Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Ranked a Top State for Jobs

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that WalletHub has ranked Minnesota a top-three state for finding a job. This announcement follows Wednesday’s news that Solventum, a global health care company, will make a $200 million investment in Minnesota. WalletHub’s scorecard used 34 indicators of job market strength and economic health. Minnesota received top rankings for median household income, access to benefits, job opportunities per capita, support for working parents, and low unemployment.

“With a strong job market families earn more, save more, and are able to dedicate more time to their families,” said Governor Walz. “We don’t just create jobs in Minnesota – we create good jobs that pay well, provide benefits, and offer protections. That has always been our guiding principle and I am glad to see that effort reflected in data.”

“As a top state for business, health care, and manufacturing, Minnesota is paving the way for entry into high-demand, family-sustaining careers,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We have been consistent in our commitment to invest in businesses while empowering workers and supporting families. We will continue this work to ensure Minnesota is a place where businesses and workers thrive.”

Minnesota also has the ninth highest share of workers with private health insurance and ranks as the fourth best state for working parents. In 2023, Governor Walz signed new workplace laws to protect paid time off and enhance health care coverage. These laws, including earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, and protection of preventative care are protecting workers and providing equitable economic opportunities for Minnesota children and families.

In 2023, Governor Walz signed the Minnesota Secure Choice Retirement Program into law, enhancing retirement options for employees. Minnesota has the sixth best access to employer-based retirement plans.

WalletHub ranked Minnesota with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and the 13th most job opportunities per capita. Investments in workforce development, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand career fields like manufacturing, education, and public safety. Workforce growth also comes from historic investments in higher education including opportunities for free college tuition for students with a family income under $80,000 and investments in child care and early learning.

Minnesota also received the third highest ranking for median household income and has the 10th highest average monthly starting salary.