Where the Work is Heading: 6 Top Job States

One factor reportedly holding many Americans back from purchasing a home is job stability. But several states’ future looks bright when it comes to adding jobs.

Texas is expected to add the most jobs over the next five years on a percentage basis, according to Forbes (it edges out Nevada if you do not round up the growth rate). Employment in Texas is expected to increase by 2.9 percent annually through 20150— or add 1.6 million new net jobs in that period, according to research from Moody’s Analytics.

Here are the states expected to grow the most with jobs in the next five years, according to Forbes:

1. Texas
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.9%

2. Nevada
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.9%

3. Arizona
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.8%

4. New Mexico
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.6%

5. North Dakota
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.6%

6. Utah
Projected 5-year annual job growth: 2.4%

Find out where else the jobs are heading.

Source: “Texas Tops the List of the Best States for Jobs,” Forbes (Dec. 5, 2011)