Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn
Executive Director, Workforce & International Labor Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Updated
October 16, 2025
Published
December 13, 2024
Several states in America are facing a worker shortage crisis: There are too many open jobs without people to fill them. The interactive map below shows which states are suffering the most from a labor shortage by comparing their Worker Shortage Index ratios.
The Chamber’s Worker Shortage Index ratio indicates the number of available workers for every job opening. States with a higher ratio have more workers available to fill open jobs. For example, a ratio of 0.39 means a state has just 39 workers for every 100 open jobs. A ratio above 1.0 would indicate a surplus of available workers compared to job openings.
State of American Business
The Worker Shortage Across America
Explore the interactive map below to see the impact of the worker shortage crisis in each state.
Alabama
Alabama has 65 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.65
Alabama's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 105,000
- Unemployed Workers: 68,191
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.7
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
Alaska
Alaska has 91 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.91
Alaska's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 19,000
- Unemployed Workers: 17,290
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.2
- Unemployment Rate: 4.7
- Quit Rate: 2.9
- Hiring Rate: 4.4
Arizona
Arizona has 103 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.03
Arizona's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 153,000
- Unemployed Workers: 157,143
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.4
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.9
Arkansas
Arkansas has 79 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.79
Arkansas's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 68,000
- Unemployed Workers: 53,852
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 58.4
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
California
California has 145 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.45
California's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 757,000
- Unemployed Workers: 1,094,674
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.4
- Unemployment Rate: 5.5
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 3.2
Colorado
Colorado has 115 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.15
Colorado's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 121,000
- Unemployed Workers: 139,145
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.4
- Unemployment Rate: 4.2
- Quit Rate: 2.4
- Hiring Rate: 3.8
Connecticut
Connecticut has 103 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.03
Connecticut's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 71,000
- Unemployed Workers: 73,253
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 1.3
- Hiring Rate: 2.9
Delaware
Delaware has 100 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.00
Delaware's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 22,000
- Unemployed Workers: 21,935
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.0
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3
- Quit Rate: 2.4
- Hiring Rate: 3.7
District of Columbia
District of Columbia has 93 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.93
District of Columbia's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 27,000
- Unemployed Workers: 25,206
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 71.6
- Unemployment Rate: 6.0
- Quit Rate: 1.3
- Hiring Rate: 1.7
Florida
Florida has 108 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.08
Florida's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 391,000
- Unemployed Workers: 423,960
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.7
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.3
Georgia
Georgia has 66 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.66
Georgia's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 273,000
- Unemployed Workers: 181,183
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Hawaii
Hawaii has 70 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.70
Hawaii's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 26,000
- Unemployed Workers: 18,263
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.4
- Unemployment Rate: 2.7
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.2
Idaho
Idaho has 84 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.84
Idaho's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 44,000
- Unemployed Workers: 37,042
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.1
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7
- Quit Rate: 3.7
- Hiring Rate: 4.5
Illinois
Illinois has 108 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.08
Illinois's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 272,000
- Unemployed Workers: 292,495
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.2
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.2
Indiana
Indiana has 91 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.91
Indiana's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 137,000
- Unemployed Workers: 124,881
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6
- Quit Rate: 2.3
- Hiring Rate: 4.0
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Iowa
Iowa has 88 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.88
Iowa's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 75,000
- Unemployed Workers: 65,794
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.5
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 2.3
- Hiring Rate: 3.3
Kansas
Kansas has 86 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.86
Kansas's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 69,000
- Unemployed Workers: 59,613
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.0
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.2
Kentucky
Kentucky has 97 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.97
Kentucky's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 103,000
- Unemployed Workers: 100,123
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 58.2
- Unemployment Rate: 4.7
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
Louisiana
Louisiana has 89 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.89
Louisiana's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 103,000
- Unemployed Workers: 91,396
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 58.0
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4
- Quit Rate: 2.1
- Hiring Rate: 4.0
Maine
Maine has 68 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.68
Maine's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 33,000
- Unemployed Workers: 22,339
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.8
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
Maryland
Maryland has 84 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.84
Maryland's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 137,000
- Unemployed Workers: 115,749
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.7
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.0
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has 112 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.12
Massachusetts's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 169,000
- Unemployed Workers: 189,379
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 66.9
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8
- Quit Rate: 1.3
- Hiring Rate: 2.3
Michigan
Michigan has 104 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.04
Michigan's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 253,000
- Unemployed Workers: 264,043
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.5
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 4.1
Minnesota
Minnesota has 68 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.68
Minnesota's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 167,000
- Unemployed Workers: 113,563
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 68.1
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 2.9
- Top Employer Industry: Education and Health Services
Mississippi
Mississippi has 87 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.87
Mississippi's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 58,000
- Unemployed Workers: 50,291
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 55.7
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.6
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Missouri
Missouri has 91 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.91
Missouri's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 145,000
- Unemployed Workers: 131,536
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.6
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 2.9
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Montana
Montana has 61 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.61
Montana's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 27,000
- Unemployed Workers: 16,579
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.1
- Unemployment Rate: 2.9
- Quit Rate: 3.0
- Hiring Rate: 4.5
Nebraska
Nebraska has 70 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.70
Nebraska's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 46,000
- Unemployed Workers: 32,152
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 69.5
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0
- Quit Rate: 2.1
- Hiring Rate: 3.2
Nevada
Nevada has 132 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.32
Nevada's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 67,000
- Unemployed Workers: 88,547
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.8
- Unemployment Rate: 5.3
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.7
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has 69 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.69
New Hampshire's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 34,000
- Unemployed Workers: 23,471
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.4
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.4
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
New Jersey
New Jersey has 109 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.09
New Jersey's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 226,000
- Unemployed Workers: 245,667
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.5
- Unemployment Rate: 5.0
- Quit Rate: 1.6
- Hiring Rate: 3.3
New Mexico
New Mexico has 83 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.83
New Mexico's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 49,000
- Unemployed Workers: 40,857
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.7
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.4
New York
New York has 93 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.93
New York's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 426,000
- Unemployed Workers: 397,912
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.8
- Unemployment Rate: 4.0
- Quit Rate: 1.7
- Hiring Rate: 2.8
North Carolina
North Carolina has 76 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.76
North Carolina's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 257,000
- Unemployed Workers: 194,915
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.2
- Unemployment Rate: 3.7
- Quit Rate: 2.6
- Hiring Rate: 3.6
North Dakota
North Dakota has 47 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.47
North Dakota's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 23,000
- Unemployed Workers: 10,793
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 69.4
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.8
Ohio
Ohio has 117 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.17
Ohio's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 253,000
- Unemployed Workers: 295,129
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.5
- Unemployment Rate: 5.0
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.4
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has 60 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.60
Oklahoma's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 104,000
- Unemployed Workers: 62,246
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.8
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1
- Quit Rate: 2.0
- Hiring Rate: 3.6
Oregon
Oregon has 130 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.30
Oregon's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 86,000
- Unemployed Workers: 111,930
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.9
- Unemployment Rate: 5.0
- Quit Rate: 2.3
- Hiring Rate: 3.4
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 101 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.01
Pennsylvania's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 261,000
- Unemployed Workers: 262,644
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.3
- Unemployment Rate: 4.0
- Quit Rate: 1.5
- Hiring Rate: 2.5
Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 104 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.04
Rhode Island's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 26,000
- Unemployed Workers: 27,073
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.7
- Unemployment Rate: 4.6
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
South Carolina
South Carolina has 90 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.90
South Carolina's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 123,000
- Unemployed Workers: 110,750
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.6
- Unemployment Rate: 4.3
- Quit Rate: 2.4
- Hiring Rate: 3.9
South Dakota
South Dakota has 43 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.43
South Dakota's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 22,000
- Unemployed Workers: 9,393
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 68.5
- Unemployment Rate: 1.9
- Quit Rate: 2.1
- Hiring Rate: 3.6
Tennessee
Tennessee has 86 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.86
Tennessee's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 145,000
- Unemployed Workers: 124,122
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.0
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.9
Texas
Texas has 116 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.16
Texas's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 554,000
- Unemployed Workers: 643,799
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.7
- Unemployment Rate: 4.1
- Quit Rate: 2.5
- Hiring Rate: 3.6
Utah
Utah has 79 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.79
Utah's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 78,000
- Unemployed Workers: 61,738
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3
- Quit Rate: 2.3
- Hiring Rate: 3.7
- Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
Vermont
Vermont has 60 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.60
Vermont's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 15,000
- Unemployed Workers: 8,956
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.6
- Unemployment Rate: 2.5
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.5
- Top Employer Industry: Education and Health Services
Virginia
Virginia has 74 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.74
Virginia's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 220,000
- Unemployed Workers: 162,662
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.7
- Unemployment Rate: 3.6
- Quit Rate: 1.9
- Hiring Rate: 3.4
- Top Employer Industry: Professional and Business Services
Washington
Washington has 124 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
1.24
Washington's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 146,000
- Unemployed Workers: 180,450
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.0
- Unemployment Rate: 4.5
- Quit Rate: 1.7
- Hiring Rate: 2.9
West Virginia
West Virginia has 74 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.74
West Virginia's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 40,000
- Unemployed Workers: 29,422
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 54.3
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8
- Quit Rate: 2.2
- Hiring Rate: 3.9
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 70 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.70
Wisconsin's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 140,000
- Unemployed Workers: 97,504
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.8
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1
- Quit Rate: 1.8
- Hiring Rate: 3.1
Wyoming
Wyoming has 63 available workers for every 100 open jobs.
Last updated August 2025
-
0.63
Wyoming's Worker Shortage Index
- Job Openings: 15,000
- Unemployed Workers: 9,384
- Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2
- Quit Rate: 3.0
- Hiring Rate: 4.7
Workforce Data Definitions (BLS):
- Job Openings: All positions that are unfilled and have available work
- Unemployed Workers: People who do not have a job, have looked for work in the last four weeks, and are currently available and able to work
- Labor Force Participation Rate: The percentage of the population that is working or actively looking for work
- Quit Rate: The number of employees who voluntarily quit as a percent of total employment
- Hire Rate: All additions to payroll as a percentage of total employment
MORE: Read in-depth articles on the labor market and business environment in 16 states.
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
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About the authors
Lindsay Burton
Lindsay (Cates) Burton is a director on the communications team. She leads strategic communications for member marketing partnerships and small business advocacy programs. She previously worked as a writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report.
Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn
Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn is the Executive Director, Workforce and International Labor Policy. Her work on the labor shortage has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Associated Press.
