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New labour and payroll statistics designate three clear winners. Conditions in North Carolina, Tennessee and Utah are even better than that, with employment growth in the last year exceeding 3.3% in each of those states. The momentum is being fuelled by the growth of technology, biotechnology, finance and logistics companies. If you are contemplating relocating or looking for work, these are 3 states to definitely check out.
Quick Facts
| State | Job Growth Rate | Key Driving Sectors | Standout Cities |
| North Carolina | 3.7% | The focus is on tech, biotech, and corporate finance. Tech, biotech, corporate finance. | Raleigh, Durham |
| Tennessee | 3.6% | The food industry, hospitality, and logistics. | Nashville, Memphis |
| Utah | 3.3% | Financial services, tech (“Silicon Slopes”), and consumer goods. | Salt Lake City |
1. North Carolina — The Nation’s Top Performer
The state of North Carolina tops in the nation for job growth, with an impressive 3.7% year-over-year increase. The Research Triangle (home to Raleigh and Durham) is taking the brunt of the action with considerable job growth in technology, biotechnology and corporate finance.
Major electronics firms have branched out and brought workers from other parts of the nation to the area. Add to that robust local universities that train the workforce, and it’s no surprise that North Carolina continues to be in the highest 10 states in job growth.
2. Tennessee — Business-Friendly and Booming
Tennessee is right behind in job growth with 3.6%, due in part to a true business-friendly climate that’s making the state an attractive place to do business in a number of industries. The healthcare administration, entertainment and commercial logistics sectors are booming statewide.
The city of Nashville is continuing to expand its entertainment and music sector to diversify the economy, and Memphis is expanding its logistics sector due to its central location and transportation infrastructure. No state income tax further enhances the deal for employers and employees contemplating a change.
3. Utah — Silicon Slopes Keeps Climbing
Utah rounds out the Top Three with strong growth of 3.3% in jobs. Utah is one of the fastest-growing economies in the United States, with its tech industry – known as “Silicon Slopes” – and financial services industry providing a major boost to job growth.
Salt Lake’s tech corridor has become more and more reminiscent of other innovation hotspots, and the state’s expanding population is driving growth in almost all job categories.
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Why These Three States Are Outperforming the Rest
| Factor | North Carolina | Tennessee | Utah |
| Tax environment | Competitive corporate tax | No state income tax | Competitive overall |
| Leading industry | Tech & biotech | Healthcare & logistics | Tech & finance |
| Talent pipeline | Strong university system | Growing training programs | Young, expanding workforce |
| Migration trend | High inbound migration | Steady inbound migration | Strong population growth |
These states have the fastest job growth rates in common: They’re all relatively affordable, have policies that are welcoming to businesses and have diversified their economies to not be entirely dependent on any one sector.
FAQs
What is the name of the state with the fastest-growing rate of jobs in the United States?
North Carolina is currently ranked as the top state for job growth year over year with an increase of 3.7%, mainly due to growth in the tech, biotech and finance sectors in the Raleigh-Durham metro area.
What is causing Tennessee to see such strong job growth?
No state income tax, coupled with the growth of many healthcare administration, entertainment, and logistics jobs, has resulted in Tennessee being one of the nation’s fastest hiring states.
Is Utah a good place to move for a tech career?
Yes. The financial services industry is a major component of the “Silicon Slopes” tech corridor that surrounds Salt Lake City, and the region’s population has been growing steadily, making it a major attraction for tech workers.
Key Takeaways
- States that will experience rapid job creation in the US will be North Carolina (3.3%), Tennessee (3.3%), and Utah (3.3%).
- North Carolina leads at 3.7% because of the tech and biotech revolution in the Research Triangle region.
- Tennessee ranks second at 3.6% because of development in healthcare, entertainment, and logistics industries.
- At 3.3%, Utah is the third highest, as a booming tech and finance industry drives the state’s economy.
- All three states are blessed with business-friendly policies, excellent talent pipelines and local diversity.






