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7 Best States to Find a Job in 2020

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Guest Posts

For the majority of people, job opportunity is a significant factor— if not the main concern— when looking for a new place to live.

Here are the best states for job hunting in 2020.

The State of Moving and Unemployment

In 2019, Bellhops conducted extensive research on the state of moving in the US. According to it, the people in the US don’t stay in one place for too long. They are constantly on the move for new job opportunities or the chance at a fresh start.

In fact, the same report shows that roughly 14% of the entire US population move domestically each year.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the US unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in December 2019. So, it looks like 2020 is going to be an excellent year for job seekers.

Because wages are only starting to budge, the best way for workers to get a raise is to consider a new job. In fact, experts suggest that the first quarter of the year is always the most suitable time to look for a new job.

Another factor to note is geography.

In 2019, Zippia surveyed tens of thousands of workers and analyzed data from the American Community Survey and BLS to identify which states had the most favorable balance of low unemployment, low cost of living, and regular wage increases.

The survey found that several states not usually considered as “hot labor markets” were able to provide great opportunities for those looking to start fresh.

It’s the beginning of 2020 and no one seems to be concerned about this serious topic. Therefore, we’ve decided to conduct our own research and make an updated list of the top 7 states to find new job opportunities this year.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it!

#1. Arizona

It’s no secret that Arizona is the land of perennially balmy weather and sweeping landscapes. Considering this, the growing tourist industry heavily invested here, and many businesses followed.

Construction workers are now in great demand, thanks to the gradual expansion of these young cities. Arizona is also quickly shaping up to be the technological hub in the Southwest. Therefore, as a thriving economic center, it’s the perfect place for anyone who despises long winter commutes.

#2. Colorado

If you’re an employee looking for a stable job, Colorado can be a great place to start fresh as it’s suffered notable labor shortages in recent years.

In 2018, more than 73,000 new job opportunities were added to the state. However, in order to fill the new positions, employees seem to be coming to work from outside the Centennial State.

As of today, Colorado appears to be an excellent choice for people looking to start anew find a suitable job.

Some of the in-demand jobs in Colorado are:

  • Nurses
  • Physical therapists
  • Physician assistants
  • Environmental engineers
  • Database administrators
  • Computer software engineers
  • Data communication and network systems analysts
  • Preschool and postsecondary school teachers

#3. Florida

If you’re fond of warm weather and have good construction skills, Florida is the place to go!

Florida has the fourth-highest growth in construction jobs, according to HeraldTribune.

A CNBC report shows that the state has added over 28,000 construction jobs in 2018 alone. However, despite hiring at such an incredible pace, employers are still having a hard time finding skilled employees, which spells opportunity!

#4. Idaho

More and more tech firms are either expanding or starting up in Idaho.

Businesses trying to leave the high expenses of West Coast cities behind are often drawn to Idaho Falls, Boise, and other Idaho cities due to the lower cost of living.

Industry-leading tech firms like Clearwater Analytics and Paylocity have built operations in Idaho.

Tech startups include Cradlepoint— a Boise-based wireless company with over 500 employees, and House of Design in Nampa, with over 50 employees programming and assembling robots capable of building products from essential medical equipment to comfortable shoes.

Construction activity is also going strong in the area. Large-scale housing projects like the large 2,000-home Boise development are in the works to ease a shortage of housing.

#5. Nevada

Nevada is slowly becoming a major provider of clean energy. Tesla’s first Gigafactory in Reno, Nevada, is set to hire 10,000 new employees. Companies like Switch and Panasonic have also set their establishments there, while housing markets are getting stronger by the day.

#6. Oregon

If you’re looking for work in health care or construction, consider Oregon. Employers are always on the search for new employees. Keeping the critical labor shortages aside, Oregon added over 6,000 construction jobs in 2019, a total 5.5% increase.

Oregon’s booming economy is essentially fueling the construction and hiring growth.

#7. Virginia

Although the Virginians say the state is for lovers, it turns out they are a great place for job seekers too. You can spend the week working and take a leisurely ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway on weekends.

Virginia ranks 7.5th in unemployment, 12th in income, and 21st in the home-to-income ratio. Therefore, while the costs of living aren’t the best of the bunch, this state clearly has unemployment to a bare minimum and, as research shows, companies pay really well.

Wrapping Up

It’s the beginning of the year 2020, and now is the time to take a serious look at the job market and find which state would provide the best place to stay and work.

Finding a job can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure where to look for opportunities. Thus, narrowing your search area is highly important.

That part requires a lot of research, which could be a deal-breaker for some. That’s why we did the homework for you and listed the top 7 states for the fresh start that you’re so desperately seeking.

Make sure to bookmark this list for future references. Also, let us know in the comments below which of the states suits your needs the best.

Jeff Campbell
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