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America's Top States for Job Creation 2012

Net Job Creation: 48,400

Fast-growing companies like AVIBioPharma, Zillow.com and Dendreon, along with old reliables like Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing, mean job growth in a state that had one of the best GDP rates. Boeing, for instance, has been adding jobs in ramping up production of its jet programs in the region. Washington is one of the few states to add construction jobs in the past 12 months. It also registered a large drop in government payrolls.

Trade, Transportation, Utilities: 16,400
Manufacturing: 15,700
Education & Health Services: 10,000