Michigan kicks off 2026 with Top 5 workforce development ranking

Michigan is kicking off 2026 with even more national recognition, following a year that included a No. 6 ranking in CNBC's Top States for Business and Top 10 ranking from Area Development. In Site Selection's 2026 Workforce Development Rankings, the state is ranked No. 4 overall in the nation and moved up to second in the Regional Rankings for East North Central - besting Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.

"Michigan's talented workers are moving our state forward and putting us in the lead as one of the best states for businesses to expand and create good-paying jobs," said Governor Whitmer. "Site Selection Magazine's new rankings show the world what is already clear to Michiganders: our state is open for business and on the move. With our talented workers, companies can build better, more innovative products. I'm proud of the work we've done to create opportunity and expand our talent pipeline. Let's keep working together to grow our economy, create jobs, and help more families 'make it' in Michigan."

"Michigan's recognition as a Top 5 state nationally for workforce development by Site Selection is proof that Team Michigan's 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy is working and our efforts to train and retain a strong workforce in the state have not gone unnoticed," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Organization (MEDC). "In Michigan, we know that our greatest asset is our people. Work remains to continue climbing the rankings, and we are committed to ensuring every Michigander and those considering Michigan for their home know they can 'Make It in Michigan.'"

"This recognition reflects the meaningful progress Michigan is making to connect more people with opportunity and prepare workers for in-demand careers," said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. "We're grateful for this Site Selection Workforce Development recognition, which highlights our strategic and dedicated efforts to build the workforce of tomorrow. Through investments in career pathways like registered apprenticeships, removing barriers to employment and so much more, we're committed to making Michigan more prosperous for all and training a highly skilled workforce."

Michigan moved up two spots from the 2025 Regional Rankings, highlighting the state's emphasis on workforce and talent development initiatives, including the MEDC's Talent Action Team.

The Talent Action Team, the first public-private state talent coalition to specifically address the talent gap in the electric vehicle and semiconductor industries, has earned national attention since its creation in 2022. Most recently, Business Facilities announced the Talent Action Team as part of its 2025 class of Economic Development Organization Awards. The honor built on other accolades for the Talent Action Team, including:

• Inc. recognizing the Talent Action Team on its 2024 Inc. Power Partners list in the Business Products & Services category; the MEDC was also recognized on the Power Partners list in 2023 and 2024.
• The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) honoring the Talent Action Team as a Silver Winner in the Public-Private Partnership and Talent Development & Retention categories of its annual IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards.
• Fast Company ranking the Talent Action Team No. 4 in the Business Services category of its 2024 Most Innovative Companies list.

The publication's revamped Workforce Development rankings were determined based on a unique index incorporating data from ACT, Lumina Foundation, Strada Education Foundation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SkillsUSA and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which home in on skills and credentials that have ROI and value, including BLS workforce productivity measures.

"Site Selection's revised ranking system underscores what we know to be true: States thrive when their people have the skills and credentials that drive economic growth," said Lumina Foundation's Data and Measurement Strategy Director Chris Mullin in a release from Site Selection.

According to Adam Bruns, editor in chief of Site Selection, Michigan scored well based on several factors, including ACT National Career Readiness Certificates (both cumulative and per capita), the National Student Clearinghouse data on bachelor's and associate degrees and improvement in labor productivity.

"For many years we've reported stories documenting the depth and breadth of workforce talent and talent development in Michigan," said Bruns. "We've also seen the infrastructure for workforce development evolve, helped by organizations such as the Research Universities for Michigan coalition, workforce-oriented institutions such as Kettering University, strong workforce data monitoring by groups such as the Detroit Regional Partnership and MEDC, and candid input from organizations such as Business Leaders for Michigan."

In celebrating a Top 5 national ranking a week into January, Michigan is entering the new year with resolution and focus.

See the latest rankings and awards for Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.