New research reveals which American cities are considered “working hardest,” and the top and bottom spots may or may not be surprising.
Wallethub published a 2025 report after conducting research in 116 major cities. Ranked cities were based on 11 key indicators ranging from employment rates to average working hours to share of workers with multiple jobs.
According to Wallethub, the average US worker spends 1,799 hours a year.
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Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo said the effort is the backbone of the American economy.
The 2025 report by Wallethub divides into America’s most hardworking cities. This study examined 116 major US cities. (istock)
“Working long hours, minimizing vacations and having side jobs all leads to increased productivity, but can also have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health,” Lupo said. It states.
“It’s important for people to understand how to work hard without overworking,” Rupo added.
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Check if your city has landed in one of the top spots.
1. Anchorage, Alaska
According to a report by Wallethub, Anchorage was ranked among the hardest working cities. (Zihao Chen via Getty Images)
Anchorage takes the top position as the hardest-working city with a high employment rate of nearly 97% and multiple jobs at 7.6%.
Wallethub also discovered that Alaska is one of five states where the average person works more than 40 hours a week.
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2. Washington DC
31% of Washington, DC residents are members of volunteer groups or organizations. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)
The country’s capital ranked second as Wallethub found the highest share of non-hosted workers at 64%.
“People in DC are willing to work on relatively long commutes, on average, at 30 minutes or more.
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31% of district residents are members of volunteer groups or organizations.
3. Irving, Texas
Irving, Texas, came third, and Burlington, Vermont, came to the last place as the hardest-working city of 116 cities. (istock)
Irving had the third hardest working population, as he had the lowest share of households where adults were not working.
“One consequence of the hard work of Irving residents is the fact that they have far less leisure than most urban people.
“Irving workers should be praised for their dedication, but it’s also important that they take a little time to avoid work and relax.”
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Another Texas City, Dallas, followed Irving in fourth place. The fifth spot was awarded to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Austin, Texas ranked sixth, while Denver, Colorado, took seventh and seventh.
Virginia Beach, Virginia. San Francisco, California and Arlington, Texas conclude the top 10.
The five cities below were Bridgeport, Connecticut. Newark, New Jersey. Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan.
The 116th spot last came in Burlington, Vermont.
