Photo: MayaAfzaal / iStock / Getty Images
With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s a good time to look other places besides the barbecues and dad jokes and talk about something that really matters, the best states for those hard working fathers. Dads today are doing more than ever at home and on the job, and where you live can make a huge difference in how well you can balance work and family life.
Whether you’re a dad yourself or just shopping for one who deserves more than a “World’s Best Dad” mug, here’s a look at the best and worst states for working dads in 2025.
Let's start with the Best States for dads who bust their buts.
10 Best States for Working Dads
- Massachusetts
- Washington, D.C.
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
Massachusetts takes the gold medal this year, and for good reason. Here’s why:
-Generous Paid Family Leave: The state offers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, allowing dads to be present for those crucial early weeks.
-Strong Job Market: Low unemployment rates and high average wages help dads support their families.
-Excellent Health Care: Consistently ranked among the top states for health care access and quality.
-Work-Life Balance: Shorter average work weeks and better parental benefits contribute to lower stress for working dads.
Add to that solid childcare options, progressive workplace policies, and good schools, and it’s clear why Massachusetts is at the top of the list.
So where is the worst states for dear ol dad?
10 Worst States for Working Dads
- New Mexico
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Arkansas
- Idaho
Unfortunately, New Mexico ranks at the bottom in terms of support for working fathers. The state struggles in several key areas:
-Limited Family Leave: No paid family leave and minimal workplace protections for dads taking time off.
-Lower Wages: The median income for men is significantly below the national average.
-Childcare Affordability: High costs compared to income make balancing work and parenting especially hard.
-Health and Safety: Poor health care rankings and workplace safety scores don’t help either.
If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the top states, take a moment to be grateful. And if not? Well, maybe it’s time for a little relocation inspiration to find a better place for your old man—or better yet, time to start demanding better policies for working fathers everywhere.
Happy early Father's Day, just don't forget your dad's size. Hint: it's not in a tie.