Expect a lot of regional disparity in job growth and economic vigor this year.

The biggest, most populous states create -- and also lose -- the most jobs in any given year, naturally. In other words, while millions of people are hired, millions are fired. The key to determining whether a state has a healthy job climate is to look at the number of net new jobs. This slide show looks at the 10 states that will post the biggest gains in 2012, at some examples of what's driving the growth, and some companies and industries that plan to hire.

We welcome your comments on how you see job conditions in your neck of the woods. If you run a business, will you add staff this year? If so, let us know about it in the comments section below. Agree or disagree with these rankings? Please let us know why.