A new report has spotlighted the state where residents are shouldering the burden of long work hours while earning comparatively lower wages. The study looks into average weekly hours and hourly wages to get a Hardship Score, calculated as the average hourly wage divided by the average weekly hours. A lower Hardship Score signifies that workers are earning less per hour relative to the number of hours worked.
In the 2025 States with the Longest Hours and Lowest Pay report by ProfitDuel.com, Mississippi ranks at the bottom of the list, registering the lowest Hardship Score of 0.7983. This score suggests that Mississippi workers are putting in long hours for relatively little pay, with the lowest balance between effort and compensation among all states.
Other states also face significant challenges. Louisiana follows closely with a Hardship Score of 0.8181, reflecting longer working hours paired with modest pay. New Mexico, with a score of 0.8687, and Kentucky, scoring 0.8616, similarly underscore the economic hardships faced by workers in these regions.
In contrast, states with higher Hardship Scores provide a more advantageous balance between wages and working hours. Massachusetts leads the list with a score of 1.2803, suggesting that despite a similar number of weekly work hours compared to lower-ranked states, workers there enjoy higher hourly earnings. California and Washington follow with scores of 1.2196 and 1.2077 respectively, offering a more favorable economic environment for employees.
ProfitDuel, where you can find sportsbook promos, analyzed data on average weekly earnings, hourly wages, and weekly work hours across a broad spectrum of states. By working out the Hardship Score, the study offers a clear picture of where workers face the toughest conditions.
The disparities highlighted in this study serve as a crucial indicator for policymakers and business leaders alike. With some states struggling to provide adequate compensation for extensive work hours, the findings underscore the need for a closer look at wage policies and labor practices. As states continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery and economic shifts, understanding these metrics becomes vital for creating environments where hard work translates to fair rewards.
While states like Massachusetts, California, and Washington offer better economic balance for their workers, Mississippi stands out as the state where employees work the longest hours for the least pay.