Young employees just starting out have a lot of decisions to make: from
To help them find the right fit, job search and insights platform Lensa curated a comprehensive list of the best states for young professionals. Each state was ranked on factors like starting salaries, number of job listings, cost of living and social events. States were given a "Hotspot Score" out of 10.
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The Midwest dominated the list, with Kansas, Nebraska and Ohio snagging the top three spots, and Illinois, Iowa and Oklahoma all making the list. These states boast low rents and an affordable cost of living, making them particularly appealing to a younger demographic, who are typically working entry-level roles. Young professionals also gave high marks for providing a
Unsurprisingly, states with big metropolitan cities, like California and New York, didn't even make Lensa's list. High rents and competitive job markets make these stressful spots for Gen Z workers.
See what other states made Lensa's list of best states for young, fresh talent, along with their average annual salaries:
