The Job Most Unique To Each US State

By Lauren Mccluskey 1 year ago

1. Alaska: Ice Road Trucker

Image Source / AlaskaAirForwarding.com
Commercial Vehicle Driver, or "Ice Road Trucker" is a job found in Alaska due to the state's extreme weather conditions and harsh climate.  This high-stakes and challenging profession involves driving heavy loads during the cold months, when lakes and rivers freeze, providing ice thick enough that will support the weight of the vehicle and provide crucial transportation routes.

2. Arizona: Astronomers

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Arizona boasts 12 Dark Sky Parks which are a result of Arizona's support in the dark-sky preservation movement in 2001 which continues to protect the state's stargazing-friendly skies.  In fact, Arizona has been the preferred location for astronomers since the early 20th century and continues to attract both professionals and amateurs who can expect to see the most amazing sights.

3. Arkansas: Conservation and Land Management Specialists

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The state of Arkansas has huge and extensive forested areas and because of this, there is the potential for wildfires.  There are many strategies in place and the humid environment certainly helps to reduce the risk.  This role focuses on preventing a mitigating wildfires, as well as helping to manage prescribed fires for land management too.

4. California: Film & Video Editors

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The state of California has a prominent entertainment industry, particularly as it is the home of Hollywood: the epicenter of the US and beyond film and TV industry.  In this part of California, there are lots of opportunities for professionals in the film and video editor field to work within the industry.

5. Connecticut: Athletes

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Connecticut is a notable location for professional athletes because of how close it is to many major sports teams and leagues in the Northeast of the US.  Sports like basketball and hockey are particularly popular because notable teams in New York and Massachusetts are relatively closeby.

6. Delaware: Meat, Poultry & Fish Cutters & Trimmers

Image Source / Womeninthefoodindustry.com
Delaware is located on the East Coast of America, which means that it has good accessibility to major markets which makes this state a hub for the meat, poultry, and fish industries.  This means that there is a high demand for this particular profession which has unique employment opportunities.

7. Florida: Alligator Wrestler

Image Source / Reddit.com
Florida has an abundant alligator population, so what should they do with this?  We hear you ask!  Well, believe it or not, Alligator wrestling is a daring and unique job and incredibly popular in Florida's tourism industry.  Wrestlers are known for their incredibly daring shows which involve handling and wrestling these fierce reptiles.

8. Georgia: Avionics Technicians

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The state of Georgia is prominent in the aviation industry with its major aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities.  These include Lockheed Martin, which is home to some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, and Gulfstream Aerospace which is located in Savannah and heavily involved in the local community.

9. Hawaii: Motorboat Operators

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The state of Hawaii is very reliant on water transportation for its busy tourism industry, as well as fishing and inter-island travel. And because of Hawaii's stunning coastline and its numerous islands, there is a specific demand for motorboat operators who serve both residents and tourists.

10. Indiana: Explosives Workers

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Indiana is often referred to as the "Limestone Capital of the World" which means that there is a specific need within the state for explosives workers.  This is because explosives workers are essential for quarrying and extracting limestone through a method known as blasting, making this job particularly unique to the state's geology industry.

11. Iowa: Food Science Technicians

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Iowa has been described as the best place on the planet to grow corn due to its growing season being long enough, warm enough, and wet enough to suit its production.  The state's main agricultural products are corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle, and it is ranked as one of the leading states in the US in the production of the first three in that list.  Iowa's extensive agricultural industry means that there is a unique demand for Food Science Technicians.

12. Kansas: Farm Management Advisors

Image Source / Agriculture.cpa
Like Iowa, Kansas also has a significant agricultural sector as it is known for its extensive farmlands.  But farming isn't all just about planting and harvesting crops and rearing livestock, in fact, there is much more to a farm than that.  This is where Farm Management Advisors come in and they are uniquely important in Kansas.

13. Louisiana: Riggers

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The state of Louisiana has a huge oil and gas industry and there are many offshore drilling platforms and refineries within the Gulf of Mexico. This means that Riggers have a unique role in Louisiana because they are essential for setting up and maintaining the equipment used in these offshore operations. Riggers are tied to Louisiana's energy and maritime industries.

14. Maine: Shoemakers

Image Source / NewsCenterMaine.com
Maine has a strong historical connection to the shoemaking industry. Although the industry has somewhat declined in more recent years, Maine's legacy as a hub for handcrafted footwear means that there is still a unique demand for Shoemakers. They continue to produce specialty and custom shoes which maintains this tradition rooted in Maine's history.

15. Massachusetts: Salem Witch Trials Tour Guide

Image Source / DestinationSalem.com
The infamous and gruesome Salem Witch Trials happened in the state centuries ago in 1692.  And that particular series of hearings and prosecutions of those accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts has remained a huge subject of fascination to people across the globe. This means that tour guides are in demand for the state's tourism industry.

16. Minnesota: Professional Hockey Player

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The long winters and all of the outdoor ice throughout the state of Minnesota, particularly in places like Eveleth, Grand Rapids, and Hibbing, have created some of the planet's best Hockey stars. Minnesota proudly holds the title: "The State of Hockey" and it can certainly be felt across its communities as the sport is deeply rooted in their culture.

17. Mississippi: Catfish Farmer

Image Source / NYTimes.com
There's so much water in Mississippi which makes their aquacultural industry thrive.  Catfish farming has a truly unique role in the state, as the conditions within the ponds are perfect for raising catfish. In fact, the demand is high for this particular profession because according to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are 205 catfish farms that collectively make approximately $219.7 million, putting the state in the lead of US Aquaculture!

18. Montana: Ranch Hand

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The state of Montana has absolutely enormous wide-open spaces which means that its vast ranching operations call for people to work on them.  Ranch Hands are responsible for managing cattle and other livestock that are raised all across Montana's expansive, and rugged landscapes.

19. Nevada: Casino Pit Boss

Image Source / Reddit.com
Las Vegas is located in the state of Nevada which is famous for its casino and gaming industry. In fact, Nevada is a global gambling hub with millions of tourists flocking to the state each year, specifically for their gaming industry. This means that there is a demand for Casino Pit bosses which are essential for the state's culture and economy.

20. New Jersey: Cranberry Bog Worker

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New Jersey is well-known for its role in producing your Thanksgiving cranberries. In fact, cranberry production in New Jersey is ranked third among the states behind Wisconsin and Massachusetts but despite not being the No.1, there is still a high demand for this unique profession due to the state's acidic and sandy soil which is perfect for growing cranberries.

21. New Mexico: Hot Air Balloon Pilot

Image Source / Reddit.com
New Mexico is on the map for many things, but one event that really makes it stand out is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This is one of the world's largest and most famous balloon festivals and and conditions for flying are perfect in this state. In fact, it attracts the top pilots and passionate enthusiasts from all over the world!

22. New York: Fashion Designers

Image Source / Vogue
New York's status as a global fashion capital attracts world-renowned names from the industry, as well as budding fashion designers from all around the world. There are many renowned fashion schools, including the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and design studios. There is a bustling fashion scene within New York City with famous designers like Rosie Assoulin, Shane Gabier, and Chris Peters actually based within the City.

23. North Dakota: Oil Derrick Operator

Image Source / Glamour
After Texas, North Dakota is the state with the second-highest oil production in the US.  Oil is a powerhouse for the state's economy and this year, accounts for nearly 50,000 jobs. The industry pays taxes and royalties to support the state's infrastructure, including schools and communities.

23. Oregon: Pinot Noir Winemaker

Image Source / GreatNorthWestWine.com
Oregon boasts some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world thanks to the state's cool climate all year round that's perfect for growing Pinot Noir grapes. The Willamette Valley is Oregon's leading wine region and is the state's largest with more than 700 wineries in the area.

24. Oklahoma: Tornado Chaser

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Storm Chasers tend to be weather scientists called Meteorologists. They conduct meteorological research on the field so they can report high-impact weather conditions, like storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes to different authorities. Oklahoma is part of "Tornado Alley" which means that this profession is particularly in demand to provide valuable information for weather forecasting and research.

25. Pennsylvania: Groundhog Day Coordinator

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Each year on February 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a rather strange tradition occurs. Groundhog Day is the day a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is taken out of its burrow and people within the city will gather to see whether he will see his shadow. If he does, the prediction is that winter will last for six more weeks.

26. Rhode Island: Jewelry Designer

Image Source / RIMonthly.com
Rhode Island has a rich history in the jewelry industry with jewelry manufacturing beginning in 1794 when two men opened a jewelry store with their own unique method of coating lesser metals with gold and silver. The idea caught on until the state accounted for more than a quarter of the nation's jewelry industry around 80 years later. Despite its significant decline, there are still jewelry makers, designers, and manufacturers around today, keeping traditions alive.

27. Tennessee: Music Producer

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Nashville, Tennessee has long been known as the "Music City" as well as the "Songwriting Capital of the World".  With such a diverse and creative music industry and its long history, Nashville is said to have the highest number of music industry establishments in the US, with live performances, festivals, and songwriting.  In fact, you might recognize some of these names: Dave Cobb, Brooker T. Jones, Chett Atkins, Mikky Ekko, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

28. Utah: Avalanche Forecaster

Image Source / TheSkiDiva.com
Utah is said to be one of the best states for skiing with its breathtaking ski resorts. Each year, there is an average of 500 inches of snow and around 40 snowstorms which is often referred to as "18 Monster Dumps". Utah's resorts have been described as the best in the world and they provide excellent conditions for skiing for everyone from professionals to beginners. Avalanche Forecasters assess snow conditions and ensure safety on the slopes.

29. Virginia: Naval Shipbuilder

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The state of Virginia is home to the Naval Station Norfolk which is the world's largest naval station, with 75 ships, 134 aircraft, 14 piers, and 11 aircraft hangars. Each day, there are also more than 60,000 personnel on the base. This means that there are many roles within the Navy in Virginia, including Shipbuilders.

30. Washington: Coffee Roaster

Image Source / reddit.com
The state of Washington is well-known for its thriving coffee scene. In fact, it has been found to have more coffee roasters than any other state, and it has been claimed that it creates some of the best coffee in the world. In fact, it was in Seattle that Starbucks first opened its doors back in 1971, quickly becoming a global staple and household name.

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