Vermont Named Second-Best State for Entry-Level Job Seekers
Vermont has been ranked the second-best state in the United States for entry-level job seekers, according to new research from global career expert TopResume.
The analysis reviewed more than 33,000 LinkedIn job postings and found that Vermont offers about 118 entry-level jobs per 100,000 people, with an adjusted median salary of $41,818. Overall, the Green Mountain State earned an impressive score of 0.77 out of 1.00.
The findings come at a time when entry-level opportunities are increasingly scarce. A 2025 Randstad report found that entry-level postings nationwide have dropped 29 percent since January 2024.
Wyoming topped the list with a score of 0.90, followed by Vermont in second and North Dakota in third. Alaska and South Dakota rounded out the top five.
Researchers found that smaller, less densely populated states like Vermont benefit from lower job competition and a lower cost of living — factors that help early-career professionals stretch their paychecks further. By contrast, California ranked last, scoring just 0.29 out of 1.00, due largely to steep living expenses and high competition for available positions.
“Vermont offers a unique blend of opportunity and quality of life for early-career professionals,” said Amanda Augustine, career expert for TopResume and a Certified Professional Career Coach. “Beyond its scenic beauty, the state has a strong foundation in manufacturing, healthcare, and government, alongside growing opportunities in technology and energy.”
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