Best and Worst States to Work in America 2023 (2024)

All data is based on laws and policies in effect as of July 1, 2023.

Do workers earn a wage that is sufficient to provide for them and their families? Among the data points in this dimension:

The ratio of the state minimum wage in relation to the cost of living for a family of four with one wage earner. The goal wage is from the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The ratio of a tipped minimum wage to the state minimum wage.
Whether or not the state allows localities to implement their own minimum wage laws.
Whether or not states include farmworkers in their minimum wages.
How well average unemployment payments for minimum wage workers cover cost of living for a family of four.

This dimension considers the quality of life for workers, especially women and parents. Among the data points in this dimension:

Mandate that pumping breaks for breastfeeding workers be paid breaks.
Mandates for equal pay, pay secrecy, and no salary history.
Mandates for paid sick and family leave.
Protections around flexible scheduling, reporting pay, split shift pay, advance notice.
Protections against sexual harassment.
Protections for federally excluded workers, including extending workers’ compensation to farmworkers and extending workers’ rights and protections to domestic workers.
Heat safety standard for outdoor workers.
Maintained child labor protections.

This dimension asks whether workers have the right to organize and sustain a trade union. Among the data points in this dimension:

State so-called “right-to-work” law (which suppresses union activity).
Public employees’ rights to collective bargaining and wage negotiation (teachers used as a case study).
Mandates for project labor agreements with state government.
Mandates for protection against retaliation.
Statewide policies on collective bargaining for public workers.