Best and Worst States to Work in 2024
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I’ve lived in five different states and moved for work twice so far. I can tell you this: Working isn’t necessarily fun, but some things can make it a lot more or LESS fun depending on the state you’re working in.
Based on my experience, before you decide to move to a different state for work, you should consider these key questions:
- How easy will it be to find a job?
- How much will you be paid vs. pay to live?
- How safe and healthy will you be?
These questions can be answered by indicators like unemployment rates, average pay, safety (e.g., violence, natural disasters), natural environment (e.g., water, air, pollution), cost of living, and access to quality healthcare.
In this article, I list four of the best and worst states to work in based on those factors. Read on to find out more.
In this article
Overview of the best states to work in 2024
State | Best for |
Massachusetts | Healthcare |
Minnesota | Low unemployment |
New Hampshire | Natural environment |
Vermont | Safety |
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The best states to work
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is famous for its colonial history and is now known as a great place to work. Not only does it boast a low unemployment rate of 3.2, but it also requires employers with 25+ employees to pay for family leave — up to 12 weeks for parental leave and up to 20 weeks for personal health conditions. The state also requires employers to provide paid sick leave as of 2014.
In addition, Massachusetts offers a safe, healthy environment for workers with low crime rates, less risk of natural disasters or pollution, and high-quality water and air.
The state also boasts a high healthcare ranking, claiming the number three spot out of all 50 states. This means those living in Massachusetts will have easy access to high-quality healthcare.
On the other hand, Massachusetts is an expensive state to live in. It is the third most expensive place to live behind Hawaii and District of Columbia. I hope you have a great-paying job in this state!
- Unemployment rate: 3.2
- Annual mean wage: $76,600
- Safety ranking: 6
- Natural environment ranking: 3
- Cost of living index: 148.4
Minnesota
Often overlooked, this upper-Midwest state has a lot to offer, especially regarding low unemployment rates. With a rate of just 2.9, Minnesota will give any job-seeker ample opportunity for work.
Minnesota also ranks in the top 10 states for safety and natural environment. This means you’ll be able to enjoy your non-working life without fear of crime, disaster, or pollution.
In terms of healthcare, Minnesota is much better than most. It ranks 15 out of all 50 states for access to high-quality healthcare.
On the downside, the state is not particularly affordable or extremely expensive to live. Minnesota’s cost of living index is 94.1, meaning it’s hovering in the middle.
- Unemployment rate: 2.9
- Annual mean wage: $63,640
- Safety ranking: 8
- Natural environment ranking: 7
- Cost of living index: 94.1
- Healthcare ranking: 15
New Hampshire
While New Hampshire might not be as progressive as Massachusetts when it comes to paid family leave, it does offer paid parental leave for those employed by the state. Some employers (or individuals) can also buy family-leave insurance to cover necessary leaves like health conditions or child care.
Besides paid leave, New Hampshire has an extremely low unemployment rate of 2.5. If you lose your job in this state, you’ll probably be able to find another one soon.
New Hampshire’s natural environment and safety are also great, ranking eight and three, respectively. Healthcare in the state isn’t bad either, ranking 13 out of all 50 states.
Probably the worst thing about working in New Hampshire is the cost of living, which comes in higher than average at 115.
- Unemployment rate: 2.5
- Annual mean wage: $62,550
- Safety ranking: 3
- Natural environment ranking: 8
- Cost of living index: 115
- Healthcare ranking: 17
Vermont
Out of all 50 states, Vermont ranks number one for safety. This means you can happily drive to work, attend school, and generally live without constant fear of your surroundings (at least compared with the 49 other U.S. states).
In addition, Vermont’s unemployment rate of just 2.2 gives workers plenty of options for finding a job. And its natural environment (number 13) and healthcare (number 18) aren’t too shabby, either.
Unfortunately, Vermont doesn’t offer paid family leave. But the state does require employers with 10+ employees to allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental or family leave. Additionally, the state also has paid sick leave laws.
Like other New England states, the worst thing to say about Vermont is that the cost of living is above average at 114.9. So make sure to save up, and hope for a high-paying job.
- Unemployment rate: 2.2
- Annual mean wage: $59,190
- Safety ranking: 1
- Natural environment ranking: 13
- Cost of living index: 114.9
- Healthcare ranking: 18
Overview of the worst states to work in 2024
State | Worst for |
Nevada | Natural environment, unemployment |
New York | Cost of living |
Alaska | Natural environment, cost of living |
Mississippi | Healthcare |
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The worst states to work in 2024
Nevada
Nevada is a cool place to see desert landscapes and flashy nightlife. But slot machines and Lake Tahoe aside, I can’t recommend the state as a place to live and work. Plus, you can gamble online now, so why go to Nevada?
Nevada has high unemployment (over 2X that of New Hampshire) AND a high cost of living — not a great combo if you’re ever looking for work. You could pay high housing/gas/grocery bills with only your unemployment insurance benefits.
In terms of safety and security, Nevada is in the bottom half, ranking 31 out of 50 states. Its healthcare rankings are equally bad at 31. And its natural environment ranking is 48 out of 50.
That said, Nevada allows up to four hours per year for workers to go to their kids’ educational activities, and it’s illegal to fire someone for attending school conferences or being notified of a child-related emergency while at work. Both seem like no-brainers, but this is an important distinction in Nevada.
- Unemployment rate: 5.4
- Annual mean wage: $55,490
- Safety ranking: 31
- Natural environment ranking: 48
- Cost of living index: 101.5
- Healthcare ranking: 31
New York
Young people all over the country flock to New York (City) for work. It has the allure of corporate glam and Wall Street money, so everyone presumes they’ll make it big there. But the numbers tell a different story.
For starters, the unemployment rate in New York is the sixth highest in the country, coming in behind Nevada, Illinois, Washington D.C., Oregon, and Delaware. But there is some good news in that it went from being the second-highest cost of living in the country in 2023 to number five.
Unsurprisingly for such a dense population and coastal location, New York’s safety ranking is not great (ranking 22 out of 50), and it has one of the highest homeless populations in the U.S. However, the state does rank quite well in terms of pollution and water and air quality, coming in at No. 2.
Another one of the most impactful metrics for quality of life is the healthcare ranking, and New York ranks in the top 10. So if you’re confident in your job prospects and can afford the high prices, you may still consider this a viable state to work in due to its proximity to high-quality healthcare.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5
- Annual mean wage: $74,870
- Safety ranking: 22
- Natural environment ranking: 2
- Cost of living index: 125.1
- Healthcare ranking: 9
Alaska
Alaska has a high unemployment rate of 4.4, tying with New York state. This, together with its 6th highest cost of living index, means you’d be better off in another state when looking for a job — or surviving without one short term.
Think Alaska is doing well when it comes to air and water quality? Think again. Alaska has one of the worst natural environments in the country, ranking 44th out of 50. And its healthcare ranking is not great at 37.
Another aspect to consider is the type of jobs available in Alaska. While New York has a similar unemployment rate, New York has more professional — and potential opportunities for higher-paying o. Compare that with Alaska and its vast rural areas. Finding a high-paying job in Alaska job could prove challenging.
On the bright side, Alaska’s safety ranking is okay at 16
- Unemployment rate: 4.5
- Annual mean wage: $66,130
- Safety ranking: 16
- Natural environment ranking: 44
- Cost of living index: 124.4
- Healthcare ranking: 37
Mississippi
If you’re looking for a place to live and work where your health and safety will be cared for, don’t go to Mississippi. The state ranks is one of the worst for access to quality healthcare. To make matters worse, its safety ranking is second-to-last, coming in above only Louisiana.
The one good thing Mississippi has going for is its low living cost, the cheapest cost of living in the country. You might live quite well in Mississippi if you have already snagged a high-paying job (and you don’t anticipate needing significant or frequent hospital visits).
Speaking of living well, Mississippi’s natural environment ranks in the top half of all 50 states, so at least you can breathe and drink water there.
- Unemployment rate: 3.3
- Annual mean wage: $45,180
- Safety ranking: 49
- Natural environment ranking: 16
- Cost of living index: 85.3
- Healthcare ranking: 48
Summary of best and worst states to work
State | Best feature | Worst feature |
Massachusetts | Healthcare access | High cost of living |
Minnesota | Low unemployment | Average cost of living |
New Hampshire | Natural environment | High cost of living |
Vermont | Safety | High cost of living |
Nevada | Not the worst safety ranking | Natural environment, high unemployment |
New York | Natural environment | High cost of living |
Alaska | Not bad safety ranking | Natural environment, high cost of living |
Mississippi | Not bad natural environment | Healthcare, safety |
Better banking is here.
- No account fees
- Earn up to 4.20% APY
- Up to 2-day-early-paycheck
- No-fee Overdraft Coverage.
- Do it all in one app.
- Up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks.
FAQs
What is the annual mean wage mean?
“Mean” basically means average. So to get the annual mean wage in a state, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics adds up all yearly wages for that state and then divides that number by the total estimated number of people employed there.
What is a good unemployment rate?
The unemployment rate is one of the most important economic metrics. Usually, an unemployment rate of 3% to 5% is considered good. However, nowadays, unemployment is low nationally, and an unemployment rate of less than 3% is quite normal. It’s tricky to interpret because this rate doesn’t account for the number of job openings or the number of people who are no longer actively looking for work.
How is the safety ranking calculated?
Many metrics feed into a state of “safety.” In this article, the safety ranking considers DUIs per capita, road quality, poverty rate, mass shootings, assaults, and law enforcement employees.
How do income tax rates affect the ranking of best and worst states to work?
Income tax rates play a significant role in determining the attractiveness of a state for workers. States with lower income tax rates can offer more take-home pay, potentially making them more appealing for individuals seeking to maximize their earnings. Conversely, states with higher income tax rates might be seen as less favorable, especially if the increased tax burden isn't offset by higher wages or better worker protections.
What impact does the minimum wage have on a state's ranking as a good place to work?
The minimum wage is a critical factor in assessing the best and worst states to work. States with higher minimum wages often rank better because they guarantee workers a higher baseline income, which can improve living standards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on wages across states, helping to highlight those that offer more competitive minimum wages, thereby supporting workers' financial well-being.
How do worker protections contribute to a state's desirability for employment?
Worker protections, including regulations on workplace safety, discrimination policies, and rights to collective bargaining, significantly impact a state's ranking as a place to work. States with robust worker protections are generally considered more desirable because they offer environments where employees' rights are respected and protected. These protections ensure that workers are treated fairly, have safe working conditions, and have recourse in disputes, contributing to overall job satisfaction.
In what way does the job market and employment opportunities influence the best and worst states to work?
The job market and availability of employment opportunities are key determinants of the best and worst states to work. States with a vibrant job market, characterized by low unemployment rates and a wide range of job openings across industries, are often rated higher. This is because they offer better prospects for employment, career advancement, and economic stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable insights into state-level job markets, helping to identify where opportunities are most plentiful.
How do state-specific mandates, such as paid leave and health benefits, affect a state's ranking for workers?
State-specific mandates, including requirements for paid leave, health insurance, and other employee benefits, significantly affect a state's attractiveness to workers. States that mandate generous employee benefits provide additional value to workers beyond their basic salary, contributing to a better quality of life and financial security. As a result, these states might rank higher on lists of the best places to work because they demonstrate a commitment to supporting employees' overall well-being and work-life balance.
Why you should move to a different state for work
If you’re stuck in a dead-end job, can’t find a job, or can’t make ends meet, you should consider working in a different state. Some states have extremely high unemployment rates, cost of living, or both, making it hard to find and keep a good-paying job supporting your lifestyle. Also, consider your long-term safety and well-being when considering a move. Violence or frequent natural disasters like wildfires or hurricanes can destabilize your life.
The bottom line
Overall, I have to recommend states in the northeast for work, particularly Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. They have relatively low unemployment rates and a high standard of living, and they’re safe. If New England’s high cost of living is prohibitive, you might consider Minnesota instead.
If you relocate for work, learn about different ways to pay for your move.
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Writer
A veteran wordsmith and research nerd, Brittany Wren spent a decade working in higher education where she helped people overcome challenges to chart a path forward. These days, she writes about personal finance, careers, parenting and education. Her content has been published by a wide variety of brands including T-Mobile, Intuit, LifeLock, Reliant Fund Administration and CURO Financial Technologies Corp.
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