In a perfect world, working conditions should not vary state by state, but unfortunately some states have it worse than others.
A recent study from Eskimoz analyzed the most overworked and underpaid states in the U.S., based on factors including work hours, commute time, income and well-being. States with higher rankings have longer working hours, lower relative income and lower happiness levels.
Mississippi ranks as the most overworked and underpaid state, with workers spending 45.7 hours per week on the job, including their commutes, while earning one of the lowest weekly incomes at $943.
Other top overworked and underpaid states include Louisiana and West Virginia. In Louisiana, workers spend the most time on the job compared to other states, at 49.1 hours per week. Workers in West Virginia work 44.9 hours per week, but the state has the lowest happiness index score at 33.8.
Read more: Financial stress is killing workplace productivity
"When workers are stuck in a cycle of long hours and low wages, it's not just their paychecks that suffer — it's their overall quality of life," a spokesperson for Eskimoz said in a release. "Financial stress, lack of downtime and long commutes create burnout, leaving little room for career advancement or personal well-being. In states where job demands outpace compensation, workers often take on second jobs or extra shifts just to stay afloat, worsening the cycle of overwork. Addressing this issue requires more than just higher wages; improving work conditions, reducing commute burdens, and increasing job stability are just as critical."
Read more about the states with the worst work conditions.
States with the worst work conditions
| Rank | State | Score | Working hours +
commute | Weekly median income
per capita | Happiness index |
| 10 | Iowa | 73.5 | 43.0 | $1,013 | 55.6 |
| 9 | Tennessee | 75.9 | 44.6 | $1,039 | 43.4 |
| 8 | New Mexico | 76.0 | 41.0 | $955 | 43.6 |
| 7 | Indiana | 76.5 | 44.9 | $1,042 | 47.4 |
| 6 | Alabama | 77.5 | 46.1 | $1,066 | 39.3 |
| 5 | Kentucky | 79.2 | 45.1 | $1,033 | 38.4 |
| 4 | Delaware | 79.7 | 45.4 | $1,036 | 55.2 |
| 3 | West Virginia | 80.3 | 44.9 | $1,023 | 33.8 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 89.2 | 49.1 | $1,069 | 34.8 |
| 1 | Mississippi | 100.0 | 45.7 | $943 | 39.6 |
