With the U.S. having gained 256,000 jobs in December, WalletHub today released updated rankings for its report on Changes in Unemployment Rate by State, along with expert commentary.
In order to take stock of how unemployment rates are changing throughout the U.S., WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on six key metrics that compare unemployment rate statistics from the latest month for which data is available (December 2024) to key dates in 2024, 2023, 2020 and 2019.
Unemployment Change in New York:
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Overall rank for New York: 29th
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-0.52% Change in Unemployment (December 2024 vs November 2024)
- 423,767 unemployed people in December 2024 vs 425,973 in November 2024;
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13th best change in the U.S.
- -4.70% Change in Unemployment (December 2024 vs December 2023)
- 423,767 unemployed people in December 2024 vs 444,684 in December 2023;
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9th best change in the U.S.
- 423,767 unemployed people in December 2024 vs 830,998 in December 2020;
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5th best change in the U.S.
- 423,767 unemployed people in December 2024 vs 394,741 in December 2019;
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23rd best change in the U.S.
- 147,496 continued claims in December 2024 vs 161,157 in November 2024;
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22nd best change in the U.S.
- 17th highest unemployment rate in the U.S.
- -49.01% Change in Unemployment (December 2024 vs December 2020)
- 7.35% Change in Unemployment (December 2024 vs December 2019)
- 9.26% Change in Not Seasonally Adjusted Continued Claims (December 2024 vs November 2024)
- 4.4% Unemployment Rate (December 2024)
Expert Commentary
What are the most resilient industries and fields in our current economy?
“The healthcare sector remains a cornerstone of economic stability, with increasing demand for medical professionals, biotechnology innovations, and healthcare management roles. As global health challenges persist, careers in nursing, pharmaceuticals, medical research, and public health offer long-term security… The AI sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. The global AI market is projected to reach $243.70 billion in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 27.67%, leading to an estimated market volume of $826.70 billion by 2030…Higher education institutions are adapting to the evolving demands of the modern workforce, preparing individuals for success in dynamic industries…With the shift toward online shopping, e-commerce businesses are thriving. This industry has opened up opportunities in digital marketing, logistics, and supply chain management. Professionals with expertise in SEO, content marketing, and e-commerce operations are in high demand…As the world focuses on sustainability and climate change, careers in renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainable business practices are booming. The push for greener solutions has led to job growth in solar energy, wind power, and sustainable construction.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
“The industries that continue to outperform include health care and professional and business services. There are some goods-producing industries that I would term as re-emerging—construction, manufacturing, and energy.”
Brian Lewandowski – Executive Director of the Business Research Division, University of Colorado Boulder
What job skills do you think will be the most sought-after in the current job market?
“The job market in 2025 is dynamic, with a clear shift towards technology-driven roles and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Professionals equipped with skills in AI, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and green technologies will find themselves in high demand. Simultaneously, companies are recognizing the value of human-centric skills, ensuring a balanced approach to workforce development.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University
“Illustrated in the job openings rate published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there continues to be high demand across a range of industries ranging in skill, education, and income levels. Some of the industries with the highest openings rates include professional and business services, health care, and leisure and hospitality.”
Brian Lewandowski – Executive Director of the Business Research Division, University of Colorado Boulder
What’s in store for the job market in 2025?
“As we navigate through 2025, the job market is undergoing significant transformations influenced by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and evolving workplace dynamics. A prominent trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors. While concerns about AI-induced job displacement persist, current data suggests a gradual adoption. Only a small fraction of job postings currently require generative AI skills, indicating that widespread job displacement by AI is not imminent. Demographic changes are also shaping the labor landscape. In the United States, policies affecting immigration could slow population growth, potentially leading to worker shortages, increased wage inflation, and economic stagnation.
Despite these challenges, there are positive indicators for job seekers. Industries such as electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality are experiencing an uptick in job postings for recruiters, suggesting a broader hiring increase, whereas changing jobs may become easier in 2025. Moreover, the demand for skilled tradespeople remains robust. As infrastructure projects expand and more professionals retire, sectors like construction, plumbing, and electrical work are experiencing increased demand, highlighting the importance of trade skills in the evolving job market. Looking ahead, the job market will require a delicate balance between technological progress and human adaptability. Embracing continuous learning, fostering resilience, and maintaining a proactive approach to career development will be key in an era where uncertainty is the only certainty. The future of work will not be solely defined by technology but by the individuals and organizations that can harness its potential while valuing the human element in the workforce.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D – Associate Professor, Lynn University