Nebraska tops WalletHub's ranking of best states for jobs

Nebraska holds the top spot in WalletHub's latest ranking of the 50 states for job market strength. The state achieves this position with a 3% unemployment rate and an annual job growth rate of 1.2%, which is the fourth-highest in the country.

WalletHub compiled the report using 34 measures of economic health and job market conditions. The analysis included data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Indeed.com. The data set reflects conditions as of September 30, 2026.

The state's ranking rests on several specific labor metrics. Nebraska has the 11th-most job opportunities per capita. It also ranks third for job security and fourth for the share of workers covered by private health insurance. The state's diverse job market and availability of high-paying internships further support its standing.

North Dakota occupies the second position in the ranking. The state recorded an unemployment rate of 2.6% and the lowest share of discouraged workers in the nation. Discouraged workers are individuals who stop looking for employment due to barriers like age discrimination or skill gaps. North Dakota also offers the second-shortest average commute in the country, which lasts approximately 17 minutes.

The state maintains a low income tax burden for lower earners. It ranks 10th-lowest for individuals making $25,000 or less annually and second-lowest for those earning between $25,000 and $50,000. North Dakota also ranks ninth for working mothers.

Minnesota holds the third place. The state's ranking is driven by strong household incomes and access to employee benefits. It reports the third-highest median household income after adjusting for cost of living, a figure that stands at nearly $88,000. South Dakota and New Hampshire complete the top five list.

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, stated that living in a top-ranked state provides stable conditions for the long term. He noted that these states make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs while employers offer competitive compensation. The top states also rank well for people looking to raise a family.