Are New York Workers Staying Put as Jobs and Pay Rise?

If you have ever given a thought about leaving New York for a better job, you might want to take a second look. New data shows more people are actually choosing to stay right here in New York State as job opportunities improve. This comes as a surprise to me, what about you?

More Jobs, Better Pay

Between 2021 and 2025, employment in New York grew from about 8.8 million jobs to just over 10 million. That is a big jump. At the same time, hourly pay also went up, going from around $34.88 to $39.62. That means more jobs are available, and many of them are paying better than before.

Fewer People Are Leaving

One of the most interesting changes is how many people are staying. In 2021, about 25.7% of people were moving out of New York. By 2025, that number dropped to over 18%. That’s a big decrease, and it suggests people are finding what they need without leaving the state.

Why People Are Staying

The biggest reason seems to be simple. When jobs are easier to find and pay is going up, there is less pressure to move somewhere else. For many New Yorkers, staying close to family, friends, and familiar places matters too.

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What This Means for You

If you live in New York State, this could be good news. It may be getting easier to find a job or even earn more where you already are. Instead of packing up and moving away, more people are building their lives right here at home.

I have to be honest, everything that I see in the news seems to indicate that more people are leaving the Empire State. I know the governor would like for the wealthy New Yorkers to come back from Florida....and bring some friends. So are your friends from New York, staying or leaving?