20 best states for working moms

It's no secret moms have plenty on their plates — and working moms are juggling an additional set of demands. While systems of support exist through both employee benefits and regulation and policy, the experience of motherhood varies significantly state by state.

Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, and a majority (74%) of moms with children under 18 years old were working in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And yet, workplace issues such as lower pay for women and a lack of advancement and leadership opportunities persist.

Working moms also face issues such as parental leave policies and legal support systems, which differ depending on their location. WalletHub recently ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia to find the best and worst locations for working moms, based on 17 metrics — including factors such as child care availability and cost, professional opportunities and work-life balance — to create a score out of 100.

"Working moms have to carefully balance career opportunities with factors that provide a good environment for their children when deciding where to live," said Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, in a release. "The best states provide equitable pay for women and the potential for career advancement, along with robust parental leave policies and high-quality child care, healthcare and schools. This gives working moms both the financial ability and the peace of mind to not have to choose between a career and family."

Massachusetts was named the top state for working moms, with one of the lowest unemployment rates for women last year at just 2.8%, as well as some of the best parental-leave policies in the country. Additionally, the Bay State is one of the best for working from home, allowing moms to easily keep an eye on their kids while they work. This state also has the best public schools in the country, according to the ranking.

In last place was Alabama, with a score of just 31.50 due to low rankings in child care and professional opportunities for working moms, as well as a poor work-life balance with lacking parental leave policies and long work weeks for women.

While helpful state policies are beneficial for working moms, it is important for companies to also understand the needs of their employees who are mothers to further assist them, allowing them to thrive both in the workplace and at home.

"One of the most important things that companies can do is to know their employees and listen to their needs," Judith A. Myers-Walls, professor emerita at Purdue University, said in WalletHub's release. "The needs will vary significantly depending on several factors — the type of work the employees are expected to do, the ages of their children or the needs of the other family members for whom they provide care, and the priorities of the workers."

Read more about the best states for working moms below.