The Hardest-Working States in America, According to a New Study
Americans are no strangers to long hours. According to the World Economic Forum, the average U.S. worker puts in about 1,805 hours per year, that’s roughly 470 more than the average German. Yet even with that effort, 33% of paid time off went unused in 2023.
A new WalletHub analysis set out to find which states truly embody America’s work ethic. The personal-finance site compared all 50 states across ten key metrics, from average workweek hours and employment rates to how many workers hold multiple jobs or volunteer in their free time. Each factor was scored on a 100-point scale, with heavier weight given to direct work measures like hours worked and employment rates.
“It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst. “Working hard is commendable, but people in the hardest-working states may need to consider taking a break once in a while, as a lack of leisure time can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health.”
Below are the top ten hardest-working states in 2025, according to WalletHub’s data.
10. Nebraska
With one of the highest employment rates in the nation and an above-average workweek, Nebraskans are known for reliability and grit. They also show strong youth participation in the workforce, helping push the state into the top ten.
9. Maryland
Maryland balances a busy professional culture with strong engagement among workers, ranking high for people who describe themselves as “involved and enthusiastic” about their jobs. It also performs well for indirect work factors like volunteering and commute time.
8. Wyoming
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces don’t mean an easy pace. Residents clock some of the longest weekly hours in the country and often hold multiple jobs to keep the state’s ranching and energy sectors humming.
7. New Hampshire
High employment and a strong sense of civic duty keep New Hampshire near the top. The state ranks seventh for direct work factors and nineteenth for indirect ones, showing a well-rounded, committed workforce.
6. Virginia
Workers here balance high engagement with steady employment, contributing to the state’s diversified economy — from government and defense to tech and health care. Virginia also boasts one of the shortest unemployment gaps in the region.
5. Hawaii
Vacation destination or not, Hawaiians are serious about work. They log long hours and show the highest volunteer rate in the country. WalletHub found Hawaii leads all states in “indirect work factors,” thanks to strong community involvement.
4. Texas
Texans rank fifth for average workweek hours and among the top 20 for overall employment. Their strong showing across multiple industries, from energy to tech, keeps the Lone Star State firmly in the hard-working elite.
3. South Dakota
South Dakota holds the highest employment rate in the country, with more than 98% of its labor force on the job. Over 6% of residents juggle multiple roles, underscoring how far locals go to stay productive.
2. Alaska
No state works longer hours than Alaska, averaging 41.6 hours per week — the only one above the 40-hour mark. Many Alaskans also take on second jobs, and nearly one in three leave some vacation time unused each year.
1. North Dakota
North Dakota tops the list with a combination of high employment, long hours, and low leisure time. About 33.5% of workers skip part of their paid leave, and the state’s employment rate nears 98%. In the Roughrider State, a strong work ethic runs deep.
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