5 US States With The Highest Labor Shortages

2. Maryland

Unemployed Workers for Every 100 Job Openings: 32

There would still be 115,000 job openings existing in Maryland even if all unemployed individuals were to find work. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce classified Maryland’s situation as one of the most severe in the country. Statistics reveal that with 169,000 job openings and only 54,811 unemployed workers, the ratio stands at 32 available workers for every 100 open positions. 

Factors contributing to this shortage include a decline in immigration, early retirements, increased savings, and family care responsibilities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite job openings increasing by up to 39% since February 2020, Maryland, like many other states, is struggling to fill crucial positions.