Americans are known for a strong work ethic, often putting in more hours each year than people in many other developed countries. An August 2025 WalletHub study ranked all 50 states on resident work ethic using ten key indicators, both direct and indirect. Data came from trusted sources, including the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Gallup, and AmeriCorps. Here are the top 10 hardest-working states, followed by the 10 least hard-working states, according to the report.
North Dakota First Place Spot
Folks in North Dakota often stay busy far beyond most limits. Working stretches tend to stretch longer, with less downtime woven through the week. A rhythm takes hold – one rooted in showing up, staying put, getting things done. Silence here isn’t needed; effort fills every gap instead.
Alaska in Second Place
Facing tough days, Alaska folks still show up for long shifts without losing their jobs. Not just adults – even those new to the workforce keep at it, where steady grit matters more than time off.
South Dakota in Third Place
Life in South Dakota moves at its own pace. People stay busy because jobs are steady, and calendars fill fast. Every season brings about the same energy, nothing rushed, just constant motion. Being present matters more than planning ahead, doing what comes naturally matters most.
South Dakota in Third Place
Bigger things happen in Texas, especially when it comes to drive. A large labor pool, active manufacturing, and consistent jobs keep the region close to the highest spots. Energy moves through streets, not just in offices – it shows in people’s grit from suburbs to quiet main streets.
Hawaii in Fifth Place
Even though life in Hawaii seems relaxed, the data shows another reality. With little spare time and nearly everyone working, it lands near the top. What hides behind the pretty coastlines and warm light is a group of people logging tough hours each week.
Virginia in Sixth Place
A steady flow of jobs sets Virginia apart. Driven by people who stay focused, sectors remain grounded in consistency. Here, calm effort meets ongoing drive – shaping outcomes that hold firm within different fields.
New Hampshire in Seventh Place
Up high, New Hampshire has a steady job market along with manageable week-by-week shifts. Not many young adults wait around here – they jump in, which nudges things forward. It moves without noise, just a steady push behind the scenes.
Wyoming in Eighth Place
Out here in Wyoming, work follows the land and mines. Tough hours come early, requiring real presence. Because of that steady push, people place their trust in others who won’t quit easily. Effort doesn’t fade; it runs deep through every shift.
Maryland in Ninth Place
Out here, Maryland keeps people busy – days full, schedules tight. From job markets buzzing to lives packed with purpose, one thing sticks: folks take pride in staying busy. Whether on construction sites or through weekend plans, life moves without long breaks. Work flows steady because rest rarely lasts long enough to settle in.
Nebraska in Tenth Place
Last among them, Nebraska stands out with solid job opportunities while its labor pool hardly ever stags to a halt. Thanks to consistent work and ordinary effort, a place at the top eventually comes through – showing how staying power can pay off over time.
Oregon At Forty-First Place
Oregon lands near the bottom with shorter average work hours and softer results across key job metrics. While quality of life may be high, the overall pace of work appears slower compared to many other states.
Rhode Island At Forty-Second Place
Rhode Island reports shorter workweeks and lower engagement in several major indicators. The workforce remains active, but the overall intensity simply does not match the higher-ranking states on the list.
California At Forty-Third Place
Despite its massive economy, California scores lower in average employment rates and reported work hours. The state thrives in innovation and culture, yet its overall work metrics fall short in this specific comparison.
Nevada At Forty-Fourth Place
Nevada struggles with limited work hours and lower community involvement. While certain industries boom, the broader picture shows moderate performance across both direct and indirect work factors.
New York At Forty-Fifth Place
New York’s fast-paced lifestyle does not necessarily mean longer hours. Shorter reported workweeks and lifestyle balance contribute to a lower hardworking score in this nationwide ranking.
New Jersey At Forty-Sixth Place
New Jersey shows steady but unremarkable metrics across employment and hours worked. Without standout strengths in key areas, it settles closer to the bottom tier of the list.
West Virginia At Forty-Seventh Place
Lower employment rates and limited participation in certain direct work categories place West Virginia near the end. Economic challenges weigh heavily on its overall work performance.
Michigan At Forty-Eighth Place
Michigan frequently ranks low in average hours and overall work engagement. Shifts in traditional industries have influenced participation levels, pulling the state further down in combined metrics.
Louisiana At Forty-Ninth Place
Louisiana often appears in the lower range due to weaker direct work indicators and higher leisure time averages. While rich in culture, its employment and engagement scores remain modest.
Mississippi At Fiftieth Place
Mississippi closes the list with consistently low scores in employment rates, hours worked, and engagement. Ongoing economic hurdles contribute to its position at the very bottom of the rankings.
