Best and Worst States to Work in, According to MoneyRates.com

As I approach my final year at the University of Montana, the pressure is definitely on to figure out what to do with the rest of my life, or where to spend the first few years looking for a job (or career?) post-graduation. What state am I going to most likely want to look for said occupation? MoneyRates.com just might have my answer...

According to MoneyRates, job prospects are not "equally rosy" across the United States. In fact, some states are still struggling with high unemployment.

Their study evaluated several factors to determine where workers had the best shot at a very decent paycheck, a healthy cost of living and don't forget about safe workplaces. On the flip side, they also found steep pressures on wages, stunted job growth and higher rates of injury. So where does the great Treasure State rank among the other 49 states?

Not too hot, unfortunately. MoneyRates calculated Montana as the seventh worst state in which people try to make a living. Does this surprise you?

Even though Montana has a low unemployment rate of just 4 percent, workers in the state don't seem to have much leverage with their employers. This is because average wages are well below the national standard. Montana is also among the worst states for workplace safety.

Wrapping up at the number one worst state to make a living is Hawaii...I suppose just vacationing there will have to do for now.

The number one best state to work is Texas...

After finishing second on this list last year, Texas took over the top spot in 2015. Texas scored well across the board on a variety of employment conditions, contributing to a healthy economy. In 2013, the state’s gross domestic product expanded 3.7 percent – higher than the 1.8 percent growth rate for the rest of the U.S., according to The Texas Economy run by the state Comptroller’s office. Although average wages in Texas was only slightly above the national average, workers in Texas get good value from those wages. The cost of living in the state is below average, and there is no state income tax. On top of those economic considerations, only one state (Louisiana) had fewer incidents of workplace illness, injuries and fatalities. Put it all together, and Texas ranks as this year's best state for making a living.

At this rate, I suppose I'm going to have to deal with a high population, year-round warm temperatures and say goodbye to small Montana towns if Texas keeps up their solid job stats.

How did your state measure up? Comment below.