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2025 Most and Least Envied States to Work Case Study

We created a case study by surveying 3000 people about which state is the best and worst for work based on wages and other benefits. Below the list is the reason for each like or dislike and why.

Created by Bisnar Chase

Most envied states

New Hampshire
Despite its reputation as a business-friendly state, New Hampshire has labor policies that benefit workers, including stronger-than-average workplace safety regulations and protections against wrongful termination. The state’s labor laws emphasize worker fairness, and while it lacks a state-mandated minimum wage, many employers offer competitive wages to attract workers in a low-unemployment economy.

New Mexico
New Mexico has become a leader in progressive labor policies, with strong worker protections, and new laws focusing on paid family leave. The state also enforces strict wage theft penalties and offers substantial protections for workers in industries with historically lower wages.

California
California leads the nation in worker protections, with one of the highest statewide minimum wages, mandatory paid family leave, and strict workplace safety regulations. The state also enforces some of the toughest wage theft laws, ensuring employees receive fair compensation.

Vermont
With a strong emphasis on workers’ rights, Vermont mandates paid sick leave, supports union-friendly policies, and boasts one of the highest minimum wages in the country ($14, although below some states that have passed laws for a minimum $15 wage). Its progressive stance on labor laws makes it a standout for employee protection.

Maryland
Maryland’s labor laws emphasize fair wages, paid family and medical leave, and strong anti-discrimination protection
0state is also a leader in enforcing laws against wage theft and workplace exploitation.

New York
New York provides extensive labor protections as well as a high minimum wage and paid family leave. The state also enforces strict workplace safety regulations, particularly in high-risk industries.

Pennsylvania
With a strong union presence, Pennsylvania ensures job security and better working conditions for employees in various industries. Though its minimum wage remains at the federal level, collective bargaining rights make it a desirable state for workers.

Michigan
A historic union stronghold, Michigan recently repealed its right-to-work law, reinforcing workers’ ability to unionize. The state also enforces laws protecting employees from wage theft and unfair labor practices.

Delaware
Delaware has made significant strides in labor protections, offering paid family leave (coming into full effect next year), a rising minimum wage, and strong enforcement against workplace discrimination and wage violations.

Connecticut
Connecticut mandates paid sick leave, enforces a high minimum wage, and provides extensive worker protections, making it one of the most employee-friendly states in the nation.

Ohio
Ohio enforces strong workplace safety laws and offers a higher-than-federal minimum wage, ensuring better wages for its workforce. The state also has protections against employer retaliation and wage transparency laws.

Illinois
Illinois stands out for its strong worker protections, paid sick leave, and a high minimum wage. The state has taken a firm stance on union rights and non-compete agreement restrictions, benefiting employees significantly.

Oregon
Oregon has one of the highest minimum wages in the country, along with paid family leave and strong protections against workplace discrimination. Its commitment to worker rights makes it highly enviable.

Rhode Island
With a strong union presence and comprehensive paid leave policies, Rhode Island offers workers some of the best protections in the country. The state also enforces strict workplace safety laws.

Colorado
Colorado’s labor laws include a high minimum wage, paid sick leave, and strong worker protections. The state also enforces strict workplace safety regulations to protect employees across industries.

New Jersey
New Jersey mandates paid sick leave, family leave, and a high minimum wage. The state also enforces strong anti-discrimination and worker protection laws.

Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a leader in labor rights, offering paid family and medical leave, a high minimum wage, and some of the strictest workplace discrimination protections in the country.

Washington
Washington boasts one of the highest minimum wages in the U.S., along with paid sick leave and strict wage theft enforcement. The state has strong protections for gig workers and independent contractors.

Minnesota
Minnesota enforces a decent minimum wage, mandates paid sick leave, and has strong union protections. The state has made significant strides in ensuring fair wages and workplace safety.

Hawaii
Hawaii’s labor laws include a high minimum wage and strong anti-discrimination protections. The state also enforces robust workplace safety regulations.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin has strong workplace safety protections and a history of supporting worker-friendly policies. The state also proposed bills to enforce wage transparency to ensure fair compensation.
Kentucky
Kentucky has improved its labor protections in recent years, offering stronger workplace safety regulations and protections against wage theft. The state also has a growing emphasis on fair labor practices.

Alaska
Alaska’s high minimum wage and strict workplace safety laws make it one of the better states for workers. The state also has protections for seasonal and temporary workers.

Maine
Maine enforces a high minimum wage, mandates paid family and medical leave, and has strong worker protections. The state is committed to preventing wage theft and ensuring fair treatment of employees.

Least Envied States

Alabama
Alabama lacks a state minimum wage, meaning it defaults to the federal minimum of $7.25. It also has weak union protections, and no paid sick leave mandates, making it one of the least worker-friendly states.

Virginia
Despite recent improvements, Virginia remains a right-to-work state with limited union protections and no mandatory paid family leave laws. Workers also have fewer protections against wrongful termination compared to more progressive states.

Nevada
While Nevada has a relatively high minimum wage of $12, it lacks strong union protections and comprehensive paid leave policies. Workers in certain industries also face weaker job security protections.

South Carolina
A right-to-work state with some of the weakest worker protections, South Carolina has one of the lowest rates of unionization in the country. It also lacks a state minimum wage and offers minimal paid leave benefits.

Tennessee
Tennessee offers no state minimum wage, no mandated paid leave, and weak union protections. The state also has limited workplace safety enforcement, leaving many workers vulnerable to hazardous conditions.

North Carolina
Like Tennessee, North Carolina’s labor laws favor businesses over workers, with no paid leave laws and weak union protections. It also lacks strong enforcement against wage theft and employer misconduct.

Georgia
Georgia has one of the lowest minimum wages in the country and weak labor laws. With weak union protections, Georgia workers have fewer rights than those in worker-friendly states.

Arkansas
Despite some wage increases, Arkansas still lacks significant worker protections. The state does not require paid sick leave or offer strong enforcement against wage theft, making job security a concern for many employees.

Texas
Texas has no state minimum wage, meaning many workers rely on the federal minimum of $7.25. It also has weak union protections, no paid sick leave mandates, and at-will employment laws that make it easier for employers to terminate workers without cause.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma enforces weak labor protections, has one of the lowest minimum wages, and offers poor workplace safety regulations. The state’s right-to-work laws further limit union influence, reducing job security for many workers.

Montana
Montana has strong worker protections. However, while its cost of living is lower than in many states, employees still face challenges with job security and wage growth.

West Virginia
West Virginia has a strong union history, but its labor laws have weakened over time. The state lacks paid leave laws and workplace safety regulations, putting workers at greater risk.

Idaho
Idaho is a right-to-work state with weak labor laws. Its minimum wage is low, workplace safety enforcement is limited, and workers have fewer legal protections against unfair treatment.

Nebraska
Nebraska has relatively strong worker protections. However, while its cost of living is lower than in many states, employees still face challenges with job security and wage growth.

Iowa
With weak union laws and minimal worker protections, Iowa struggles to provide strong job security. The state lacks significant enforcement against wage theft and workplace discrimination.

Mississippi
Mississippi consistently ranks as one of the worst states for labor laws, with no state minimum wage, weak workplace safety enforcement, and few worker protections.

North Dakota
North Dakota has low wages, weak labor enforcement, and minimal workplace safety protections. Workers face significant challenges in securing fair treatment from employers.

Louisiana
A right-to-work state with poor labor protections, Louisiana has one of the lowest unionization rates. Wage theft enforcement is also weak.

Utah
Utah has weak union laws, minimal worker protections, and a relatively low minimum wage. The state prioritizes business flexibility over employee rights.

Kansas
Kansas ranks among the least worker-friendly states with poor labor protections and weak union presence. Many employees struggle with job security and fair wages.

South Dakota
Despite having a relatively high minimum wage of $11.50 per hour, the state does not require paid leave or strong workplace safety regulations.

Missouri
Missouri has limited worker protections and weak union laws. Wage transparency and workplace discrimination protections remain concerns for many employees.

Arizona
While Arizona has improved its minimum wage laws, its workplace safety enforcement remains limited, with concerns regarding a low number of inspections, relatively low fines for violations, and a lack of enforcement, leading to potentially unsafe working conditions for employees in the state.

Wyoming
Wyoming has minimal workplace protections and one of the lowest minimum wages in the country. Workers face weak union support and limited labor rights.

Florida
Florida’s labor laws rank among the least envied due to weak worker protections and a right-to-work status that limits union influence. While the state is gradually increasing its minimum wage, it lacks mandates for paid sick leave and paid family leave. Additionally, Florida has no laws preventing employers from firing workers without cause, making job security a major concern. Workplace safety enforcement is also weaker compared to more worker-friendly states.

Indiana
Indiana remains challenging for workers due to its weak union protections and low minimum wage, which remains at the federal standard of $7.25 per hour. The state has right-to-work laws that limit the power of unions, and there are no statewide requirements for paid sick leave or paid family leave. Additionally, Indiana’s workplace safety enforcement is less stringent than in states with stronger labor protections, leaving many employees vulnerable to hazardous working conditions.