As we navigate through 2024, the landscape for working moms in the United States remains a significant topic of discussion. Women constitute nearly half of the U.S. workforce, and in 2023, 74% of mothers with children under 18 were employed. Despite this, working moms face significant challenges, with women earning only 82% of the average hourly wage that men receive.
Here’s a list of the 6 worst states for working moms:
Alabama
Alabama ranks as the worst state for working moms in 2024. The state ranks 49th for the percentage of single-mother families living in poverty, 47th for daycare quality, and 32nd for the average length of a woman’s work week. Further, childcare is one of the biggest expenses that working moms are troubled with.
Infant care costs around $6,001 annually, 12% of the median household income. Alabama also ranks low, i.e., 44th in work-life balance and 47th in professional opportunities categories. Furthermore, the state has limited access to quality childcare and healthcare facilities.
Louisiana
According to data from the US Census Bureau, Louisiana was recently ranked as the second-poorest state in the country. Consequently, it is not surprising that working moms in Louisiana find it challenging to make ends meet.
The state received the lowest ranking for women’s economic and social well-being and placed 47th for quality healthcare and safety. Furthermore, Louisiana ranks 50th in childcare, 51st in professional opportunities, and 38th in work-life balance, making it one of the worst states for working moms.
Mississippi
Mississippi ranked 48th in both the economic and social well-being category and the healthcare and safety category. The state has one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, prohibiting all abortions except those necessary to save the life of the pregnant person or in cases of rape or incest that have been reported to law enforcement.
Additionally, Mississippi ranks 44th in childcare, 49th in professional opportunities, and 50th in work-life balance. These rankings highlight the numerous challenges working moms face in Mississippi, making it one of the worst states for working mothers.
Nevada
Nevada ranks fourth from the bottom for working mothers, scoring 32.95 out of 100 according to WalletHub in 2024. The state performs poorly across the board, placing 49th in childcare, 42nd in professional opportunities, and 45th in work-life balance.
Additionally, Nevada ranks 46th out of 51 in the worst states for working moms to study. This consistently low ranking across multiple categories underscores the widespread challenges faced by working mothers in the state, including limited career growth prospects, difficulties in maintaining a work-life balance, and inadequate childcare options.
Idaho
According to WalletHub in 2024, Idaho ranks fifth from the bottom for working mothers, with a total score of 33.39 out of 100. The state’s performance is especially concerning in childcare and professional opportunities, where it ranks 51st and 50th, respectively. The cost of infant care averages $7,474 annually, consuming 14% of the median household income.
Interestingly, Idaho ranks 17th in work-life balance, indicating some flexibility in managing work and personal life. However, this contrast highlights a severe lack of childcare options and professional growth opportunities, making it challenging for working mothers to thrive in Idaho.
South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the worst states for working moms, ranking poorly in several key areas. As of 2022, the state is 44th in daycare quality, 48th in pediatricians per capita, and 43rd in the gender pay gap, with women earning significantly less than men.
Additionally, South Carolina ranks 50th in the ratio of female to male executives and 41st in the percentage of single-mom families living in poverty. These factors highlight the significant challenges working mothers face in South Carolina.
Now, below is the list of the 6 best states for working moms:
Massachusetts
Massachusetts tops the list as the best state for working moms in 2024. Working moms in Massachusetts benefit from a relatively short workweek, with the average woman working around 35.5 hours per week. The state boasts high-quality education, featuring some of the best public schools in the country. Also, according to WalletHub in 2024, Massachusetts ranks 2nd in childcare, 7th in professional opportunities, and 1st in work-life balance, making it one of the most supportive states for working mothers.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island ranked second on the list of the best states for working mothers. According to WalletHub in 2024, the state excels in professional opportunities, ranking 1st, and work-life balance, ranking 2nd. It boasts the lowest gender pay gap in the country, with women earning 92% of what men earn. Additionally, Rhode Island has a high number of pediatricians and childcare workers per capita, making it easier for moms to find reliable childcare while they are at work.
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia ranks third for working mothers with a strong score of 65.66 out of 100, according to WalletHub in 2024. It excels in childcare, ranking 1st, and in professional opportunities, ranking 5th. While its work-life balance ranking is slightly lower at 7th, it remains impressive. This data highlights the District as a metropolitan area that provides top-notch childcare options and ample career opportunities for working mothers.
Connecticut
Connecticut ranks fourth for working mothers with a solid score of 60.99 out of 100, according to WalletHub in 2024. The state excels in childcare, ranking 3rd, and work-life balance, ranking 6th. While its professional opportunities ranking is 13th, it still falls within the top quarter nationally.
This combination suggests that Connecticut prioritizes family-friendly policies and quality childcare, while also providing decent career prospects. The high work-life balance ranking indicates a culture that values flexibility and supports the demands of balancing work and family life, making it one of the best states for working moms.
Minnesota
Working moms in Minnesota enjoy better working conditions compared to most states across the U.S. The state ranks highly in childcare, coming in 4th, and in professional opportunities, ranking 2nd. The state also has strong workplace protections, further enhancing its appeal to working mothers.
New Jersey
New Jersey ranks sixth for working mothers, with a score of 57.83 out of 100 according to WalletHub in 2024. The state performs well across various metrics, placing 15th in childcare, 12th in professional opportunities, and 8th in work-life balance. This consistent performance across all categories highlights a well-rounded environment for working mothers. Although New Jersey doesn’t lead in any single area, its balanced approach demonstrates a recognition of the multifaceted needs of professional mothers.
