These Are the Best and Worst States for Starting Out Your Career Today

Key Takeaways The best states for entry-level jobs combine high job availability, low competition, and a favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. The worst states often have competitive job markets, high populations, and high living costs, making it harder for entry-level workers to get ahead. Considering relocation costs, including median home prices and rent, is important when choosing where to start your career. Where you launch your professional life can dramatically affect your ability to land a job, earn a competitive salary, and build savings . Entry-level roles typically pay less than positions held by seasoned professionals, making it especially important for those just starting out to choose a location that balances job availability with housing costs, whether renting or owning . Your location may affect your career success.MoMo Productions / Getty Images To better understand where young professionals are most likely to succeed, Resume.ai analyzed thousands of job postings to identify the best and worst U.S. states for entry-level workers, factoring in job availability, competition, and cost of living. Here are the best and worst starts for starting your career. Best States Wyoming : Wyoming tops the list with 129 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people, low competition, and an adjusted median salary of $52,163. Its low cost of living makes it ideal for new professionals seeking financial stability. Zillow reports a median home price of around $356,688 while the average rent is roughly $1,300 per month, making it accessible for those just starting their careers. Vermont : Vermont has a relatively high number of entry-level jobs for its small population, resulting in less competition with 118 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people. However, the median salary is under $42,000. With the median home price being just over $382,000 and the average rent being about $2,075, housing is a significant consideration for those starting out their careers here. North Dakota : A steady job market offering close to 92 entry-level positions per 100,000 people makes North Dakota an attractive state for entry-level workers. The median home price is approximately $277,556 and the average rent is around $1,100, significantly less than the national average of $2,000, helping young professionals get a strong financial start. Alaska : Alaska provides ample entry-level opportunities, with 88 jobs per 100,000 people. Still, the low median salary of just under $42,500 can make housing, with median home prices below $376,000 and average rent around $1,800, difficult for newcomers to manage. South Dakota : South Dakota offers about 80 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people, making it a strong state for newcomers with less competition. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home price around $310,000 and average rent near $1,200, so people can stretch their salaries further. Worst States California : California ranks lowest in entry-level opportunities, with just 1.84 jobs per 100,000 people. The adjusted median salary of only $36,982 and the high cost of living make it difficult for newcomers to build financial stability. Median home prices exceed $750,000 and the average rent is $2,750, putting additional strain on...

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