Copyright MassLive
Massachusetts has been ranked as the most attractive state for employment out of all 50 states, according to a recent study from WalletHub. The Bay State earned its top position due to its strength in the job market and economic health, which were determined by analyzing the state’s employment growth, median annual income and the average commute time. Massachusetts was the best choice because it has one of the highest worker protection scores, including protections for pregnant or breastfeeding people, mandates for equal pay, pay secrecy or no salary history and protections around flexible scheduling. Also, the number of available jobs in Massachusetts increases by around 2.4% each year, which is the fourth-highest in the nation. WalletHub also learned that once people are employed in Massachusetts, they’re more likely to retain their jobs since the state has the third-best job security. It also has the eighth-highest share of workers with private health insurance and employees benefiting from the presence of work share programs, allowing businesses to temporarily reduce the hours of their employees instead of laying them off during economic downturns. Workers who have access to these types of benefits enjoy a higher quality of life, the study noted. To top things off, the Bay State has the third-lowest percentage of the workforce living in poverty, demonstrating that workers are generally receiving reasonable pay. Massachusetts also ranks as the best state for both working parents. “Living in one of the best states for jobs can provide stable conditions for the long-term, helping you ride out the fluctuations that the economy will experience in the future. The best states for jobs make it easier for residents to find and retain jobs, and employers in these states also offer very competitive compensation and benefits,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in the study. “In addition, the top states are great places for people looking to raise a family, ranking among the best states for working parents.” Here are the top 10 best states to find a job, according to WalletHub: Massachusetts — with a score 61.75 (1 in job market rank and 22 in economic environment) Connecticut — with a score of 61.18 (4 in job market rank and 15 in economic environment) Minnesota — with a score of 60.94 (8 in job market rank and 4 in economic environment) Vermont — with a score of 60.16 (5 in job market rank and 17 in economic environment) New Hampshire — with a score of 60.06 (7 in job market rank and 12 in economic environment) South Dakota — with a score of 59.81 (10 in job market rank and 7 in economic environment) Texas — with a score of 59.32 (18 in job market rank and 2 in economic environment) North Dakota — with a score of 59.12 (13 in job market rank and 9 in economic environment) Maine — with a score of 59.89 (2 in job market rank and 31 in economic environment) Rhode Island — with a score of 58.29 (15 in job market rank and 8 in economic environment)
