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The States Where People Quit Their Jobs the Most in 2026
Quitting a job is a common experience for many individuals throughout their careers. While some remain loyal to their employers, most people will eventually leave a position for various reasons. As the dynamics of the labor market have evolved in recent years, understanding where and why people are quitting can offer unique insights into the current state of employment.
Whether driven by workplace dissatisfaction, inadequate pay, or the pursuit of better opportunities, many individuals eagerly anticipate the day they can resign. In this article, we explore the states with the highest rates of job quitting, reflecting a vibrant job market where workers feel empowered to seek new challenges.
The States with the Most Quitters
These ten states showcase the highest rates of job quitting, which can be interpreted as a positive sign of economic mobility. This trend suggests that individuals are leaving jobs in search of better opportunities, underscoring a dynamic labor market. Read on to find out more about these states and the factors contributing to their high quit rates.
How We Determined the States Where People Quit Their Jobs the Most
Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) data, we analyzed which states experienced the highest rates of job quitting and the industries impacted the most.
The quit rate represents the percentage of employees who voluntarily left their jobs, excluding retirements or transfers. This includes amicable departures, sudden resignations, or employees who stop attending work altogether. A high quitting rate is typically viewed as indicative of a healthy job market, where employees are confident in their ability to secure new employment.
1. Alaska
Job Openings: 7.4
Hire Rate: 7.2
Quit Rate: 4.6
Alaska leads the nation with a quit rate of 4.6%. Despite its frigid climate, workers are leaving their jobs for new opportunities, with a hiring rate of 7.2%. This indicates a robust job market where employees are moving on to better positions rather than retreating to the comforts of home.
2. North Carolina
Job Openings Rate: 5.8
Hire Rate: 5.8
Quit Rate: 3.6
North Carolina ranks second, showcasing a healthy job market with a quit rate of 3.6% and a hiring rate matching job openings at 5.8%.
3. Arizona
Job Openings Rate: 4.9
Hire Rate: 4.8
Quit Rate: 3.4
Arizona holds the third position with a quit rate of 3.4%. The synchronization between job openings at 4.9% and a hiring rate of 4.8% indicates an efficient labor market where positions are quickly filled.
4. Louisiana
Job Openings Rate: 4.4
Hiring Rate: 4.7
Quit Rate: 3.4
Louisiana, ranking fourth, has a quit rate also at 3.4%, suggesting a high turnover rate among its workforce. With a job openings rate of 4.4%, it appears that many workers are leaving for better opportunities.
5. West Virginia
Job Openings Rate: 5.4
Hire Rate: 5.1
Quit Rate: 3.4
West Virginia ties with Louisiana in its quit rate of 3.4%. The disparity between a hiring rate of 5.1% and job openings at 5.4% suggests that many individuals are departing without securing new roles.
6. Wyoming
Job Opening Rate: 6.3
Hire Rate: 5.7
Quit Rate: 3.4
Wyoming ranks sixth, with a quit rate of 3.4%. While the state sees a high job openings rate of 6.3%, the hiring rate of 5.7% indicates a gap that may imply worker dissatisfaction.
7. Delaware
Job Openings Rate: 5
Hire Rate: 5.1
Quit Rate: 3.3
Delaware’s quit rate of 3.3% reflects a high level of workforce mobility. With a job openings rate of 5% and a slightly higher hiring rate, workers appear to be moving on to better prospects.
8. Indiana
Job Openings Rate: 4.9
Hire Rate: 5.1
Quit Rate: 3.3
Indiana’s hiring rate of 5.1% helps maintain a quit rate of 3.3%, suggesting that job seekers are successfully transitioning to new roles.
9. Montana
Job Openings Rate: 5.6
Hire Rate: 5.7
Quit Rate: 3.3
Montana’s quit rate stands at 3.3%, indicating that workers are likely finding new opportunities, as evidenced by its hiring rate of 5.7% surpassing job openings.
10. New Mexico
Job Openings Rate: 5.4
Hire Rate: 4.5
Quit Rate: 3.3
New Mexico rounds out the list with a quit rate of 3.3%. The gap between job openings and hiring suggests that not all quitters have secured a new position immediately.
Quitters by Industry
The states above reflect high rates of job quitting, but which industries see the most departures? Here are the top 10 industries where employees are most likely to resign:
- Accommodation and food services
- Leisure and hospitality
- Retail trade
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Professional and business services
- Total private
- Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Other services
- Mining and logging
Summary of the States with the Most Quitters
Individuals quit their jobs for a myriad of reasons, ranging from personal growth to workplace dissatisfaction. The states highlighted here not only have high quit rates but also demonstrate a robust labor market where employees feel empowered to seek better opportunities. The data presented reflects a landscape of mobility and change within the workforce, indicative of a thriving economy.
| State | Quit Rate |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 4.6 |
| North Carolina | 3.6 |
| Arizona | 3.4 |
| Louisiana | 3.4 |
| West Virginia | 3.4 |
| Wyoming | 3.4 |
| Delaware | 3.3 |
| Indiana | 3.3 |
| Montana | 3.3 |
| New Mexico | 3.3 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
