5 US States With The Highest Labor Shortages

4. Vermont

Unemployed Workers for Every 100 Job Openings: 37

Vermont faces a mounting labor shortage as its population ages rapidly. With more than a fifth of Vermonters aged 65 or older and over 35 percent surpassing 54, the state struggles to retain its workforce. In September, Vermont’s unemployment rate stood at a mere 1.9 percent, one of the lowest nationwide, exacerbating the scarcity of available workers. Employers across various sectors, from Lake Champlain Chocolates to Central Vermont Medical Center, are resorting to innovative measures, including hiring retirees for seasonal positions and providing training programs for career transitions. Despite these efforts, Vermont’s demographic shifts offer a glimpse into the potential long-term labor scarcity facing the entire United States.