Louisiana Workers Face Longest Hours in US, Study Reveals

A recent report highlights troubling work trends in the United States, with Louisiana leading the nation in work hours. According to a study conducted by the digital business-card provider Wave Connect in November 2025, workers in Louisiana endure the longest average workweek. The findings reveal significant disparities in work-life balance across the country, particularly affecting residents in southern states.

Work Hours and Burnout Across States

Louisiana workers clock an average of 36.5 hours per week, the highest in the U.S., leaving them with limited time for personal activities or rest. Nearly 5% of Louisiana’s workforce holds multiple jobs, underscoring the struggle many face to manage living expenses. The report assessed all 50 states based on four key factors: work-life balance, employee engagement, multiple jobholding rates, and burnout treatment search volumes. Each state received an Employee Workaholism Score, with higher scores indicating greater stress and over-commitment.

Other states following closely behind include Arizona, where employees work an average of 35.1 hours weekly, and Kentucky, with a workweek of 35 hours. Both states also exhibit high rates of workforce commitment and multiple jobholders, with Kentucky reporting that around 5% of its residents take on additional jobs.

The Southern Work Culture

The trend of long working hours is predominantly seen in southern states. In addition to Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee rank among the top ten states with the longest work hours. For instance, Texas workers spend nearly 36 hours a week on the job, despite a reported employee engagement rate of 35%. Approximately 4.4% of Texas residents also juggle multiple jobs.

North Dakota stands out for having the highest rate of multiple jobholders, with nearly 8% of its workforce managing more than one position. This trend reflects a broader issue in regions where wages are lower, forcing individuals to work longer hours or seek additional employment to afford basic necessities such as rent and food.

Alaska also figures into the analysis, with workers averaging 34 hours per week. Notably, 6.4% of Alaskans hold multiple jobs, which may contribute to the higher frequency of burnout treatment searches among residents.

The report paints a concerning picture of work culture in the U.S., particularly in southern states, where the combination of long hours and multiple jobs can lead to increased stress and burnout. As more workers seek ways to balance their professional and personal lives, this data serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by many in the modern workforce.