As the job market continues to evolve in 2025, you may be wondering which states offer the best opportunities for stability, benefits, and financial growth. So here at ProfitDuel, we decided to find out!
Our 2025 Best and Worst States to Work in America Report ranks all U.S. states based on key factors such as average income, employment rate, health coverage, and job growth, helping you identify where employees can truly thrive.
So which are the best (and worst) states to work in, and where does yours fall in our findings?
As we looked through the data, it revealed a stark contrast between the best and worst places to work in America.
Massachusetts takes the top spot with a score of 181/200, thanks to strong social and economic conditions.
Mississippi ranks last with a score of 13/200, struggling across all key employment factors.
With a high average income, strong job growth, and widespread health coverage, Massachusetts earns its place as the best state to work in.
“Massachusetts consistently provides a favorable environment for employees, with high wages, strong worker rights, and access to quality healthcare,” said Casey Halpern, General Manager at ProfitDuel. “It’s a prime example of how economic success isn’t just about job creation but also about sustainability and worker well-being.”
Other top-ranking states, like Iowa, New Jersey, Minnesota, and New York, excel in different areas.
“Iowa’s strong employment rate and affordable living costs make it a great place for workers seeking job security,” Halpern added. “Meanwhile, New Jersey and New York rank high due to higher average incomes and robust job markets.”
Minnesota also stands out for its steady job growth and employer-sponsored health benefits.
“States that offer stability beyond just wages tend to perform well,” Halpern noted.
While some states create thriving work environments, others struggle with low wages, poor job security, and a lack of benefits. At the bottom of the rankings, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia, and New Mexico emerge as the worst states to work in.
Mississippi ranks dead last, offering the lowest average income and limited job opportunities.
The job market here faces deep-rooted challenges,” Halpern explained. “With wages significantly lower than the national average, workers in Mississippi often struggle to achieve financial stability, despite holding full-time jobs.
Other low-ranking states struggle in different ways:
For example, Oklahoma has one of the lowest health coverage rates, with only 86.6% of residents insured, leaving workers vulnerable to medical debt and financial instability.
Louisiana has a low employment rate (55.1%) and weak job growth, earning an overall score of 44/200.
West Virginia has the lowest employment rate in the country, with just 50.4% of residents working, limiting job opportunities.
New Mexico, scoring 46/200, continues to face stagnant job growth and below-average wages.
“These rankings show that economic success is about more than just job availability,” Halpern said. “States that struggle with low wages, poor benefits, and stagnant job markets ultimately fail to provide workers with long-term stability.”
If you’re considering relocating for better career opportunities, this report provides key insights into which states offer the best work environments. While some lower-ranked states show signs of improvement, the data highlights major gaps in wages, employment, and worker protections across the country.
Would you move to a different state for better job prospects? Let us know in the comments!
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