Best and Worst States to Start Your Career in 2026, According to New Data
- Jonathan H. Westover, PhD
- 8 hours ago
- 5 min read
As graduates and career changers head into 2026 with fresh resolutions and job searches underway, many are discovering that landing a first role has never been more challenging. Entry-level positions are down 29% since January 2024, and for those starting out this year, where you live could make the difference between kick-starting a career or being left behind.
With this in mind, global career expert TopResume analyzed more than 33,000 LinkedIn job postings across all 50 U.S. states, factoring in job availability, cost of living, and adjusted median salaries. The results reveal a striking geographic divide, with some states offering abundant opportunities and affordable living, while others present an uphill battle for even the most qualified candidates.
Key Findings:
Wyoming is the best state for entry-level job seekers, scoring 0.90 out of 1.00, with 129 jobs per 100,000 people and an adjusted median salary of $52,163
California ranks as the worst state, scoring just 0.29, with only 1.8 job openings per 100,000 people, despite having one of the largest job markets in absolute terms
Georgia offers the highest adjusted entry-level salary at $65,717, where starting paychecks stretch furthest
Hawaii is the toughest state for making ends meet, with an adjusted median salary of just $24,484 after accounting for the state's exceptionally high cost of living
Best and Worst States to Start Your Career in 2026, According to New Data
For recent graduates and entry-level professionals entering today’s uncertain job market, landing that first role can feel more challenging than ever. With entry-level positions down 29% since January 2024 according to a study by Randstad, where you launch your career can make or break your early success.
To help job seekers make smarter decisions, TopResume analyzed more than 33,000 LinkedIn job postings across all 50 U.S. states, factoring in job availability, cost of living, and adjusted median salaries. The results reveal a striking imbalance across the country, and surprising standouts for those ready to relocate.
Wyoming revealed as the best state for entry-level job seekers
Wyoming tops the list as the most favorable state for entry-level professionals, earning the highest rating of 0.90 out of 1.00 thanks to its combination of abundant job opportunities, low competition, and affordable cost of living. The state offers approximately 129 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people, one of the highest rates in the country, with an adjusted median salary of $52,163.
Vermont takes the runner-up position with a strong rating of 0.77, while North Dakota rounds out the top three at 0.76. Like Wyoming, both states balance smaller populations — and therefore less competition — with steady job opportunities and affordable living costs that help entry-level salaries stretch further.
California found to be the worst state for entry-level job seekers
At the other end of the spectrum, California ranks as the worst state for entry-level job seekers, with a score of 0.29. Despite having one of the largest job markets in the U.S., it offers only 1.8 job openings per 100,000 people, the lowest per capita rate nationwide. Combined with the third-highest cost of living, California’s adjusted median salary drops to $36,982, making it an uphill battle for young professionals trying to establish themselves.
Hawaii and Massachusetts follow closely behind, both scoring 0.33, while New York rounds out the bottom three at 0.35. Despite their cultural appeal and career prestige, these states pose formidable challenges: fierce competition for limited positions, coupled with high costs of living that can quickly drain an entry-level paycheck.
California revealed as the most competitive job market in the U.S.
The study analyzed 33,431 LinkedIn job postings and adjusted figures based on state populations to reveal the true competitiveness of each market. The five most challenging states for landing entry-level roles all share one trait: massive populations.
California tops the list with just 1.84 entry-level jobs per capita, making it the most competitive market in the country, followed by Texas (2.31), Florida (3.01), New York (3.13), and Pennsylvania (5.41). While these states boast large numbers of job postings in absolute terms, when adjusted for their populations, opportunities become scarce. These states are also home to world-renowned universities and rank among the top destinations for international students, creating a constant influx of qualified candidates.
Meanwhile, job seekers willing to look beyond major cities to locations with smaller talent pools and a higher ratio of entry-level jobs to applicants may find far better odds. Wyoming leads the way with 128.95 entry-level jobs per capita, followed by Vermont (118.16), North Dakota (91.16), Alaska (87.66), and South Dakota (79.59). In these states, landing that all-important first role may be less about who you know, and more about simply showing up.
Georgia revealed to have the best entry-level median salary
A big paycheck doesn’t always mean better living. To uncover where starting salaries stretch the furthest, the study adjusted each state’s median entry-level pay by its cost-of-living index, revealing where those early-career paychecks truly go the distance.
Georgia comes out on top, with an adjusted median salary of $65,717, the highest in the nation. Thanks to a below-average cost of living, new graduates and early-career professionals can enjoy greater financial comfort than in pricier states. Rounding out the top five are Wisconsin ($60,041), Indiana ($59,516), Mississippi ($58,589), and New Jersey ($58,508) — all offering strong entry-level pay relative to local living costs.
Hawaii revealed as the toughest state for stretching an entry-level paycheck
For entry-level professionals hoping to save money, Hawaii might be the hardest place to do it. While the state’s median starting salary isn’t the lowest in the U.S., its exceptionally high cost of living wipes out much of that income. After adjusting for living expenses, the real value of Hawaii’s median salary falls to just $24,484 — less than half the national median in 2025.
Beyond Hawaii, entry-level pay also loses ground in California ($36,982), Massachusetts ($38,492), Vermont ($41,818), and Alaska ($42,453), where high living costs undercut starting salaries. For those starting out, where you live can make all the difference between getting by and getting ahead.
According to Amanda Augustine, resident career expert for TopResume and a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC):
“Today’s entry-level candidates are facing a tougher climb than many previous generations. The market is more competitive, automation is shrinking the number of true entry-level openings, and many industries are still recalibrating after years of economic uncertainty. The more strategic you can be about where and how you launch your career, the better.
“If you have the flexibility to relocate, explore states with stronger entry-level markets — and research the metro areas within them to find the best fit for your target profession and industry. No matter where you start, though, be ready to negotiate your starting salary. Every dollar you leave on the table now compounds over time, so it’s worth advocating for yourself from day one.”
Sources:
Campaign methodology: We analyzed 33,431 LinkedIn job postings across all 50 states, adjusting figures by population to calculate per capita job availability. Median salaries were adjusted by each state's cost-of-living index to determine real earning power. For example, while New Jersey had the highest nominal median salary at $67,050, its above-average cost of living brought the adjusted salary to $58,508, dropping it from 1st to 5th place. Data recorded: October 2025
About TopResume: TopResume is a career.io brand. It’s the world’s premier resume-writing service and improves millions of resumes and LinkedIn profiles every year. It enhances job seekers’ chances of interviews and promotion by leveraging the expertise of professional writers with specific expertise. It offers tailored resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn makeovers that showcase each individual’s unique skills and experience. When customers use one of TopResume’s services, they now unlock 18 powerful tools to help them get hired and promoted faster. Follow TopResume on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
