Study: Alabama No. 7 best job market

Kimberly Ballard

It isn’t something Alabamians don’t already know, but it is always good to get affirmation of those beliefs.

A new study complied from current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, found that Alabama has the No. 7 best job market in the nation in 2023.

So, boom! There it is.

The study, Best & Worst Job Markets By State, shows job markets in southern states surging, driven by strong employment growth, job openings and quits, meaning job seekers have confidence to leave and pursue a better job.

In addition to being ranked No. 7 Best Job Market nationally, Alabama is one of the 10 strongest job markets according to the study that include Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Idaho, Georgia, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Delaware.

USBLS data shows Alabama has 2.1% employment growth from 2022 to 2023; a 6.2% increase in job openings; and 3% quit rates. Wages increased 0.4% from 2021-2022.

By comparison, California and New York take the bottommost rankings. Wages dropped 6.9% and 5.1%, respectively. Labor productivity fell 3.5% and 2.6%, and underemployment rose 8.7% and 8.5%.