MARQUETTE — State officials are highlighting Site Selection Magazine’s new workforce report, which ranks Michigan No. 4 in the nation and second in the East North Central region. The ranking cites Michigan’s talented workers and strong colleges, universities, and skilled trades programs, helping companies hire the right workers to fill high-skill, good-paying jobs. It follows recent wins including a No. 6 ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business and a Top 10 ranking from Area Development. 

In this year’s rankings, Michigan moved up two spots from the 2025 Regional Rankings, highlighting the state’s emphasis on workforce and talent development. The state of Michigan has made investments to help over 100,00 Michiganders get the skills they need for good-paying jobs through Michigan Reconnect, offering any Michigander 25 an older tuition-free associate’s degree or skills training certificate, and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, lowering the cost of college by thousands for over 62,000 Michigan students. As a result, the number of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or credential has increased from 45% to 52%.