Best state for working moms? Look outside the DC area

WASHINGTON — It’s easy to forget that for working moms, the job doesn’t stop when the clock strikes a certain hour.

For many of the 70-plus percent of moms who have jobs and are taking care of children younger than 18, “working motherhood” is a round-the-clock gig with no overtime pay.

But some mothers, according to a recent WalletHub study, have it just a smidge easier than others, in part due to the state in which they live.

While D.C., Maryland and Virginia, did not make it into the top tier of the best states for working moms, they did not fall to the bottom of the pack either.

D.C. came in 15th overall on the best states for working moms list, while Virginia ranked 21st, and Maryland 30th.

In terms of best professional opportunities for women by state, however, all three regions rose to the top. D.C. came in No. 2, Maryland ranked No. 6, and Virginia came in 15th.

Unfortunately, with so many great professional opportunities, working mothers in both Maryland and Virginia struggled at finding work-life balance. Maryland narrowly edged out Georgia to take spot 50, while Virginia came in 46th. The District hovered near the top 10 at No. 13.

Top ten best states for working moms:

1. Vermont
2. Minnesota
3. New Jersey
4. Delaware
5. Connecticut
6. Massachusetts
7. Maine
8. Rhode Island
9. New York
10. Illinois

Top ten worst states for working moms:

1. Alabama
2. Louisiana
3. Nevada
4. Arizona
5. Alaska
6. Mississippi
7. Idaho
8. New Mexico
9. West Virginia
10. Wyoming

See the full list of the best states for working moms on WalletHub’s website.

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