In the quiet hum of factories, the clang of hammers, and the glow of late-night study lamps, America’s strongest pulses are felt. The nation’s tenacity and productivity are woven into its identity, and nowhere is that more evident than in the states that rise to the challenge of labor with unmatched vigor. Drawing upon the latest WalletHub study, vividly captured in Newsweek’s map, this chronicle extols those whose relentless spirit stands as a national testament to diligence and endurance.
The elite circle: Top 10 hardest-working states
According to Newsweek’s digest of the WalletHub report, the top 10 hardest-working states in 2025 are:
- North Dakota
- Alaska
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Hawaii
- Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Wyoming
- Maryland
- Nebraska
Let us explore the story behind each, where numbers meet narrative, and the human spirit endures.
1. North Dakota: Industriousness personified
Topping the list, North Dakota has nearly 98% employment and a workweek averaging close to 40 hours with a striking reluctance to claim leisure—or even vacation days. The result: a state where commitment to labor is as pervasive as the endless prairie skies.
2. Alaska: The land that never sleeps (Work-wise)
Alaska’s rugged terrain demands extraordinary hours. Its workforce averages more than 41 hours per week—the highest in the nation—while many still leave vacation unclaimed, and a notable share hold multiple jobs.
3. South Dakota: Industrious and ambitious
With the highest employment rate in the country and a significantly low rate of idle youth, young adults neither working nor studying, South Dakota epitomizes ambition from cradle to workplace.
4. Texas: The resurgent powerhouse
Texas has climbed back into the top five, now ranking fourth with a score of 57.06. It stands out for its second-longest workweeks, respectable commute efficiency, and notably limited leisure time, proof that in the Lone Star State, ambition never sleeps.
5. Hawaii: Paradise awash in productivity
Balancing palm-fringed beauty with formidable work ethic, Hawaii claims the fifth spot. While details are sparse, its placement shows that even in paradise, productivity echoes loud.
6. Virginia: History’s industrious legacy
A state rooted in the nation’s founding, Virginia ranks sixth—melding economic tradition with modern-day perseverance in a tapestry of labor and legacy.
7. New Hampshire: Productivity in the granite state
Known for its quiet determination, New Hampshire ranks seventh. Its position reflects both a cultural appreciation for work and a community that values contribution.
8. Wyoming: Wide-open spaces, wide-open work ethic
Wyoming’s rugged landscapes mirror its work ethos. At eighth place, it shares traits of strong direct work metrics and a low leisure quotient—proof that in sparsely populated expanses, output soars.
9. Maryland: Beyond the capital, a culture of commitment
Maryland, nestled between work-driven Washington and industrious Baltimore, rounds out the top ten in ninth place—underscoring its role as a nexus of productivity.
10. Nebraska: The heartland hustle
Closing the top ten is Nebraska, where nearly 7.4% of workers juggle multiple jobs, and youth are seldom idle. This Midwestern state exemplifies collective perseverance.
