Best States for Working Parents, Ranked

Luckily, some states are picking up the slack when it comes to making life easier for working parents.

Let’s be honest for a second. Parenting in today’s world is not easy.

With no federal policy in place for paid leave, affordable childcare and fair work schedules, parenting in the U.S. is even harder. It’s no wonder that a 2022 Ohio State University study reported that a whopping 66 percent of working parents in the U.S. suffer from parental burnout.

Luckily, some states are picking up the slack when it comes to making life easier for working parents. These are the five that do it best.

5. Washington

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Average annual income: $75,698

Childcare costs (as percentage of income): 27%

Weeks of paid maternity leave: 12

Cost of living index score: 115.7

Public school rankings position: 13

* Ranking data comes from a 2023 study conducted by HR Tech experts SelectSoftware Reviews as well as World Population Review (state income, paid maternity leave, public school rankings), County Health Rankings (childcare costs) and the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (cost of living index scores).

Bottom Line: Washington

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While Washington lands in the top 10 states with the highest cost of living, parents tend to make more with an average annual income of $75,698 a year.

Childcare costs are on par with the national average, but this state truly shines in its No. 13 ranking for public schools. Plus, it pays new mothers 90 percent of their income as part of the 12 weeks of paid maternity leave the state offers. Not bad.

4. New Jersey

Boat lifeguard, beach and steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey

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Average annual income: $78,700

Childcare costs (as percentage of income): 31%

Weeks of paid maternity leave: 12

Cost of living index score: 110.3

Public school rankings position: 1

Bottom Line: New Jersey

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Here’s another state where the average annual income is helpful at almost $80,000.

Of the five states listed here, New Jersey has the highest childcare costs (at 31 percent of the average income), but 12 weeks of maternity leave and an impressive No. 1 public school ranking position are tough to find anywhere else.

3. Colorado

Shops and restaurants along Larimer Square in downtown Denver

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Average annual income: $74,167

Childcare costs (as percentage of income): 30%

Weeks of paid maternity leave: 12

Cost of living index score: 106.9

Public school rankings position: 8

Bottom Line: Colorado

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Colorado’s seemingly endless natural playground is reason enough for parents to want to move here.

But combine that with an impressive maternity leave policy (90 percent of a mother’s income paid for 12 weeks) with its No. 8 public school ranking, and it’s no wonder why families are moving here in droves.

2. Maryland

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Average annual income: $70,730

Childcare costs (as percentage of income): 22%

Weeks of paid maternity leave: 12

Cost of living index score: 114.8

Public school rankings position: 12

Bottom Line: Maryland

A young African American father is holding his little daughter

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Of the five states on this list, Maryland has the lowest childcare costs — which is good, considering it also has the lowest average annual income.

Like Colorado and Washington, though, Maryland offers an impressive paid maternity leave policy and ranks among the top 12 for public schools in the nation.

1. Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut, USA Downtown Skyline

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Average annual income: $84,972

Childcare costs (as percentage of income): 25%

Weeks of paid maternity leave: 12

Cost of living index score: 113.9

Public school rankings position: 3

Bottom Line: Connecticut

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Connecticut has the highest average annual income on this list combined with the second-lowest childcare costs. Plus, it offers the best paid maternity leave — with mothers getting 95 percent of their income paid for 12 weeks.

Oh, and it’s public school ranking? No. 3 in the entire country.

So, if you’re a working parent looking to move, Connecticut should be next on your list.

For more amazing states for families, check out “Best States to Live for Your Family’s Mental Health.”