With the U.S. gaining 256,000 jobs in December, WalletHub released updated rankings for its report on Changes in Unemployment Rate by State, along with expert commentary.
To take stock of how unemployment rates are changing throughout the U.S., WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on six key metrics that compare unemployment rate statistics from the latest month for which data is available (December 2024) to key dates in 2024, 2023, 2020 and 2019.
| Best Change in Unemployment | Worst Change in Unemployment |
| 1. South Dakota | 42. Rhode Island |
| 2. Connecticut | 43. Colorado |
| 3. New Hampshire | 44. Indiana |
| 4. Hawaii | 45. District of Columbia |
| 5. Vermont | 46. Illinois |
| 6. Virginia | 47. California |
| 7. Montana | 48. Michigan |
| 8. Oklahoma | 49. South Carolina |
| 9. Wisconsin | 50. Nevada |
| 10. Maryland | 51. Kentucky |
To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-unemployment-rates/74907
Expert Commentary
What are the most resilient industries and fields in our current economy?
“The healthcare sector remains a cornerstone of economic stability, with increasing demand for medical professionals, biotechnology innovations, and healthcare management roles. As global health challenges persist, careers in nursing, pharmaceuticals, medical research, and public health offer long-term security… The AI sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. The global AI market is projected to reach $243.70 billion in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 27.67%, leading to an estimated market volume of $826.70 billion by 2030…Higher education institutions are adapting to the evolving demands of the modern workforce, preparing individuals for success in dynamic industries…With the shift toward online shopping, e-commerce businesses are thriving. This industry has opened up digital marketing, logistics, and supply chain management opportunities. Professionals with expertise in SEO, content marketing, and e-commerce operations are in high demand…As the world focuses on sustainability and climate change, careers in renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainable business practices are booming. The push for greener solutions has led to job growth in solar energy, wind power, and sustainable construction.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
“The industries that continue to outperform include health care and professional and business services. There are some goods-producing industries that I would term as re-emerging—construction, manufacturing, and energy.”
Brian Lewandowski – Executive Director of the Business Research Division, University of Colorado Boulder
What job skills will be the most sought-after in the current job market?
“The job market in 2025 is dynamic, with a clear shift towards technology-driven roles and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Professionals equipped with skills in AI, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and green technologies will find themselves in high demand. Simultaneously, companies are recognizing the value of human-centric skills, ensuring a balanced approach to workforce development.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
“Illustrated in the job openings rate published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there continues to be high demand across a range of industries ranging in skill, education, and income levels. Some of the industries with the highest openings rates include professional and business services, health care, and leisure and hospitality.”
Brian Lewandowski – Executive Director of the Business Research Division, University of Colorado Boulder
What’s in store for the job market in 2025?
“As we navigate through 2025, the job market is undergoing significant transformations influenced by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving workplace dynamics. A prominent trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. While concerns about AI-induced job displacement persist, current data suggests a gradual adoption. Only a small fraction of job postings currently require generative AI skills, indicating that widespread job displacement by AI is not imminent. Demographic changes are also shaping the labor landscape. In the United States, policies affecting immigration could slow population growth, potentially leading to worker shortages, increased wage inflation, and economic stagnation.
Despite these challenges, there are positive indicators for job seekers. Industries such as electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality are experiencing an uptick in job postings for recruiters, suggesting a broader hiring increase, whereas changing jobs may become easier in 2025. Moreover, the demand for skilled tradespeople remains robust. As infrastructure projects expand and more professionals retire, sectors like construction, plumbing, and electrical work are experiencing increased demand, highlighting the importance of trade skills in the evolving job market. Looking ahead, the job market will require a delicate balance between technological progress and human adaptability. Embracing continuous learning, fostering resilience, and maintaining a proactive approach to career development will be key in an era where uncertainty is the only certainty. The future of work will not be solely defined by technology but by the individuals and organizations that can harness its potential while valuing the human element in the workforce.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
