The 2026 Oxfam Best States to Work Index provides a clear look at how different parts of the United States treat their labor force. The index evaluates three main areas to determine its rankings.
First, it looks at wage policies, which cover minimum pay levels. Second, it measures worker protections, including workplace safety and paid time off. Finally, it scores the right to organize and the ability of employees to form labor unions and negotiate as a group. A higher overall score out of 100 indicates better conditions for working families.
This gallery looks at the 15 highest-ranked states and the 15 lowest-ranked states, and what their scores reveal about the state of work in America today. Click to learn more.
All values in USD.