Lindsay Cates Lindsay Cates
Senior Manager, Communications and Strategy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Stephanie Ferguson Stephanie Ferguson
Director, Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

February 13, 2024

Share

America is 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.

Stand Up for Free Enterprise

Join us and become a part of our movement to save the system that will secure our collective future.

Your voice is essential, and your participation is critical.

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. 

The Worker Shortage Across America

Explore the interactive map below to see the impact of the worker shortage crisis in each state updated September 2023.

Least severe
Severe
More severe
Most severe

Alabama

Alabama has 38 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.38
    Alabama's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 129,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 48,590
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.0
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.1
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.5

Alaska

Alaska has 59 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.59
    Alaska's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 24,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 14,081
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.2
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.9
  • Quit Rate: 3.4
  • Hiring Rate: 4.9

Arizona

Arizona has 71 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.71
    Arizona's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 199,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 141,617
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.8
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.8
  • Quit Rate: 3.0
  • Hiring Rate: 4.0

Arkansas

Arkansas has 44 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.44
    Arkansas's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 84,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 37,339
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.7
  • Hiring Rate: 4.3

California

California has 92 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.92
    California's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 975,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 895,044
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.4
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.6
  • Quit Rate: 1.7
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

Colorado

Colorado has 52 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.52
    Colorado's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 191,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 99,856
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 68.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.1
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.0

Connecticut

Connecticut has 74 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.74
    Connecticut's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 91,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 67,253
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.1
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.5
  • Quit Rate: 2.0
  • Hiring Rate: 3.6

Delaware

Delaware has 63 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.63
    Delaware's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 33,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 20,812
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.3
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.1
  • Quit Rate: 3.1
  • Hiring Rate: 5.4

District of Columbia

District of Columbia has 45 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.45
    District of Columbia's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 43,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 19,519
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 70.9
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.0
  • Quit Rate: 2.1
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

Florida

Florida has 53 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.53
    Florida's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 570,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 302,949
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.8
  • Hiring Rate: 4.0

Georgia

Georgia has 54 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.54
    Georgia's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 323,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 174,106
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.4
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.3
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.8
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding Georgia’s Labor Market

Hawaii

Hawaii has 58 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.58
    Hawaii's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 33,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 19,024
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.2
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.8
  • Quit Rate: 1.9
  • Hiring Rate: 3.3

Idaho

Idaho has 53 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.53
    Idaho's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 55,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 28,947
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.4
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.0
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.5

Illinois

Illinois has 76 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.76
    Illinois's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 349,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 266,155
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.4
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.1
  • Quit Rate: 1.8
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

Indiana

Indiana has 72 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.72
    Indiana's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 162,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 117,400
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.4
  • Quit Rate: 2.6
  • Hiring Rate: 4.2
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding Indiana’s Labor Market

Iowa

Iowa has 67 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.67
    Iowa's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 75,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 50,242
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 68.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.9
  • Quit Rate: 2.4
  • Hiring Rate: 3.3

Kansas

Kansas has 51 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.51
    Kansas's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 82,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 41,743
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 66.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.1
  • Hiring Rate: 3.9

Kentucky

Kentucky has 74 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.74
    Kentucky's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 111,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 82,001
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.6
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.0
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.1

Louisiana

Louisiana has 55 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.55
    Louisiana's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 126,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 68,804
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.0
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.3
  • Quit Rate: 3.0
  • Hiring Rate: 5.7

Maine

Maine has 42 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.42
    Maine's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 41,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 17,148
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 58.6
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5
  • Quit Rate: 1.7
  • Hiring Rate: 3.6

Maryland

Maryland has 33 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.33
    Maryland's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 165,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 54,778
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.3
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 4.0

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has 42 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.42
    Massachusetts's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 236,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 98,262
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.6
  • Quit Rate: 1.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.2

Michigan

Michigan has 85 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.85
    Michigan's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 216,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 183,249
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.3
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.1
  • Hiring Rate: 3.7

Minnesota

Minnesota has 51 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.51
    Minnesota's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 192,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 97,053
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 68.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.1
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.5
  • Top Employer Industry: Education and Health Services

Learn more: Understanding Minnesota’s Labor Market

Mississippi

Mississippi has 49 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.49
    Mississippi's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 80,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 39,159
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 54.3
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.2
  • Quit Rate: 3.2
  • Hiring Rate: 4.9
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding Mississippi’s Labor Market

Missouri

Missouri has 53 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.53
    Missouri's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 167,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 87,977
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.8
  • Quit Rate: 2.2
  • Hiring Rate: 3.3
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding Missouri’s Labor Market

Montana

Montana has 42 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.42
    Montana's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 35,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 14,691
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5
  • Quit Rate: 3.1
  • Hiring Rate: 4.8

Nebraska

Nebraska has 39 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.39
    Nebraska's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 54,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 21,145
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 69.2
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.0
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.6

Nevada

Nevada has 93 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.93
    Nevada's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 92,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 85,620
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 5.4
  • Quit Rate: 2.6
  • Hiring Rate: 4.1

New Hampshire

New Hampshire has 28 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.28
    New Hampshire's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 50,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 13,782
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.6
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.8
  • Quit Rate: 2.1
  • Hiring Rate: 4.2
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding New Hampshire’s Labor Market

New Jersey

New Jersey has 84 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.84
    New Jersey's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 243,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 203,340
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.2
  • Quit Rate: 2.1
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

New Mexico

New Mexico has 55 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.55
    New Mexico's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 65,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 35,840
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.2
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.7
  • Quit Rate: 2.4
  • Hiring Rate: 4.5

New York

New York has 87 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.87
    New York's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 441,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 384,655
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.9
  • Quit Rate: 1.4
  • Hiring Rate: 3.0

North Carolina

North Carolina has 55 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.55
    North Carolina's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 316,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 173,531
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.8
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.3
  • Quit Rate: 2.7
  • Hiring Rate: 3.7

North Dakota

North Dakota has 30 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.30
    North Dakota's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 26,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 7,890
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 69.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.9
  • Quit Rate: 2.5
  • Hiring Rate: 3.9

Ohio

Ohio has 62 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.62
    Ohio's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 314,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 195,642
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 62.1
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.4
  • Quit Rate: 2.4
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 52 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.52
    Oklahoma's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 104,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 54,368
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.8
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.8
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.9

Oregon

Oregon has 66 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.66
    Oregon's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 111,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 73,506
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.4
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.5

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 66 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.66
    Pennsylvania's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 342,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 226,208
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 61.9
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.5
  • Quit Rate: 2.0
  • Hiring Rate: 2.9

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has 53 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.53
    Rhode Island's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 29,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 15,232
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 63.3
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.7
  • Quit Rate: 1.8
  • Hiring Rate: 3.9

South Carolina

South Carolina has 43 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.43
    South Carolina's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 168,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 73,016
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 57.0
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.0
  • Quit Rate: 3.0
  • Hiring Rate: 4.3

South Dakota

South Dakota has 36 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.36
    South Dakota's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 25,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 9,073
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 67.8
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.9
  • Quit Rate: 2.6
  • Hiring Rate: 3.9

Tennessee

Tennessee has 56 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.56
    Tennessee's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 189,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 105,102
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 59.4
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.1
  • Quit Rate: 2.9
  • Hiring Rate: 4.8

Texas

Texas has 80 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.80
    Texas's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 774,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 622,845
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.2
  • Unemployment Rate: 4.1
  • Quit Rate: 2.7
  • Hiring Rate: 3.8

Utah

Utah has 44 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.44
    Utah's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 105,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 45,772
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 69.8
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5
  • Quit Rate: 2.8
  • Hiring Rate: 3.7
  • Top Employer Industry: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities

Learn more: Understanding Utah’s Labor Market

Vermont

Vermont has 36 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.36
    Vermont's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 18,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 6,407
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.0
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.8
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.6
  • Top Employer Industry: Education and Health Services

Learn more: Understanding Vermont’s Labor Market

Virginia

Virginia has 47 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.47
    Virginia's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 243,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 113,102
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 66.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5
  • Quit Rate: 2.6
  • Hiring Rate: 4.3
  • Top Employer Industry: Professional and Business Services

Learn more: Understanding Virginia’s Labor Market

Washington

Washington has 77 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.77
    Washington's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 189,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 145,895
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.6
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.6
  • Quit Rate: 2.2
  • Hiring Rate: 3.4

West Virginia

West Virginia has 54 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.54
    West Virginia's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 52,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 28,256
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 54.9
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.6
  • Quit Rate: 3.3
  • Hiring Rate: 5.1

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 54 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.54
    Wisconsin's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 165,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 89,517
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 65.7
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.9
  • Quit Rate: 2.3
  • Hiring Rate: 3.3

Wyoming

Wyoming has 46 available workers for every 100 open jobs.

  • 0.46
    Wyoming's Worker Shortage Index
  • Job Openings: 19,000
  • Unemployed Workers: 8,739
  • Labor Force Participation Rate: 64.5
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.9
  • Quit Rate: 3.1
  • Hiring Rate: 4.5

Workforce Data Definitions (BLS): 

  • Job Openings: All positions that are unfilled and have available work 
  • Unemployed Workers: People that 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.


More State-by-State Workforce Analysis 

There is a national worker shortage affecting the nation, and many states are feeling the impact. The vast majority of states have more job openings today than it had before the pandemic, while labor force participation remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The U.S. has lost millions of workers since the start of the pandemic and our national labor force participation rate remains below pre-pandemic levels. The gap equates to two million workers who have left the workforce since the start of the pandemic in February 2020. 

However there are some states that have a higher percentage of their labor force working than before the pandemic. The vast majority have seen their labor forces shrink because of early retirements, increased savings, less immigration, among other factors.

The U.S. Chamber and U.S. Chamber Foundation are helping employers discover and develop talent through the America Works Initiative. For more information, contact Stephanie Ferguson at sferguson@uschamber.com.

About the authors

Lindsay Cates

Lindsay Cates

Lindsay is a senior manager on the communications and strategy team. She previously worked as a writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report.

Read more

Stephanie Ferguson

Stephanie Ferguson

Stephanie Ferguson is the Director of Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives. Her work on the labor shortage has been cited in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Associated Press.

Read more