Best and Worst States for Starting Your Career

Entry-level job availability, salaries, and housing costs shape the top and bottom states for new professionals

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:55am

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A new analysis by TopResume has identified the best and worst U.S. states for entry-level workers to start their careers. Factors like job availability, competition, and cost of living were considered to determine the states that offer the most promising opportunities and financial stability for those just beginning their professional journeys.

Why it matters

Where you launch your career can significantly impact your ability to find a job, earn a competitive salary, and build savings, especially for entry-level roles that typically pay less than positions held by experienced professionals. This analysis provides valuable insights for young professionals weighing relocation options to start their careers on the strongest financial footing.

The details

The best states for entry-level jobs combine high job availability, low competition, and a favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratio. Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, and South Dakota topped the list, offering 80 to 129 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people and relatively affordable housing. In contrast, the worst states like California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, and Florida have highly competitive job markets, low entry-level salaries, and astronomical housing costs that make it extremely difficult for newcomers to build financial stability.

  • The analysis was conducted in 2026 by the TopResume team.

The players

TopResume

A career services company that analyzed thousands of job postings to identify the best and worst U.S. states for entry-level workers.

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The takeaway

This report underscores the importance of carefully considering location when launching your career. Entry-level professionals should weigh factors like job availability, salaries, and housing costs to identify the markets that offer the best opportunities to get their careers off the ground and build long-term financial security.