Business
These are the 14 fastest-growing jobs that offer on-the-job training

Published
4 months agoon

Some jobs require extensive training, preparation, or specialized skills. Surgeons and engineers, for example, must attain years of graduate training and experience because, without it, they could make fatal errors. Lawyers must learn a complicated system of rules and laws before they can practice, and chefs, writers, and visual artists must have finely honed skill sets to succeed.
Still, some employers are happy to train their workers on the job because it allows a worker to gain competency once they are employed. One kind of training, short-term training, consists of on-the-job experience and informal training that lasts no longer than a month. This can also include employer-sponsored training programs. This kind of training will become more common as total employment is projected to increase by 11.9 million jobs from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For that reason, Tovuti LMS identified occupations that offer short-term on-the-job training and are projected to rapidly increase hiring in the next decade using BLS data. All jobs on this list are forecast to have 50,000 or more new job openings from 2020 to 2030. They are sorted in order of increasing 2021 median pay.
Many of the jobs on the list are in the leisure and hospitality industry, which took the largest hit during the pandemic. Employers are ramping up hiring as people resume traveling and attending in-person events. The health care and social assistance industry is projected to add the most jobs overall—accounting for about 1 in 4 new hires, per the BLS.
Click through for a look at the 14 fastest-growing professions with on-the-job training.
ALPA PROD // Shutterstock
Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
– Projected growth by 2030: 50,400 jobs (to be up 62% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $24,440
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
All forms of entertainment employment took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic when many theaters and other entertainment venues were forced to close. Now that these establishments have reopened for business, ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers are once again in demand to assist audiences. What’s more, many offer on-the-job training, as the specifics of every venue and event may be different, requiring managers to train people in real-time.
James Kirkikis // Shutterstock
Amusement and recreation attendants
– Projected growth by 2030: 85,400 jobs (up 32% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $24,500
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
Similar to theaters, most amusement parks were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that restrictions have eased, amusement parks are seeing surges in attendance. This means they have a need for labor to work at the parks, and many also offer on-the-job training so that as many people as possible can help the crowds enjoy their visits.
Canva
Hosting staff, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop
– Projected growth by 2030: 84,200 jobs (up 25% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $24,600
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
Coffee shops were once havens for the self-employed who would come flocking during the day to get work done outside their homes. The pandemic transformed that, shuttering many coffee shops and lounges and forcing people to work from home. People are back in coffee shops typing away, so a steady supply of baristas are needed to serve them. Many coffee shops and lounges are willing to train new employees in everything from hospitality best practices to the art of making espresso.
Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock
Wait staff
– Projected growth by 2030: 407,600 jobs (up 20% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $26,000
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
Restaurants were largely closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some were forced to close permanently. Many waiters quit during the pandemic as well, citing safety and other concerns. Since restrictions have eased, diners have been flocking back to restaurants, looking to make up for lost time. Those restaurants need all the help they can get serving patrons with pent-up demand, meaning they are more likely now than ever to offer on-the-job training.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
Bartenders
– Projected growth by 2030: 159,900 jobs (up 33% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $26,350
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
At their best, bartenders have signature drinks they love whipping up for patrons, but this isn’t necessarily required before slipping on a bartender’s apron. Although there are programs that can teach people how to make expert drinks, this isn’t expected or the norm. Behind-the-counter training is still the golden standard in learning a number of skills, from mixing up the perfect mojito to striking up just the right kind of conversation with patrons.
TommyStockProject // Shutterstock
Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers
– Projected growth by 2030: 103,600 jobs (up 27% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $27,170
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
When people were working from home during the pandemic, many dining rooms and cafeterias inside office buildings closed down. This meant there was no need for cafeteria or dining room assistants. With people heading back to the office, at least part-time, organizations with cafeterias and dining rooms need to hire people to help keep them running smoothly. They are willing to train people on the job, potentially overlooking the fact that some may have never worked in the industry before. Moreover, formal training isn’t necessarily expected or required for these jobs.
U2M Brand // Shutterstock
Dishwashers
– Projected growth by 2030: 77,800 jobs (up 19% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $28,130
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
As a diminished number of restaurants deal with a boom in demand post-pandemic, the need for all kinds of support within those restaurants has increased. This includes dishwashers, a shortage of which is spurring high wages. On-the-job training is standard for dishwashers, who are not expected to have any previous degree or experience before lacing up a dishwashing apron and helping keep things clean in between servings for restaurant patrons.
Canva
Animal caretakers
– Projected growth by 2030: 93,600 jobs (up 34% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $28,600
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
Many people adopted animals during the COVID-19 pandemic to contend with the stress and loneliness of being locked inside. With so many new pet parents returning to their pre-pandemic lives, they may need extra help caring for their animals. This has created a significant demand for animal caretakers and a shortage of suppliers. Many prospective employers may be willing to allow someone without technical experience or training with animals to take care of their pets while they go about their lives.
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Drivers and sales workers
– Projected growth by 2030: 81,900 jobs (up 18% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $29,280
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
Drivers and sales workers transport cargo across long distances to be sold. There is currently a shortage of drivers, which means many employers will be more likely than ever to offer on-the-job training. Even under normal circumstances, all that is typically required to become a driver or sales worker is a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license.
Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
Home health and personal care aides
– Projected growth by 2030: 1,129,900 jobs (up 33% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $29,430
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
An increasing number of Americans are hoping to stay in their homes as they age. This has coincided with a shortage of home health and personal care aides, who are, in many cases, leaving the profession due to low pay. For those willing to enter the profession now, many are being offered on-the-job training even if they haven’t had prior experience in home health and personal care aiding.
antoniodiaz // Shutterstock
Recreation workers
– Projected growth by 2030: 57,800 jobs (up 16% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $29,680
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
Recreation workers wear many hats, but they generally lead groups of people or individuals in recreational activities. These activities can include everything from sports to the arts. The need for such workers is projected to grow by 16% through 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to employers being more likely than ever to offer on-the-job training to meet demand.
Cameris // Shutterstock
Passenger vehicle drivers
– Projected growth by 2030: 180,600 jobs (up 26% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $31,340
– Entry-level education needed: No formal educational credential
-Note: Metric excludes bus drivers, transit and intercity
Passenger vehicle drivers operate cars for individuals. This job category includes Uber and Lyft drivers as well as taxi drivers. There has been a severe shortage of drivers since the pandemic, led in part by higher fuel prices that are eating into driver profits. This has led to surging fares for passengers and widespread frustration. As such, platforms are extremely interested in recruiting as many new drivers as possible and are willing to provide on-the-job training as needed. All that is typically needed is a clean driving record and a valid license.
YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV // Shutterstock
Social and human service assistants
– Projected growth by 2030: 69,500 jobs (up 17% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $37,610
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
Social and human service assistants provide myriad services. Broadly, they help people in fields including psychology, social work, and rehabilitation. Employment in the arena is projected to grow 17% through 2030, which is much higher than the national average for all occupations. To make sure they can meet the demand, many employers will offer on-the-job training to workers new to the field.
Canva
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors
– Projected growth by 2030: 121,700 jobs (up 39% from 2020)
– Median pay in 2021: $40,700
– Entry-level education needed: High school diploma or equivalent
Exercise trainers and group fitness instructors help people get and stay in shape. They may work as personal trainers with clients individually or lead classes for a larger franchise. Although there are programs and degrees that can give people credentials to become trainers and fitness instructors, the rise of streaming and social media has turned the need for such credentials on its head. Instructors can now become extremely popular and acquire clients simply through the popularity of their online content.
This story originally appeared on Tovuti LMS and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Founded in 2017, Stacker combines data analysis with rich editorial context, drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.
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Business
Why aren’t more people buying their cars online?
A 2021 Carfax survey found that only 8% of buyers want to buy their next new or used car online.

Published
59 mins agoon
March 23, 2023By
Dave Gordon
The Covid-19 pandemic drove us into quarantine and lockdowns, and if you happened to be in the market for a new or used car, you probably weren’t schlepping to a dealership to make the purchase in-person. Rather, online transactions increased, and some say that’s the direction automotive retail we’ll continue to go.
According to a study by Capital One Auto Navigator, 56 percent of car dealers stepped up their use of digital tools in response to the pandemic. A Think with Google article said 63 percent of auto purchasers would consider ordering their next car online.
Besides Tesla’s online-only sales, online car sales have been around for some time, with various outlets including Cardoor.ca, Canadadrives.ca, Clutch.ca, Carnex.ca, Carvana and Vroom. But the pandemic served “as a catalyst to accelerate this transformation,” said Jessica Stafford, Senior Vice President, Consumer Solutions, Cox Automotive.
A 2022 study from Cox revealed that 81 percent of car shoppers felt that learning about their car online “improved the overall buying experience.” That included locating a dealer, looking up prices, finding vehicle specs, financing qualifications, investigating insurance products, and more.
“Amazon has trained consumers to be accustomed to being able to order whatever they need, not considering where it came from so long as they receive it in a timeframe that suits them, the price is within their budget, and the item is returnable,” she said. “This macro trend is now influencing car purchasing behavior with consumers open to receiving their cars from somewhere beyond their local market, as long as other conditions are favorable. In fact, many consumers now expect this, and are willing to pay a premium for some of these services.”
Cox’s data reveals buyers who complete more than 50 percent of the car shopping journey online were the most satisfied among all buyers. Reinforcing this view, Vog App Developers is expecting web-based apps for car consumers to become more the norm. That’s confirmed in this piece by Semetrical, that said nearly half of consumers are using their mobile devices to research their new car.
Unfortunately, the industry isn’t keeping up. OSF Digital reported that almost eighty per cent of dealerships’ websites lacked the functionality for proper vehicle searches, and just over five per cent had 360-view photographs of their stock.
Michael Carmichael, president and CEO of UpAuto.ca, said that though there’s a big push from auto makers and dealers to develop the online funnel, “there is very little demand. It’s the biggest solution looking for a problem.” He believes “the emotional tie to an auto purchase is reduced dramatically. People want to come to see the car themselves and they want a relationship with the seller.”
On the one hand, the online factor “plays a big role in an educational perspective — people doing their homework, [getting] information, and lots of pictures, and detail.”
On the other hand, however, there are too many drawbacks: “How does my child seat fit in the back? What if it’s a smoker’s car? You can return it, but who wants to go through that hassle? It’s a lot of money,” says Carmichael.
And he may be right: according to a 2021 Carfax Canada survey, only eight percent of Canadian buyers of new or used vehicles want to buy their next vehicle online.
One challenge he has faced is attempted digital fraud — two attempts in recent weeks — an issue he says is rampant. “There still has to be a signature, and someone has to validate that you are who you say you are,” noting that as a lingering problem with online sales. By the end of 2021, digital fraud had been twice the problem in Canada than anywhere else in the world.
Sam Lee, Carnex.ca’s finance manager, sees things differently.
“Purchasing a vehicle online is very straightforward,” he said. “It includes the vehicle’s imperfections and often, a good return policy. “What I see is the best model would be a hybrid system,” or more of an omnichannel approach. “In-person dealerships are time-consuming with pushy salespeople.”
EpicVin has delivered vehicle history reports for car buyers and displays used cars online, while working with hundreds of dealerships. Alex Black, its Chief Marketing Officer, says that photographs of cars have improved over time, as sellers have become more marketing savvy.
“Nowadays, using the VR technologies, one can even create a model of a perfect car and to order it. So we can definitely say that the world of technologies introduced significant changes in the online car selling process.” On this point, the US Automotive Dealership Benchmark Study saw a direct correlation of sales to VR availability.
Zach Klempf, founder and CEO of Selly Automotive, is an automotive market contributor who has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and other outlets.
“For the part of the industry where there is more wear and tear on the car, it gets hard to sell that entirely online,” he explained. “But if it’s a commodity like a brand new Camry or Corolla under warranty, no major incidents, there is a market for it. Some consumers go into dealerships
and completely change their mind on the car they want to buy once they see it and physically drive it.”
But things are looking a bit shaky for the online car industry, with volatile economic factors, noted Geoff Cudd, the CEO and founder of Find the Best Car Price. “With a diminishing supply of vehicles for sale, and the highest interest rates seen in years, the average price of a car is out of reach for the typical buyer. This is hurting all dealerships, but especially the online dealerships who overpaid to acquire vehicles from customers and they are now being forced to downsize in order to stay afloat.”
Betakit in January confirmed as such, reporting that layoffs have been increasing in the market.
Clutch and Canada Drives recently announced staff cuts, citing poor economic conditions. A representative from Clutch blamed a variety of factors, including “rising rates, supply chain disruptions, and volatile pricing.”
New York Times reported that Carvana took a quarterly loss of more than a half-billion dollars, and laid off four thousand staff. In the past year, used car values have dropped 20 percent, leaving dealers to offload stock for far less than they paid, according to the Times. Cox Automotive said that 2023 sales will likely be half of the year before.
It looks like in-person shopping is here to stay, at least in the foreseeable: “There is still a general resistance by dealerships to complete the entire transaction online. Most dealers still push for an in-person meeting where they are more confident that the sales process will result in additional sales of high-margin items for the dealership,” said Cudd.
The Covid-19 pandemic drove us into quarantine and lockdowns, and if you happened to be in the market for a new or used car, you probably weren’t schlepping to a dealership to make the purchase in-person. Rather, online transactions increased, and some say that’s the direction automotive retail we’ll continue to go.
According to a study by Capital One Auto Navigator, 56 percent of car dealers stepped up their use of digital tools in response to the pandemic. A Think with Google article said 63 percent of auto purchasers would consider ordering their next car online.
Besides Tesla’s online-only sales, online car sales have been around for some time, with various outlets including Cardoor.ca, Canadadrives.ca, Clutch.ca, Carnex.ca, Carvana and Vroom. But the pandemic served “as a catalyst to accelerate this transformation,” said Jessica Stafford, Senior Vice President, Consumer Solutions, Cox Automotive.
A 2022 study from Cox revealed that 81 percent of car shoppers felt that learning about their car online “improved the overall buying experience.” That included locating a dealer, looking up prices, finding vehicle specs, financing qualifications, investigating insurance products, and more.
“Amazon has trained consumers to be accustomed to being able to order whatever they need, not considering where it came from so long as they receive it in a timeframe that suits them, the price is within their budget, and the item is returnable,” she said. “This macro trend is now influencing car purchasing behavior with consumers open to receiving their cars from somewhere beyond their local market, as long as other conditions are favorable. In fact, many consumers now expect this, and are willing to pay a premium for some of these services.”
Cox’s data reveals buyers who complete more than 50 percent of the car shopping journey online were the most satisfied among all buyers. Reinforcing this view, Vog App Developers is expecting web-based apps for car consumers to become more the norm. That’s confirmed in this piece by Semetrical, that said nearly half of consumers are using their mobile devices to research their new car.
Unfortunately, the industry isn’t keeping up. OSF Digital reported that almost eighty per cent of dealerships’ websites lacked the functionality for proper vehicle searches, and just over five per cent had 360-view photographs of their stock.
Michael Carmichael, president and CEO of UpAuto.ca, said that though there’s a big push from auto makers and dealers to develop the online funnel, “there is very little demand. It’s the biggest solution looking for a problem.” He believes “the emotional tie to an auto purchase is reduced dramatically. People want to come to see the car themselves and they want a relationship with the seller.”
On the one hand, the online factor “plays a big role in an educational perspective — people doing their homework, [getting] information, and lots of pictures, and detail.”
On the other hand, however, there are too many drawbacks: “How does my child seat fit in the back? What if it’s a smoker’s car? You can return it, but who wants to go through that hassle? It’s a lot of money,” says Carmichael.
And he may be right: according to a 2021 Carfax Canada survey, only eight percent of Canadian buyers of new or used vehicles want to buy their next vehicle online.
One challenge he has faced is attempted digital fraud — two attempts in recent weeks — an issue he says is rampant. “There still has to be a signature, and someone has to validate that you are who you say you are,” noting that as a lingering problem with online sales. By the end of 2021, digital fraud had been twice the problem in Canada than anywhere else in the world.
Sam Lee, Carnex.ca’s finance manager, sees things differently.
“Purchasing a vehicle online is very straightforward,” he said. “It includes the vehicle’s imperfections and often, a good return policy. “What I see is the best model would be a hybrid system,” or more of an omnichannel approach. “In-person dealerships are time-consuming with pushy salespeople.”
EpicVin has delivered vehicle history reports for car buyers and displays used cars online, while working with hundreds of dealerships. Alex Black, its Chief Marketing Officer, says that photographs of cars have improved over time, as sellers have become more marketing savvy.
“Nowadays, using the VR technologies, one can even create a model of a perfect car and to order it. So we can definitely say that the world of technologies introduced significant changes in the online car selling process.” On this point, the US Automotive Dealership Benchmark Study saw a direct correlation of sales to VR availability.
Zach Klempf, founder and CEO of Selly Automotive, is an automotive market contributor who has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and other outlets.
“For the part of the industry where there is more wear and tear on the car, it gets hard to sell that entirely online,” he explained. “But if it’s a commodity like a brand new Camry or Corolla under warranty, no major incidents, there is a market for it. Some consumers go into dealerships
and completely change their mind on the car they want to buy once they see it and physically drive it.”
But things are looking a bit shaky for the online car industry, with volatile economic factors, noted Geoff Cudd, the CEO and founder of Find the Best Car Price. “With a diminishing supply of vehicles for sale, and the highest interest rates seen in years, the average price of a car is out of reach for the typical buyer. This is hurting all dealerships, but especially the online dealerships who overpaid to acquire vehicles from customers and they are now being forced to downsize in order to stay afloat.”
Betakit in January confirmed as such, reporting that layoffs have been increasing in the market.
Clutch and Canada Drives recently announced staff cuts, citing poor economic conditions. A representative from Clutch blamed a variety of factors, including “rising rates, supply chain disruptions, and volatile pricing.”
New York Times reported that Carvana took a quarterly loss of more than a half-billion dollars, and laid off four thousand staff. In the past year, used car values have dropped 20 percent, leaving dealers to offload stock for far less than they paid, according to the Times. Cox Automotive said that 2023 sales will likely be half of the year before.
It looks like in-person shopping is here to stay, at least in the foreseeable: “There is still a general resistance by dealerships to complete the entire transaction online. Most dealers still push for an in-person meeting where they are more confident that the sales process will result in additional sales of high-margin items for the dealership,” said Cudd.

Dave is a journalist whose work has appeared in more than 100 media outlets around the world, including BBC, National Post, Washington Times, Globe and Mail, New York Times, Baltimore Sun.

The Midwest may be best known for its big cities of Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis, but prospective homebuyers may want to turn their attention to the region’s small towns.
Across the 12 Midwest states are suburban and rural villages with more charm than size, which make for an ideal home. What these towns lack in size, they more than make up for in historical sites, lush woodlands, and friendly locals. Plus, residents can enjoy the accessibility to larger cities nearby without enduring the hustle and bustle of living in them.
To determine which of the Midwest’s small towns are the best places to live, Stacker used data from Niche’s 2022 Best Places to Live and narrowed the results to places in the Midwest with less than 5,000 residents. Niche determined its rankings by assessing factors such as cost of living, quality of public schools, crime and safety, and access to health resources. For each town, Stacker included the population, percentage of homeowners, percentage of renters, and median income.
You may also like: The richest town in every state
SilentMatt Psychedelic // Wikimedia Commons
#25. Glenwillow, Ohio
– Population: 861
– Median home value: $225,000 (84% own)
– Median rent: $716 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $84,000
Founded in 1893 as a company town by ammunition manufacturer Austin Powder Company, Glenwillow, Ohio, has been revamped. Old manufacturing facilities and housing stock have been replaced with boutiques, restaurants, and a modernized residential district. The quaint village is also part of the Solon School District, consistently rated as one of the best school systems in the state.
Lrgjr72 // Wikimedia Commons
#24. Franklin, Michigan
– Population: 2,790
– Median home value: $612,900 (93% own)
– Median rent: $3,354 (7% rent)
– Median household income: $155,703
With an impressive amount of preserved historical architecture dating to the early 19th century, Franklin, Michigan, is home to the state’s first designated historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town, just 20 minutes from Detroit, is renowned for its large homes.
N K // Shutterstock
#23. Tower Lakes, Illinois
– Population: 1,340
– Median home value: $465,800 (97% own)
– Median rent: $2,350 (3% rent)
– Median household income: $148,750
This small town is much more than just a Chicago suburb, although its proximity to the Windy City is part of its appeal. Tower Lakes, Illinois, is built around two lakes and prides itself on preserving the health and beauty of its environment. Residents regularly participate in reforestation and clean-up efforts; the town has been designated as a “tree city” by the Arbor Day Foundation for more than 25 years.
Jim Packett // Shutterstock
#22. Bayside, Wisconsin
– Population: 4,579
– Median home value: $349,000 (79% own)
– Median rent: $1,411 (21% rent)
– Median household income: $114,814
Bayside, Wisconsin, is a village in Milwaukee that is home to an environmentally minded community—with 15% of the town’s total acreage devoted to nature conservation. It’s home to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, with six miles of trails through woods and along Lake Michigan.
Quint2724 // Wikimedia Commons
#21. Westwood, Kansas
– Population: 1,834
– Median home value: $315,400 (81% own)
– Median rent: $1,520 (19% rent)
– Median household income: $77,750
Westwood is a town in northeastern Kansas that features large parks, cycling trails, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It is also home to several University of Kansas hospital facilities, including the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
#20. Meridian Hills, Indiana
– Population: 1,736
– Median home value: $554,900 (100% own)
– Median rent: $2,667 (0% rent)
– Median household income: $172,969
Located just six miles from Indianapolis, Meridian Hills, Indiana, is best known for its high-end residential community. Established in 1937, the 1.5-square-mile town is characterized by rolling hills, rippling streams, and trails for hiking.
Ursula Page // Shutterstock
#19. Fairway, Kansas
– Population: 4,147
– Median home value: $459,600 (91% own)
– Median rent: $1,642 (9% rent)
– Median household income: $136,579
Located close to several golf courses, this small town lives up to the inspiration behind its name with its expansive green lawns. Fairway, Kansas, is also rich in historical sites, including one National Historic Landmark—the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site.
David Prahl // Shutterstock
#18. River Hills, Wisconsin
– Population: 1,496
– Median home value: $637,900 (97% own)
– Median rent: $99 (3% rent)
– Median household income: $178,750
River Hills, Wisconsin, has a rich history as a summer and vacation home destination for wealthy Midwesterners. The local country club held fox hunts and polo matches well into the 1960s. The town housed a Nike anti-aircraft missile site during the Cold War. Today, the community is the only one in Milwaukee County that is zoned 100% residential, with exceptions for a country club, houses of worship, a school, and a sculpture garden.
Stephanie Frey // Shutterstock
#17. Moreland Hills, Ohio
– Population: 3,436
– Median home value: $463,000 (94% own)
– Median rent: $1,723 (6% rent)
– Median household income: $182,100
Located just 14 miles from Cleveland, Moreland Hills, Ohio, is an affluent suburb that prides itself on its history. The town is the birthplace of 20th president James A. Garfield. He is commemorated with four key sites along the Garfield Trail of Ohio, including a replica of the log cabin where Garfield was born.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#16. Orange, Ohio
– Population: 3,410
– Median home value: $373,600 (92% own)
– Median rent: $2,262 (8% rent)
– Median household income: $133,681
Orange, Ohio, is a Cleveland suburb with more than 60 acres of park space, including a golf course, hiking trails, and community garden. The town center frequently hosts festivals and celebrations for the close-knit community.
WNstock // Shutterstock
#15. Kildeer, Illinois
– Population: 4,093
– Median home value: $639,900 (99% own)
– Median rent: $961 (1% rent)
– Median household income: $226,375
Kildeer, Illinois, is a Chicago suburb consisting of several upscale residential areas and four shopping centers. Its founders limited housing development exclusively to custom houses on large lots. The town is home to Kemper Lakes, a prestigious golf club that has hosted many major golf championships, including the PGA Championship.
dezy // Shutterstock
#14. Leland Grove, Illinois
– Population: 1,336
– Median home value: $235,100 (95% own)
– Median rent: $1,059 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $123,810
Founded in 1950, Leland Grove offers residents plenty of trails and parks for a breath of fresh air in addition to a variety of restaurants and shops. The Springfield, Illinois, suburb covers 400 acres of grasslands and is known for its lush greenery.
On The Run Photo // Shutterstock
#13. Kenilworth, Illinois
– Population: 2,423
– Median home value: $1,286,500 (95% own)
– Median rent: $3,501 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $250,001
Kenilworth, Illinois, founded in 1889, is a Chicago suburb bordering Lake Michigan. The town is home to some impressive architecture thanks to the city’s former architect and town planner George W. Maher, a colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s own structure, a Prairie School-style home named the Hiram Baldwin House, is also located in the village.
Lori Butcher // Shutterstock
#12. Riverwoods, Illinois
– Population: 3,742
– Median home value: $705,700 (95% own)
– Median rent: $3,238 (5% rent)
– Median household income: $213,068
Riverwoods, Illinois, is a village on the banks of the Des Plaines River located within flourishing, expansive woodlands. The town prides itself on its scenery and actively involves community members in protecting the surrounding environment.
BublikHaus // Shutterstock
#11. Warson Woods, Missouri
– Population: 2,229
– Median home value: $470,500 (98% own)
– Median rent: $1,450 (2% rent)
– Median household income: $173,333
Warson Woods, Missouri, is a town just west of St. Louis and offers residents an abundance of services, including a pool, pavilion for parties, and food truck nights in the summer.
ET Tisomboon // Shutterstock
#10. Lauderdale, Minnesota
– Population: 2,479
– Median home value: $235,500 (50% own)
– Median rent: $1,220 (50% rent)
– Median household income: $68,313
Lauderdale, Minnesota, five miles from Minneapolis, offers residents a mix of urban and suburban living with its combination of shopping districts and residential neighborhoods. The town was named after businessman William Henry Lauderdale, who purchased and donated the land that became the site of the town’s first school and park.
JonHarder // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Hesston, Kansas
– Population: 3,823
– Median home value: $147,300 (55% own)
– Median rent: $658 (45% rent)
– Median household income: $57,370
Hesston, Kansas, is a tightly knit community located 30 miles from Wichita. The town regularly involves residents in cleanup and other initiatives to preserve its scenic environment, which includes expansive fields, parks, and a golf course. The town is also home to two large farm equipment manufacturing plants.
Greg Hume // Wikimedia Commons
#8. Mariemont, Ohio
– Population: 3,497
– Median home value: $407,800 (70% own)
– Median rent: $1,192 (30% rent)
– Median household income: $120,281
Much of Mariemont, Ohio, is built in classic English architectural styles, ranging from the Norman to the Georgian. The village square is designed in Tudor style, and the town is one of the few in America to still have a town crier. Its dedication to preserving bygone eras has earned the town a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
David Papazian // Shutterstock
#7. Oakland, Missouri
– Population: 1,473
– Median home value: $343,400 (79% own)
– Median rent: $1,234 (21% rent)
– Median household income: $106,597
Oakland, Missouri, may have a total area of just 0.61 square miles, but it wastes no space—the town contains three city parks and plenty of shops and restaurants. The community prides itself on the variety of architecture found within the city limits, which includes everything from arts-and-crafts-style cottages to modern homes.
Appz Dreamer // Shutterstock
#6. Rock Hill, Missouri
– Population: 4,728
– Median home value: $212,000 (84% own)
– Median rent: $1,122 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $78,529
Rock Hill, Missouri, is a suburb of St. Louis. It is a lovely mix of commercial and residential properties. The 1841 Greek Revival Fairfax House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kamil Zelezik // Shutterstock
#5. Bannockburn, Illinois
– Population: 1,315
– Median home value: $987,500 (84% own)
– Median rent: $1,075 (16% rent)
– Median household income: $147,500
Bannockburn, Illinois, was developed by a Scottish real estate developer who planned a number of country estates for residents to live on in the early 20th century. The town was originally planned to be purely residential, but today has a mix of business and residential buildings, affording residents a peaceful place to live while also giving them easy access to goods and services.
Kristi Blokhin // Shutterstock
#4. Sixteen Mile Stand, Ohio
– Population: 3,589
– Median home value: $479,800 (56% own)
– Median rent: $1,384 (44% rent)
– Median household income: $109,142
Sixteen Mile Stand, Ohio, was originally a stagecoach stop 16 miles from Cincinnati. Today, an extensive park system offers residents plenty of green space, and lots of local sports opportunities. Trails built around the city also allow hikers to get moving any time they like.
Asher Heimermann // Wikimedia Commons
#3. Kohler, Wisconsin
– Population: 2,072
– Median home value: $284,000 (91% own)
– Median rent: $1,208 (9% rent)
– Median household income: $111,563
Kohler, Wisconsin, was founded in the early 20th century as a company town for the Kohler Company, best known for its plumbing equipment. Kohler is still the largest employer in the town and abides by the standards set by its founder to create and maintain a hybrid garden-industrial town with charm and character.
LittleT889 // Wikimedia Commons
#2. Frontenac, Missouri
– Population: 3,614
– Median home value: $757,700 (98% own)
– Median rent: $1,707 (2% rent)
– Median household income: $200,625
Frontenac, Missouri, is an elegant town just west of St. Louis. It is mixed commercial and residential, with Plaza Frontenac, a luxurious historic shopping mall, sitting in its center. Numerous homes in the town were built in the mid-19th century.
Artazum // Shutterstock
#1. Ottawa Hills, Ohio
– Population: 4,762
– Median home value: $297,700 (86% own)
– Median rent: $1,580 (14% rent)
– Median household income: $165,938
When the hit film “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” premiered in 1948, the studio built a replica house right in Ottawa Hills, Ohio, as a promotion for the movie. The town was the perfect idyllic setting for a replica house, which is now a family home.

Founded in 2017, Stacker combines data analysis with rich editorial context, drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.

It’s been three years since the arrival of COVID-19 triggered historic job losses, and the looming stress of potential layoffs has once again lodged itself in the minds of American workers.
Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to compare preliminary December layoff levels and rates across all 50 states and Washington D.C. States are ranked primarily by their layoff rates, then by the total number of layoffs.
Data released by the agency for January shows a slight uptick in layoffs, but the bureau’s data for December is the most recent available that allows an analysis of the layoff rate by state. The bureau calculates layoff rates by taking the number of layoffs and discharges through the end of the month, and dividing that by the total number of people who worked during that month.
If you’re worried the next pay day could come with a surprise message telling you to check your inbox for a termination notice, you aren’t alone.
In December, 1 in 3 Americans surveyed by LinkedIn said they worried about the potential of layoffs at their place of business. Workers responded with varying anxiety levels, however, depending on their sector. Those holding jobs in product management, quality assurance, marketing, finance, and IT expressed the most anxiety.
That’s despite an annual average layoff rate of just 1% of workers nationwide for 2022. Large shares of the roughly 1.5 million workers laid off in 2022 made headlines, with layoffs at massive tech firms like Google, Salesforce, and Microsoft dominating corporate media and cable news shows. That publicity can have the effect of warping reality for consumers.
Still, layoff activity hit those fields reporting high anxiety about losing their jobs particularly hard in recent months. In January, the professional and business services sector experienced the most significant uptick in layoffs. The industry includes IT jobs, accountants, financial advisers, and lawyers.
Stacker’s analysis found that layoff activity has varied from state to state much as it has varied across industries. Layoff rates as a ratio of the workforce were above the national average in 23 states.
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#51. Arizona
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#50. Pennsylvania
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 44,000 (3.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#49. New York
– Layoff rate: 0.7% (0.3 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 70,000 (4.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#48. Washington DC
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#47. Connecticut
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#46. Oregon
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 15,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#45. Minnesota
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 24,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#44. Massachusetts
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 29,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#43. Virginia
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 34,000 (2.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#42. North Carolina
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 41,000 (2.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#41. Florida
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 74,000 (5.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#40. Texas
– Layoff rate: 0.8% (0.2 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 107,000 (7.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#39. New Mexico
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 8,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#38. Nevada
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 14,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#37. Utah
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 15,000 (1.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#36. Colorado
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 26,000 (1.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#35. Washington
– Layoff rate: 0.9% (0.1 percentage points below the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 31,000 (2.1% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#34. Vermont
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 3,000 (0.2% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#33. Hawaii
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#32. Nebraska
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 10,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#31. Arkansas
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#30. Kentucky
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 20,000 (1.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#29. Wisconsin
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 30,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#28. Tennessee
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 34,000 (2.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#27. Michigan
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 44,000 (3.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#26. Georgia
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 48,000 (3.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#25. Ohio
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 53,000 (3.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#24. California
– Layoff rate: 1.0% (same as national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 174,000 (11.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#22. Delaware
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#22. South Dakota
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#21. Maine
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 7,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#20. West Virginia
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 8,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#19. Mississippi
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 13,000 (0.9% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#18. Alabama
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#17. Maryland
– Layoff rate: 1.1% (0.1 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 29,000 (2.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#16. North Dakota
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#15. Rhode Island
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 6,000 (0.4% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#14. Kansas
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 17,000 (1.2% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#13. Iowa
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 19,000 (1.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#12. Louisiana
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 23,000 (1.6% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#11. South Carolina
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 26,000 (1.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#10. Illinois
– Layoff rate: 1.2% (0.2 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 71,000 (4.8% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#9. Idaho
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 11,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#8. Oklahoma
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 22,000 (1.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#7. Missouri
– Layoff rate: 1.3% (0.3 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 39,000 (2.7% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#6. Wyoming
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 4,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#5. Montana
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 7,000 (0.5% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#4. New Jersey
– Layoff rate: 1.4% (0.4 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 58,000 (4.0% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#3. Alaska
– Layoff rate: 1.5% (0.5 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 5,000 (0.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#2. Indiana
– Layoff rate: 1.5% (0.5 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 48,000 (3.3% of all layoffs nationwide)
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#1. New Hampshire
– Layoff rate: 1.6% (0.6 percentage points above the national rate)
– Number of layoffs: 11,000 (0.7% of all layoffs nationwide)

Founded in 2017, Stacker combines data analysis with rich editorial context, drawing on authoritative sources and subject matter experts to drive storytelling.
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