New York Ranks 11th Nationally for Employee Benefits, Study Finds
A new report released today, October 20, 2025, indicates New York State provides a comparatively strong package of employee benefits, ranking 11th overall in the United States when considering factors like wages, health insurance costs, work hours, and paid time off.
The study revealed New York’s average annual income exceeds $78,000, with a minimum wage of $16.50 per hour. Wage equality is also demonstrably improving within the state, registering a disparity score of 77.6%, suggesting workers are increasingly earning similar pay for comparable roles. New Yorkers average approximately 40.1 hours of work per week, aligning closely with the national standard. This finding is particularly relevant as discussions around work-life balance continue to gain prominence.
Health insurance costs in New York represent roughly 10.7% of an individual’s income, lower than many other states. However, the state received a PTO score of only 3 out of 10, highlighting a significant area for improvement regarding vacation and sick leave provisions. For more information on employee rights, resources are available through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Overall, New York achieved a Job Satisfaction Index Score of 72.4, placing it among the top states for worker contentment. This positive score could contribute to attracting and retaining talent within the state’s competitive job market. You can find more information about New York State labor laws here.
State officials have indicated they are reviewing the PTO findings and exploring potential legislative solutions to address the need for more comprehensive paid time off policies.
