getty Images
46. Wisconsin
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -6.4% (14,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 204,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.0%
> Labor force size: 3,093,829 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
45. Ohio
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -5.2% (22,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 404,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.4%
> Labor force size: 5,679,536 people
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44. Tennessee
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -3.9% (9,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 223,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.3%
> Labor force size: 3,348,942 people
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
43. Georgia
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -3.8% (16,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 403,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.4%
> Labor force size: 5,207,912 people
Source: 4kodiak / iStock via Getty Images
42. Nevada
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -3.7% (4,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 105,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 5.2%
> Labor force size: 1,536,416 people
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Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
41. Connecticut
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -3.5% (4,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 110,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.4%
> Labor force size: 1,832,459 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
40. New Mexico
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -3.2% (2,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 61,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.8%
> Labor force size: 959,857 people
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Source: MarkHatfield / iStock via Getty Images
39. Washington
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -2.7% (6,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 219,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.8%
> Labor force size: 3,975,042 people
24/7 Wall St.
Source: dszc / E+ via Getty Images
38. Arizona
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -1.4% (3,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 218,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.8%
> Labor force size: 3,657,606 people
Source: TriggerPhoto / iStock via Getty Images
37. Kansas
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: -1.0% (1,000 fewer open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 95,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.2%
> Labor force size: 1,487,429 people
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36. North Dakota
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: 0%
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 32,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.8%
> Labor force size: 396,900 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
35. Rhode Island
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: 0%
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 38,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.7%
> Labor force size: 551,653 people
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34. Nebraska
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: 0%
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 73,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.3%
> Labor force size: 1,025,634 people
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
33. Missouri
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +0.4% (1,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 225,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.7%
> Labor force size: 3,053,267 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
32. Virginia
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +0.7% (2,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 298,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.7%
> Labor force size: 4,252,784 people
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31. Illinois
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +0.8% (3,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 398,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.3%
> Labor force size: 6,320,577 people
Source: Barbara Smyers / iStock via Getty Images
30. Texas
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +0.9% (8,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 886,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.3%
> Labor force size: 14,398,693 people
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
29. Oklahoma
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +1.7% (2,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 119,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.8%
> Labor force size: 1,862,935 people
Source: ChrisBoswell / iStock via Getty Images
28. West Virginia
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +1.9% (1,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 55,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.9%
> Labor force size: 782,740 people
Source: okimo / iStock via Getty Images
27. Hawaii
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +1.9% (1,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 54,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.9%
> Labor force size: 649,265 people
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
26. Arkansas
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +2.4% (2,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 87,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.4%
> Labor force size: 1,352,420 people
Source: DutcherAerials / E+ via Getty Images
25. California
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +2.4% (28,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 1,192,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 5.0%
> Labor force size: 19,065,788 people
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24. South Dakota
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +3.2% (1,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 32,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.4%
> Labor force size: 467,186 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images
23. Delaware
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +3.4% (1,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 30,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.2%
> Labor force size: 491,967 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
22. Florida
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +4.3% (27,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 650,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.2%
> Labor force size: 10,622,172 people
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21. Iowa
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +4.3% (5,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 120,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.9%
> Labor force size: 1,660,698 people
Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
20. Maryland
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +4.4% (9,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 214,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.0%
> Labor force size: 3,120,513 people
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
19. Idaho
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.0% (3,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 63,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.9%
> Labor force size: 907,663 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
18. New Hampshire
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.0% (3,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 63,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.2%
> Labor force size: 743,280 people
Source: Tiago_Fernandez / iStock via Getty Images
17. Mississippi
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.0% (4,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 84,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.1%
> Labor force size: 1,255,553 people
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Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
16. Colorado
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.1% (11,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 228,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.1%
> Labor force size: 3,227,853 people
Source: Kruck20 / iStock via Getty Images
15. North Carolina
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.3% (19,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 377,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.2%
> Labor force size: 5,070,354 people
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
14. Indiana
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.8% (14,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 255,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.3%
> Labor force size: 3,277,064 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
13. South Carolina
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +5.8% (10,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 182,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.3%
> Labor force size: 2,391,893 people
Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
12. Utah
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +6.1% (7,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 122,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.3%
> Labor force size: 1,686,575 people
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Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
11. Louisiana
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +6.2% (8,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 137,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.7%
> Labor force size: 2,057,188 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
10. Oregon
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +6.5% (9,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 148,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.6%
> Labor force size: 2,166,263 people
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9. Alaska
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +6.7% (2,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 32,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 5.4%
> Labor force size: 351,565 people
Source: peeterv / iStock via Getty Images
8. Montana
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +7.3% (3,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 44,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 1.9%
> Labor force size: 541,665 people
Source: Sean Pavone / iStock via Getty Images
7. Kentucky
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +9.4% (13,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 151,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 3.4%
> Labor force size: 2,014,005 people
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Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
6. New Jersey
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +10.4% (29,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 309,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.9%
> Labor force size: 4,451,722 people
Source: haveseen / iStock via Getty Images
5. Vermont
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +12.0% (3,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 28,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.2%
> Labor force size: 315,107 people
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Source: SeanPavonePhoto / iStock via Getty Images
4. Maine
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +13.6% (6,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 50,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.0%
> Labor force size: 665,686 people
Source: Davel5957 / E+ via Getty Images
3. Minnesota
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +14.4% (28,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 223,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.7%
> Labor force size: 3,030,129 people
Source: Ultima_Gaina / iStock via Getty Images
2. Pennsylvania
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +17.3% (73,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 495,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 4.0%
> Labor force size: 6,141,644 people
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
1. Wyoming
> Change in job openings, Nov.-Dec. 2021: +28.6% (6,000 more open jobs)
> Total job openings at the end of Dec. 2021: 27,000
> Dec. 2021 unemployment: 2.4%
> Labor force size: 290,223 people
Methodology
To determine the states where employers can’t hire fast enough, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. States are ranked by the change in the number of open jobs between November 2021 and December 2021. In the case of a tie, the state with more job openings ranked higher.Â
Job openings are the number of positions – full-time, part-time, seasonal, short-term, or permanent – open on the last business day of a given month. In order to be counted as open, a job has to start within 30 days of when the employer can find a suitable candidate.
Figures on unemployment and labor force size, which includes Americans either working or actively looking for work, are also from the BLS.Â
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