CareerBuilder WorkLife Blog: The best and worst states to work

When it comes to job satisfaction, where you’re living can make a big difference. The state in which you live can help determine your cost of living, the length of your commute and your income tax payments.  Now, according to a new report by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), it can also affect how you’re treated at work.

The PERI judged the working environments in all 50 states and Washington DC, examining average pay, employment opportunities, employee benefits, percentage of low-income workers, gender equality and workers’ ability to unionize.

These states emerged as the top five states for worker environment:  (See the full list)

1. Delaware

2. New Hampshire

3. Minnesota

4. Vermont

5. Iowa

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The worst states are:

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46-48. (tie) Mississippi, South Carolina & Utah

49. Arkansas

50. Texas

51. Louisiana

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Living in one of the lowest-ranking states? Click here to start looking for a new job.

Comments

[Candice]

I am not sure what your job is, but there has to be a better option out there. If you have the flexibility to move even a couple states up the coast or west, things look better. Check out the full list if moving is an option, or at least check out other companies. A lot of places are starting to offer more job perks just to keep the moral up. After 20 years, you deserve more.

[john]

I live and work in greenville,sc. and i'm making the same as I did 20 years ago, and everything else has gone up. the companies here can treat you like crap and the state stands behind them ALL OF THE WAY. just so they can say they got business here. it has also been rated as poor economic growth. wages-cost of inflation= lower income. AND THE STATE STANDS BEHIND IT.