Top-10 States of the United States with the Highest Employment Rate 

Having a job is important for everyone, and some states in the U.S. are better at providing jobs than others. A high employment rate means more people are working and earning money. In this article, we will look at the top-10 states in the U.S. with the highest employment rate. These states have strong economies and offer more job opportunities for their people.

What Does Employment Rate Mean?

The employment rate tells us how many people have jobs out of the total working population. A high employment rate means more people are working and fewer are jobless.

Top-10 States of the United States with the Highest Employment Rate

The United States has many states with strong job markets. Some states have lower unemployment rates and more job opportunities, making them the top places for employment in the country.

Here is the list of top-10 states of the United States with the highest employment rate:

• Vermont
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Virginia
• North Dakota
• Texas
• Connecticut
• Oklahoma
• Idaho
• Montana

Vermont

Vermont has a very low employment rate of 2.6%, showing a strong job market. With a population of over 648,000 and many job openings, especially through Vermont JobLink, it’s clear the state needs workers. Sectors like education and healthcare support the economy. Its high rate of college-educated people (52.5%) also helps maintain steady employment.

South Dakota

South Dakota’s unemployment rate is just 1.8%, one of the lowest in the country. This means most people who want a job can find one. The economy is growing due to strong sectors like farming, healthcare and banking. With fewer people and more jobs available, the state has a very strong employment environment.

Utah

Utah’s unemployment rate is 3.1%, showing a solid job market. The state added nearly 30,000 new jobs in one year. Important job sectors include education, construction and health services. With a population of over 3.5 million and good college education levels, Utah continues to grow fast and provide many job opportunities.

Virginia

Virginia’s unemployment rate is 3.9%, still low despite expected job losses in government. The private sector, including science and tech services, keeps employment strong. With over 8.8 million people and a well-educated population, Virginia remains one of the top states for jobs and continues to support a stable economy.

North Dakota

North Dakota has a 2.4% unemployment rate, meaning most people have jobs. The state’s economy depends on agriculture, energy and technology, which are all growing. With under 800,000 people and a solid education rate, the state keeps its job market healthy and open for new workers.

Texas

Texas has a steady unemployment rate of 4.1% and added nearly 36,000 jobs in April 2025. It has a massive labor force of over 15.8 million people. Key industries like energy, tech and construction are booming. Texas’ strong and growing economy helps make it one of the best states for employment.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.3%, showing strong recovery from the pandemic. The state added 16,000 jobs in 2024 and passed pre-pandemic job levels. With a high college-educated population and a strong economy in finance and insurance, it offers a solid employment environment for its 3.6 million residents.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s 3.3% unemployment rate means stable job conditions. Important industries like energy, farming, and aerospace are doing well. Though the state has fewer college graduates than others, its economy keeps growing, offering job opportunities for its 4 million residents across various sectors.

Idaho

Idaho’s unemployment rate is 3.7% with over 46,000 job openings. This shows a healthy economy and demand for workers. Key industries include agriculture, tech and manufacturing. With a population of about 2 million, Idaho continues to be a strong state for employment and economic growth.

Montana

Montana has a 3.2% unemployment rate, which shows a strong job market. Its economy depends on agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, which are growing steadily. With just over 1.1 million people and a good rate of college education, Montana offers solid job opportunities and a strong employment climate.