Where to Launch Your Career: The Best and Worst States for Entry-Level Jobs in 2026

Looking for a job? Some U.S. states offer abundant opportunities and affordable living, while others present an uphill battle for even the most qualified candidates.

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, a recent study by career expert TopResume revealed.

“Today’s entry-level candidates are facing a tougher climb than many previous generations,” said Amanda Augustine, resident career expert for TopResume and a certified professional career coach. “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.”

TopResume analyzed more than 33,000 LinkedIn job postings across all 50 states, factoring in job availability, cost of living, and adjusted median salaries. The results reveal a striking geographic divide within the country.

Most Favorable State

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.

Worst State

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 United States, it offers only 1.8 job openings per 100,000 people, the lowest per capita rate nationwide, according to the report.

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, the study found.

Despite their appeal and career prestige, these states pose the challenges of fierce competition for limited positions and high costs of living.

Most Competitive States

The study revealed that 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 population, 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.

But job seekers who are 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, followed by Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska and South Dakota.

Best Entry-Level Median Salary

A big paycheck doesn’t always mean better living. 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.

Toughest State for Stretching Entry-Level Pay

For entry-level professionals hoping to save money, Hawaii might be the hardest place to do it, according to the results of the study. The state’s median starting salary isn’t the lowest in the United States, but 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.

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.

“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,” Augustine said. “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.”