Michigan is stepping into 2026 with notable achievements, having been acknowledged with a No. 6 spot in CNBC’s Top States for Business and a Top 10 ranking from Area Development last year. Now, the state has been ranked No. 4 in the nation in Site Selection’s 2026 Workforce Development Rankings, and has climbed to second in the East North Central Regional Rankings, surpassing Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Governor Whitmer expressed pride in Michigan’s workforce, stating, “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. 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.”
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Organization (MEDC), highlighted the “Make It in Michigan” strategy’s success, saying, “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.”
From the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Susan Corbin commented on the state’s progress in workforce development: “This recognition reflects the meaningful progress Michigan is making to connect more people with opportunity and prepare workers for in-demand careers. We’re grateful for this Site Selection Workforce Development recognition, which highlights our strategic and dedicated efforts to build the workforce of tomorrow.”
The state advanced by two positions from the 2025 Regional Rankings, emphasizing its dedication to workforce initiatives, such as the MEDC’s Talent Action Team. This coalition, formed in 2022, addresses talent gaps specifically in the electric vehicle and semiconductor sectors and has gained national acknowledgment.
Business Facilities honored the Talent Action Team in its 2025 class of Economic Development Organization Awards. Other accolades include recognition by Inc. on the 2024 Inc. Power Partners list, a Silver Winner honor from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in its annual awards, and a No. 4 ranking from Fast Company in its Most Innovative Companies list.
Site Selection’s Workforce Development rankings are based on a composite index involving data from sources like ACT, Lumina Foundation, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), focusing on skills and credentials with high return on investment. Chris Mullin from Lumina Foundation remarked, “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.”
Editor in chief of Site Selection, Adam Bruns, noted Michigan’s high scores due to factors like ACT National Career Readiness Certificates and improvements in labor productivity, stating, “For many years we’ve reported stories documenting the depth and breadth of workforce talent and talent development in Michigan.”
As Michigan celebrates its Top 5 national ranking, the state is poised to continue its focus on workforce development in the coming year.
See the latest rankings and awards for Michigan and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
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