Where the Work Is..For US citizens

There's no two ways about it: The economy is depressing. But like any grim situation, it has its silver lining.

Despite high unemployment rates, major job losses and decreasing employment numbers, the latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics* showed 22 states recording measurably lower unemployment rates than the national average -- 7.2 percent -- in December 2008.

If you're among the millions of people looking for work, here are 22 states where you might want to start your job search, as they have lower unemployment rates than the national average:

1. Wyoming ... 3.4 percent
Total employment: 293,900
Mean annual salary: $36,110**

2. North Dakota ... 3.5 percent
Total employment: 371,500
Mean annual salary: $33,650

3. South Dakota ... 3.9 percent
Total employment: 445,900
Mean annual salary: $31,540

4. Nebraska ... 4.0 percent
Total employment: 997,600
Mean annual salary: $35,270

5. Utah ... 4.3 percent
Total employment: 1,383,000
Mean annual salary: $37,080

6. Iowa ... 4.6 percent
Total employment: 1,671,900
Mean annual salary: $34,650

7. New Hampshire ... 4.6 percent
Total employment: 739,500
Mean annual salary: $40,780

8. New Mexico ... 4.9 percent
Total employment: 966,100
Mean annual salary: $35,790

9. Oklahoma ... 4.9 percent
Total employment: 1,768,900
Mean annual salary: $33,720

10. West Virginia ... 4.9 percent
Total employment: 800,000
Mean annual salary: $32,310

11. Kansas ... 5.2 percent
Total employment: 1,506,600
Mean annual salary: $36,300

12. Montana ... 5.4 percent
Total employment: 505,700
Mean annual salary: $32,640

13. Virginia ... 5.4 percent
Total employment: 4,159,500
Mean annual salary: $42,880

14. Hawaii ... 5.5 percent
Total employment: 661,700
Mean annual salary: $40,200

15. Maryland ... 5.8 percent
Total employment: 2,995,600
Mean annual salary: $45,780

16. Louisiana ... 5.9 percent
Total employment: 2,061,100
Mean annual salary: $34,060

17. Texas ... 6.0 percent
Total employment: 11,853,800
Mean annual salary: $37,880

18. Colorado ... 6.1 percent
Total employment: 2,750,100
Mean annual salary: $43,100

19. Arkansas ... 6.2 percent

Total employment: 1,370,300
Mean annual salary: $32,450

20. Delaware ... 6.2 percent
Total employment: 445,300
Mean annual salary: $43,020

21. Wisconsin ... 6.2 percent
Total employment: 3,094,300
Mean annual salary: $38,070

22. Vermont ... 6.4 percent
Total employment: 356,900
Mean annual salary: $38,060

*According to the most recent numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Jan. 27, 2009.