Juggling parenthood and a career is never easy especially for moms who face obstacles, like gender pay gaps and difficulty returning to work after taking time off. According to a new study, where you live can make a big difference in how these factors impact your career. Find out if your state ranks in the top ten best states for working moms below.
The study conducted by WalletHub used three main factors to determine the best states for working moms, including child care, professional opportunities and work-life balance. Within those categories they assessed each state based on 16 specific metrics, like gender pay gap, pediatricians per capita, school ratings, median women’s salary, and child care costs among others. With data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Partnership for Women & Families, and several other studies and research organizations, WalletHub ranked each state based on the metrics.
Based on WalletHub’s findings here are the top 10 states for working women:
- Massachussets
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- District of Columbia
- New Jersey
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- New Hampshire
- Washington
“Given that we still lack federal paid family leave in the United States and it is unlikely to materialize in at least the short term, firms should provide paid leave so all workers – not just professionals – have the financial ability to take time off after the birth of a child,” said One E. Winkler Ph.D. a Professor of Economics & Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri at St. Louis who was part of a panel of experts on the study.
Winkler continued, “Such policies benefit firms as well as parents by improving worker morale and attachment to the firm. Other policies that support families include on-site high-quality, affordable day care or subsidies to help workers purchase this care. Flextime is also important so that parents can adjust their schedules for doctor’s visits, etc.”
You can check out the full list if rankings for all 50 states here.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Christina Morillo via Pexels
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