Alabama Ranks Among America’s Hardest-Working States

Alabamians have a reputation for putting in the work, and a new national study gives that reputation some numbers to back it up.

WalletHub released its 2026 ranking of the Hardest-Working States in America, comparing all 50 states across 10 measures ranging from average workweek hours and employment to multiple jobs, commute times and leisure time.

Alabama has the fifth-highest employment rate in the country, according to WalletHub. The state also ranked 12th for average workweek hours and 22nd for average commute time.

Alabama finished No. 16 overall, but some of the state's individual rankings were even more impressive.

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However, there was a major difference when looking beyond the workplace. Alabama ranked 49th for indirect work factors, a category that includes commute time, the percentage of workers with multiple jobs, volunteer hours and average daily leisure time.

South Dakota was named America's hardest-working state, followed by North Dakota, Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming. Alabama also finished behind two neighboring states, with Tennessee ranking ninth and Georgia coming in 10th. However, Alabama finished ahead of Mississippi at No. 21 and Florida at No. 30.

WalletHub says Americans work an average of about 1,800 hours annually, while nearly half of workers don't expect to use all of their available vacation days.

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“It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said, while also warning that a lack of leisure time can negatively affect physical and mental health.

So, while Alabama didn't crack the overall Top 10, the state's No. 5 employment rate and No. 8 ranking for direct work factors suggest Alabamians are putting in plenty of work.