NC is one of the worst states for job hunters, says new report. Here’s why

Finding a job in North Carolina may be tougher than in most other states, according to a new analysis by WalletHub.

The personal finance company website indicated North Carolina is ranked as the sixth-worst state in the nation for job seekers, according to its study titled “Best & Worst States for Jobs.”

The study, published on Oct. 29, cited weak employment growth, modest wages and long commute times as factors contributing to the Tar Heel State ranking.

“Living in one of the best states for jobs can provide stable conditions for the long-term, helping you ride out the fluctuations that the economy will experience in the future, wrote WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “The best states for jobs make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs, and employers in these states also offer very competitive compensation and benefits.”

Why did North Carolina rank so low in WalletHub study?

North Carolina ranked No. 45 overall out of 50 states in the WalletHub study. Only Oregon, Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana and West Virginia ranked lower.

The state also ranked No. 37 in economic environment, No. 46 in job market and 49th in employment growth. North Carolina’s unemployment rate is 3.7 percent, which is lower than the national average of 4.3 percent, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics said.

North Carolina had 257,000 job openings in July, compared to 281,000 openings in June, according to the latest figures from the Labor Department Southeast Information Office.

As of August, 5,095,400 people were employed in North Carolina, according to NC Budget & Tax Center.

North Carolina’s current minimum wage of $7.25 is 18.4% of the cost of living for a working family, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 1.6% of state workers paid hourly rates are at or below minimum wage.

WalletHub’s list named Massachusetts as the best state for job seekers, followed by Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont and New Hampshire.

How did WalletHub come up with its findings?

WalletHub researchers compared all 50 states across multiple economic indicators, including unemployment rate, job satisfaction and workplace benefits.

To determine the most attractive states for employment, WalletHub then compared the 50 states across 34 key indicators of job-market strength and economic health.