A recent study analyzing data in three key areas has named Tennessee among the top ten worst states to work in America.

Three Key Areas of American Work Life

The study conducted by OxFamAmerica.org looked at three key areas of American work life: wages, worker protections, and rights to organize. The score in each area was weighted to calculate a final score for each of the 50 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Federal Minimum Wage Stall

The study points out the stall in the federal minimum wage which hasn't seen an increase since 2009 when it was raised to $7.25 per hour. While many states have increased the minimum wage for their residents, many have sadly settled uncomfortably into the federal minimum wage, or as the study from OxFam calls it, "a poverty wage."

WGBF-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

<p>States have had to step up for workers and their families in the past few decades, as Congress has stalled on taking action. For example, while the federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for 14 years, most states have mandated higher wages.</p><p data-block-key="bb6b2"> </p>

Top Three Best States for Workers

When it comes to the top of the list, or the states considered by the data to be the "best to work," the study says that California, Oregon, and the District of Columbia are the top three.

attachment-tennessee worker
Canva
loading...

Tennessee Ranks in the Bottom 10

For workers in the Volunteer State, the ranking is pretty grim. OxFam places Tennessee in the #45 position (out of 52), making it the 8th worst state for workers. The study points out that the cost of living for a family of four in Tennessee is $35.91 per hour. The minimum wage of $7.25 is only 20.19% of that amount. To see more on Tennessee's ranking and how the score was determined, visit OxFamAmerica.org.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Tennessee

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Tennessee using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

 

More From WGBF-FM