The best and worst states for female professionals

July 28, 2015

"Regardless, women will be in control of a good portion of practices, making many more major administrative and purchasing decisions. Shortly, 80 percent of all practices may be 100 percent women.

It’s a woman’s world, as Dental Products Report Editorial Advisory Board member Dr. Sheri Doniger alluded to in last year’s introduction to Dental Products Report’s Top 25 Women in Dentistry.

"Regardless, women will be in control of a good portion of practices, making many more major administrative and purchasing decisions. Shortly, 80 percent of all practices may be 100 percent women. Why, you ask? In a dental office, there are four “chairs” to fill: More women graduates translate to more women dentists. Well over 97 percent of dental office managers are women, as are dental hygienists and assistants. With all four chairs having women in them, the offices will be trending towards women owned/women controlled in the near future."

But that doesn’t always mean it’s a comfortable place for women, as Dr. Jennifer Sanders, a 2012 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, recently told us in a Q&A interview.

"Advertising [in the dental industry] is really geared towards middle-aged males. When I go to a dental meeting, everyone assumes I am a hygienist. I think there are strict gender role expectations."

The dental practice may be changing into a female-dominated place, but what about the state in which that dental practice is located? Is it easier or harder to be a female professional in New York than Kansas or Maine than California? You’re about to find out.

Working with WalletHub, we’ve put together a ranking of all 50 states and which ones are great (and not-so-great) for women. To determine the rankings, we looked at the following five categories:

Professional opportunities

Work/life balance

Median annual earnings

Economic and social well being

Women’s healthcare

As you take a look at the states, here are some key terms in the survey you should know:

"Professional opportunities" were measured by gender pay gap, ration of female-to-male executives, median women's salary (adjusted for cost of living), percentage of single mothers in poverty and the female unemployment rate

“Work/life balance” was measured by parental leave policies, length of average workday and average commute time

“Economic and social well being” was measured by median earnings, unemployment rate, number of women-owned businesses, high school dropout rate, percentage of women who voted in the 2012 presidential election and the percentage of women living in poverty

"Women's healthcare" was measured by top-rated women's hospitals, availability of women's preventative healthcare, female uninsured rate and women's life expectancy at birth

So where does your state rank in the list? Read on to see where it ranked and why it landed where it did. Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

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Alabama	Alaska	Arizona	Arkansas	California
Colorado	Connecticut	Delaware	Florida	Georgia
Hawaii	Idaho	Illinois	Indiana	Iowa
Kansas	Kentucky	Louisiana	Maine	Maryland
Massachusetts	Michigan	Minnesota	Mississippi	Missouri
Montana	Nebraska	Nevada	New Hampshire	New Jersey
New Mexico	New York	North Carolina	North Dakota	Ohio
Oklahoma	Oregon	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island	South Carolina
South Dakota	Tennessee	Texas	Utah	Vermont
Virginia	Washington	West Virginia	Wisconsin	Wyoming

Congratulations, Land of 10,000 Lakes! Not only did Minnesota rank number one as the best state to work in a dental practice, it also gets the top spot as the best state for female professionals. Finishing in the top 10 in every category, the state ranked number four for women’s healthcare and professional opportunities, and also came in ninth for median annual earnings. Not only will you be healthy and employed, you’ll also be respectably compensated! Downside: You’ll spend three quarters of the year bundled up, trying to stay warm in arctic temperatures. Cheers!

Professional opportunities: 4

Work/life balance: 8

Economic and social well being: 2

Women’s healthcare: 4

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 27

More on Minnesota: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Minnesota

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Alabama	Alaska	Arizona	Arkansas	California
Colorado	Connecticut	Delaware	Florida	Georgia
Hawaii	Idaho	Illinois	Indiana	Iowa
Kansas	Kentucky	Louisiana	Maine	Maryland
Massachusetts	Michigan	Minnesota	Mississippi	Missouri
Montana	Nebraska	Nevada	New Hampshire	New Jersey
New Mexico	New York	North Carolina	North Dakota	Ohio
Oklahoma	Oregon	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island	South Carolina
South Dakota	Tennessee	Texas	Utah	Vermont
Virginia	Washington	West Virginia	Wisconsin	Wyoming

Women’s healthcare is unrivaled in the Green Mountain State, and there are plenty of professional opportunities, with Vermont ranking first and second in those categories respectively. But it’s not all work up there in New England: a fourth-place ranking for work/life balance means that you’ll have plenty of down time in which you can tap trees for maple syrup with reckless abandon. And since the state also boasts the third lowest rate of unemployed women in the country, the majority of Vermonters get to enjoy that work/life balance to its fullest.

Professional opportunities: 2

Work/life balance: 4

Economic and social well being: 6

Women’s healthcare: 1

Median annual earnings: 17

Overall point total: 30

More on Vermont: The strangest, wackiest, craziest dental crimes in Vermont

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Women looking for professional opportunities should consider following the Mayflower and landing in Massachusetts. Don’t let this tiny state fool you: It has plenty of room for female professionals! Ranking ninth in professional opportunities and third for median annual earnings, Massachusetts also boasts third place in economic and social well being. You may not be hitting up many Sox games though: Massachusetts ranked 22nd for work/life balance.

Professional opportunities: 9

Work/life balance: 22

Economic and social well being: 3

Women’s healthcare: 2

Median annual earnings: 3

Overall point total: 39

More on Massachusetts: Where does Mass. rank on the list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice?

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Alabama	Alaska	Arizona	Arkansas	California
Colorado	Connecticut	Delaware	Florida	Georgia
Hawaii	Idaho	Illinois	Indiana	Iowa
Kansas	Kentucky	Louisiana	Maine	Maryland
Massachusetts	Michigan	Minnesota	Mississippi	Missouri
Montana	Nebraska	Nevada	New Hampshire	New Jersey
New Mexico	New York	North Carolina	North Dakota	Ohio
Oklahoma	Oregon	Pennsylvania	Rhode Island	South Carolina
South Dakota	Tennessee	Texas	Utah	Vermont
Virginia	Washington	West Virginia	Wisconsin	Wyoming

The northeasternmost state in the U.S. came in as the fourth-best place for women to work, with plenty of professional opportunities and a work/life balance that leave plenty of time for moose-watching in the state parks. Ranking seventh for both economic and social well being and women’s healthcare, the only downside of Maine is average median annual earnings.

Professional opportunities: 8

Work/life balance: 5

Economic and social well being: 7

Women’s healthcare: 7

Median annual earnings: 23

Overall point total: 50

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Yet another New England state came in high on the list, ranking fifth overall as a great place for female professionals. This tiny state would have ranked even higher, if it weren’t for a poor score for work/life balance. Luckily, professional opportunities abound, and the median income is nothing to scoff at. Another perk: New Hampshire ranked fifth overall for women’s healthcare, which will hopefully help keep you healthy as you stress about your lack of free time outside of work.

Professional opportunities: 7

Work/life balance: 31

Economic and social well being: 4

Women’s healthcare: 5

Median annual earnings: 7

Overall point total: 54

More on New Hampshire: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in the Northeast region

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The Constitution State pays women well, ranking fourth in median annual earnings, and this high rank pushed Connecticut up on the list to a sixth-place finish on our list. High scores in work/life balance and women’s healthcare (seventh and third respectively) make Connecticut an appealing place for the female professional, but middle-of-the-pack professional opportunities could be a downside for prospective residents of the third-smallest state.

Professional opportunities: 26

Work/life balance: 7

Economic and social well being: 15

Women’s healthcare: 3

Median annual earnings: 4

Overall point total: 55

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Cheese lovers rejoice! Wisconsin ranked seventh overall as a great place for female professionals. Enjoy a top-notch work/life balance on the shorts of two great lakes, but don’t take too many days off; you’ll need to prepare yourself for average median annual earnings (Wisconsin came in 21st). Boasting great economic and social well being, America’s Dairyland also offers a high level of professional opportunities, and above-average women’s healthcare. We say bring on the Brie!

Professional opportunities: 14

Work/life balance: 5

Economic and social well being: 8

Women’s healthcare: 12

Median annual earnings: 21

Overall point total: 60

More on Wisconsin: Where does the state fall on DPR's list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice?

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With close proximity to the nation’s capital, Maryland offers an unprecedented amount of professional opportunities for women, ranking first overall. This, combined with the top rank in median annual earnings, pushed Maryland to the eighth spot overall. But working shoulder-to-shoulder with politicians and lawmakers has its downsides: Marylanders face the second-worst work/life balance in the country. Upside? The Old Line State boasts the highest amount of woman-owned businesses in the country.

Professional opportunities: 1

Work/life balance: 49

Economic and social well being: 1

Women’s healthcare: 14

Median annual earnings: 1

Overall point total: 66

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If you’re looking for rainy weather – but good professional opportunities – head out to the Pacific Northwest and check out Washington, which ranked ninth on our list. A ninth-place rank in median annual earnings ensures you’ll make decent money, though you may be disappointed by the average women’s healthcare. Work/life balance and professional opportunities are both ranked highly in the Evergreen State. An added bonus? Washington’s renowned coffeehouses are second to none.

Professional opportunities: 13

Work/life balance: 12

Economic and social well being: 19

Women’s healthcare: 22

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 72

More on Washington: Is Washington State a good place to work in a dental practice?

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Great news for sunshine and surf lovers: The Aloha State rounds out our top ten best states for female professionals. Above average professional opportunities and great median annual earnings mean gainful employment isn’t hard to find (so you’ll sadly have no excuse to lounge around on the beach all day). Ranking 12th and 19th for work/life balance and economic and social well being, Hawaii is a great tropical option for working women. Extra bonus? Hawaii has the fourth-lowest female unemployment rate in the country, and ranks third in the U.S. for percentage of women-owned businesses.

Professional opportunities: 13

Work/life balance: 12

Economic and social well being: 19

Women’s healthcare: 22

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 73

More news from the islands: The strangest dental crimes in Hawaii

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The Ocean State just missed out on the top 10, ranking 11th on our overall list. Interestingly, professional opportunities can be hard to come by (Rhode Island ranked 31 out of 50), and the state ranked an alarming 47th in female unemployment rates. Never fear though: the state motto is “Hope,” and it’s certainly there: Bonuses include a terrific work/life balance and great median annual earnings A respectable 17th place rank in economic and social well being also promises great things for female professionals in the little state.

Professional opportunities: 31

Work/life balance: 3

Economic and social well being: 17

Women’s healthcare: 16

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 76

More on Rhode Island: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Rhode Island

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Hobnobbing just outside the nation’s capital has its perks and its perks and its downsides in good ole’ 12th-place Virginia. Professional opportunities abound, ranking fifth in the country, and the median annual income ranked an appealing ninth. Economic and social well being and women’s healthcare also ranked 10th and 11th respectively, promising good resources for female professionals. Downside: Women living in Old Dominion face a work/life balance that’s the third worst in the country. Have fun at work!

Professional opportunities: 5

Work/life balance: 48

Economic and social well being: 10

Women’s healthcare: 11

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 83

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13 isn’t an unlucky number for Nebraska; this 13th-place state is bursting with professional opportunities for women, and boasts the fourth-lowest female unemployment rate in the country. While median annual earnings are below average, female Cornhuskers have opportunities for above-average healthcare, and finished 19th overall for both work/life balance and economic and social well being.

Professional opportunities: 3

Work/life balance: 19

Economic and social well being: 19

Women’s healthcare: 15

Median annual earnings: 29

Overall point total: 85

More on Nebraska: Where does Nebraska rank on the list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice?

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Sparsely populated North Dakota finished 14th on the overall list, making the Rough Rider State a far-from-rough choice for women looking to live out west. Boasting the ninth-best women’s healthcare, North Dakota also has a surprisingly high number of professional opportunities for women (and the lowest female unemployment rate in the country!), and promises good work/life balance. Median annual earnings are below average, but a solid 16th-place finish in economic and social well being promises good things. Downside for women: The state ranked a disappointing 46th out of 50 for the percentage of women-owned businesses.

Professional opportunities: 18

Work/life balance: 14

Economic and social well being: 16

Women’s healthcare: 9

Median annual earnings: 29

Overall point total: 86

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Although our nation’s first state finished ninth for professional opportunities, a low ranking for work/life balance brought Delaware down to 15th place overall. Ranking seventh for median annual earnings and promising the fifth-best economic and social well being, Delaware can be a lucrative and enjoyable place for female professionals. Don’t expect great healthcare in this original colony though; women’s healthcare ranked 23rd overall.

Professional opportunities: 9

Work/life balance: 43

Economic and social well being: 5

Women’s healthcare: 23

Median annual earnings: 7

Overall point total: 87

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Beaver State residents know how to kick back and relax: Oregonians enjoy the best work/life balance in the country. However, you may end up with unwanted down time; Oregon ranked 38th for professional opportunities. The home of quirky Portland did rank 16th overall however, bolstered by above-average median annual earnings (13th overall) and economic and social well being (17th overall).

Professional opportunities: 38

Work/life balance: 1

Economic and social well being: 17

Women’s healthcare: 13

Median annual earnings: 19

Overall point total: 88

More on Oregon: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in the Pacific Northwest

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Head out to the Midwest and check out Iowa, which finished 17th over all on our list. Residents of the Hawkeye State enjoy beautiful views of rolling cornfields, a solid work/life balance and excellent healthcare opportunities. Median annual earnings, economic and social well being and professional opportunities all hover around average for the nation, but hey, at least you’re still doing better in those categories in half the other states!

Professional opportunities: 22

Work/life balance: 11

Economic and social well being: 25

Women’s healthcare: 8

Median annual earnings: 24

Overall point total: 90

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The mountains are calling! Colorado, which finished 18th overall, tempts female professionals with great median annual earnings and above-average professional opportunities and economic and social well being. As an added bonus, an average work/life balance gives Broncos plenty of time for skiing, hiking and exploring the gorgeous landscape.

Professional opportunities: 20

Work/life balance: 23

Economic and social well being: 21

Women’s healthcare: 18

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 91

More on Colorado: Where does Colorado finish on the list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice?

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The Big Apple promises big bucks and bountiful professional opportunities for women up for the challenge of a high cost of living. You’ll have to work hard to stay ahead though: New York ranked 38th for work/life balance, but economic and social well being is high, snagging 9th place overall. But hopping into the empire state of mind has its perks: Female professionals in New York have the fifth highest median annual earnings.

Professional opportunities: 15

Work/life balance: 38

Economic and social well being: 9

Women’s healthcare: 25

Median annual earnings: 5

Overall point total: 92

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The bright lights of Hollywood are calling! You’ll feel like a star when you take home the sixth highest median annual earnings – and also have the benefit of enjoying the second-lowest gender pay gap in the country. Tied for 20th place overall with east-coast New Jersey, the epitome of the west coast has average healthcare for women, and slightly below average economic and social well being. There will be plenty of time for fun in the sun though: a good work/life balance promises to keep you in that laid-back Cali state of mind. One major downside: The Golden State has the third-highest unemployment rate for women.

Professional opportunities: 21

Work/life balance: 15

Economic and social well being: 27

Women’s healthcare: 24

Median annual earnings: 6

Overall point total: 93

More on California: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in California

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Tied with California for the number 20 slot, The Garden State doesn’t have great stats for professional opportunities for women – but, once you do snag an opportunity, you can vacation somewhere a little more exotic than the Jersey Shore, as you’ll enjoy the top median annual earnings in the entire country. New Jersey also came in 13th for economic and social well being, and scored 19th for women’s healthcare.

Professional opportunities: 34

Work/life balance: 26

Economic and social well being: 13

Women’s healthcare: 19

Median annual earnings: 1

Overall point total: 93

More from New Jersey: The strangest dental crimes in the state of New Jersey

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Ohio: home of The Ohio State University, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, lots of cows and a sizeable number of opportunities for female professionals. The mediocre weather on the shores of Lake Erie parallels the state’s middle-of-the-road ranks for

median annual earnings, economic and social well being and healthcare. However, working women in Ohio do enjoy a good work/life balance (the 13th best in the country), so there will be plenty of time to cheer the Buckeyes on to another national championship.

Professional opportunities: 22

Work/life balance: 13

Economic and social well being: 23

Women’s healthcare: 20

Median annual earnings: 24

Overall point total: 102

More on Ohio: See where Ohio ranks on the list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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The home of deep-dish pizza and Michael Jordan’s basketball career may rank middle of the pack overall, but the median annual earnings for women in The Land of Lincoln are anything but average. Solid economic and social well being balance out with a low ranking for women’s healthcare (31) and work/life balance (28). Combined with an average ranking for professional opportunities, Illinois drops to 23rd overall.

Professional opportunities: 24

Work/life balance: 28

Economic and social well being: 11

Women’s healthcare: 31

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 103

More on Illinois: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Illinois

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Hope on your dogsled and head up to The Last Frontier for high median annual earnings! Alaska, coming in tied for 24th with South Dakota, offers attractive income numbers, but ranks below average in all the other categories. Another chilling stat? Frigid Alaska has the third-highest gender pay gap in the country.

Professional opportunities: 27

Work/life balance: 30

Economic and social well being: 31

Women’s healthcare: 27

Median annual earnings: 9

Overall point total: 124

More on Alaska: The weirdest dental crimes ever to happen in Alaska

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Tied with Alaska for 24th, South Dakota ranks in the middle of the pack overall, but falls short in the very important median annual earnings category. Women’s healthcare is great and professional opportunities are plentiful in the shadow of Mount Rushmore, but sub-par economic and social well being prevent this prairie state from being at the top of the list. Some good news? South Dakota has the second-lowest female unemployment rate in the country. Some not-so-good news? This quiet state ranked dead last in percentage of women-owned businesses.

Professional opportunities: 16

Work/life balance: 23

Economic and social well being: 28

Women’s healthcare: 10

Median annual earnings: 47

Overall point total: 124

More on South Dakota: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in South Dakota

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The home of the Wolverines came extremely close to making it into the top half of our list, but finished in the 26th spot. Low scores for economic and social well being and professional opportunity doomed Ohio’s rival to a lower spot in the rankings, though work/life balance and median annual earnings stats for the Great Lakes State are both above average for the country.

Professional opportunities: 28

Work/life balance: 21

Economic and social well being: 38

Women’s healthcare: 21

Median annual earnings: 20

Overall point total: 128

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There’s no place like home … although Kansas may not be the best home for female professionals. At 27th on the list, the Sunflower State probably doesn’t measure up to the idyllic Oz, ranking 34th for median annual earnings and 30th for professional opportunities. Work/life balance in the Great Plains is positive, but mediocre ratings for women’s healthcare and economic and social well being drop the home of the KC Chiefs down the overall rankings.

Professional opportunities: 30

Work/life balance: 16

Economic and social well being: 27

Women’s healthcare: 27

Median annual earnings: 34

Overall point total: 134

More on Kansas: See where Kansas ranks on the list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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Perfect for retirees, spring training fans and citrus aficionados, Florida might be a so-so choice for female professionals that don’t fall into one of those aforementioned categories. A plethora of professional opportunities and a 12th place ranking for economic and social well being are countered by bottom-of-the-table rankings for work/life balance. And you better keep getting your vitamin C to stay healthy: Women’s healthcare ranked in at a lowly 40th in the country.

Professional opportunities: 11

Work/life balance: 44

Economic and social well being: 12

Women’s healthcare: 40

Median annual earnings: 29

Overall point total: 136

More on Florida: Florida: Land of the strangest dental news we've ever heard

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While you may be amazed by the beauty of Yellowstone, you’ll find yourself significantly less awed by the lack of professional opportunities in the foothills of the Rockies. Wyoming ranked 29th overall, and median annual earnings in the country’s least populous state are also less than impressive, ranking 37 out of 50. Not to mention, the state has the highest gender pay gap in the country. However, both work/life balance and economic and social well being are above average and have promise for female professionals.

Professional opportunities: 42

Work/life balance: 17

Economic and social well being: 17

Women’s healthcare: 27

Median annual earnings: 37

Overall point total: 140

More on Wyoming: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Wyoming

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Come enjoy the mesmerizing desert in the Land of Enchantment! New Mexico tied with Utah for 30th on the list, with low scores in women’s healthcare and professionals dragging it down the ranks. A good work/life balance and economic and social well being are countered with below-average median annual earnings. It’s a great place for female small-business owners though: New Mexico has the second-highest percentage of women-owned businesses in the country.

Professional opportunities: 33

Work/life balance: 17

Economic and social well being: 22

Women’s healthcare: 41

Median annual earnings: 29

Overall point total: 142

More on New Mexico: The strangest dental crimes in New Mexico

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Tied for 30th on the list, the Beehive State is buzzing with great work/life balance – but the lack of professional opportunities and immense gender pay gap might leave female professionals feeling stung. Below-average median annual earnings don’t help the situation, and economic and social well being tanked in 43rd place. However, Utah is a great place for women’s healthcare.

Professional opportunities: 40

Work/life balance: 9

Economic and social well being: 43

Women’s healthcare: 16

Median annual earnings: 34

Overall point total: 142

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While in the home of the potato, female professionals will have to keep their eye on the prize. Although professional opportunities are plentiful, don’t expect to make much money in the Gem State: The median annual earnings ranked 46th in the country. However, you can take solace in the fact that the men aren’t making much more; Idaho ranked third for the lowest gender pay gap. Idaho’s great work/life balance is countered by an abysmal 48th-place ranking in economic and social well being, and women’s healthcare is middle of the road. Not to mention, Idaho ranks second to last in terms of women-owned businesses.

Professional opportunities: 17

Work/life balance: 9

Economic and social well being: 48

Women’s healthcare: 26

Median annual earnings: 46

Overall point total: 146

More on Idaho: See where Idaho ranks on the list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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Pennsylvania is full of important landmarks, such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Hershey’s chocolate factory. And Hershey’s isn’t the only thing sweet; median annual earnings are above average and work/life balance is average for the nation. The Keystone State is hampered by a lack of professional opportunities and low economic and social well being (31 and 39 respectively), but hey, you can always forget your woes with pounds and pounds of chocolate.

Professional opportunities: 31

Work/life balance: 26

Economic and social well being: 39

Women’s healthcare: 34

Median annual earnings: 17

Overall point total: 147

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Professional opportunities in Arizona are as broad as the Grand Canyon, but a 46th place ranking for work/life balance plummets the state to 34th overall on the list. Neither economic and social well being or women’s healthcare were anywhere near as impressive as the state’s famous natural wonder, and, although above average, median annual earnings were not breathtaking. At least you can count on the weather to be much sunnier than the outlook for female professionals!

Professional opportunities: 19

Work/life balance: 46

Economic and social well being: 30

Women’s healthcare: 35

Median annual earnings: 21

Overall point total: 151

More on Arizona: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Arizona

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While you’ll enjoy the second-best work/life balance in the nation in Big Sky Country, professional opportunities are lacking. A low economic and social well being rank might tarnish the majestic view a bit, while the state’s 44th-ranked median annual earnings might make it seem like the sky is falling. Additionally, women-owned businesses are scarce in the western state, with the fourth-lowest percentage in the nation. And be careful hiking the Rockies: women’s healthcare ranked below average at 33rd.

Professional opportunities: 41

Work/life balance: 2

Economic and social well being: 36

Women’s healthcare: 33

Median annual earnings: 44

Overall point total: 156

More on Montana: The most bizarre dental crimes in Big Sky Country

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Women may not be volunteering to go work in the Volunteer State when they hear it finished in 36th on our list of best states for female professionals. The home of Graceland ranked 37th for both median annual earnings and women’s healthcare, and came in 38th for work/life balance. Professional opportunities are brighter than in half the country, however, and economic and social well being is slightly above average.

Professional opportunities: 25

Work/life balance: 38

Economic and social well being: 24

Women’s healthcare: 37

Median annual earnings: 37

Overall point total: 161

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The Show-Me State doesn’t have a lot to show female professionals. 37th on the overall list, Missouri also ranked 37th in median annual earnings. Cardinals fans won’t be chirping about the below average professional opportunities and work/life balance, not to mention the sub-par economic and social well being in the Midwestern state.

Professional opportunities: 34

Work/life balance: 34

Economic and social well being: 29

Women’s healthcare: 32

Median annual earnings: 37

Overall point total: 166

More on Missouri: See where Missouri ranks on the list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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Female professionals may not want to roll the dice on Nevada, which is tied with North Carolina for 38th on the list. Although professional opportunities are high, a dead-last ranking for women’s healthcare dulls appeal. Also boasting the highest unemployment rates for women in the country, the home of Sin City might leave you spouting some sinful words when you discover the state has the fourth-worst work/life balance. Good news? Median annual earnings are average, and the state ranked fourth for lowest gender pay gap.

Professional opportunities: 12

Work/life balance: 47

Economic and social well being: 34

Women’s healthcare: 50

Median annual earnings: 24

Overall point total: 167

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The Tar Heel State can be a bit sticky for female professionals. Tied with Nevada for the 38th slot on the list, North Carolina ranked in the 30s for every category except median annual earnings, where it managed to sneak into the 29th slot. As such, this mountainous coastal state is below average in all five categories, but if you do choose to call NC home, we cannot recommend the fantastic Carolina BBQ enough.

Professional opportunities: 36

Work/life balance: 34

Economic and social well being: 32

Women’s healthcare: 36

Median annual earnings: 29

Overall point total: 167

More on North Carolina: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in North Carolina

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Forget bluegrass; female professionals might be singing the blues when they see that Kentucky came in at number 40. A lack of professional opportunities, coupled with low median annual earnings, makes it a tough horse race for working women in the state. Ranked 28th for work/life balance, the Bluegrass State suffers from below-average rankings in economic and social well being and women’s healthcare.

Professional opportunities: 43

Work/life balance: 28

Economic and social well being: 35

Women’s healthcare: 30

Median annual earnings: 37

Overall point total: 173

More on Kentucky: See where Kentucky ranks on the list of best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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Do you feel a camaraderie with Rudy? You may be an underdog as a working woman in Indiana, which ranked 41st on our list. Female Hoosiers will be hard-pressed to find professional opportunities in the Midwestern state and although Indiana has an above-average work/life balance, economic and social well being and median annual earnings rank a disappointing 37th and 36th respectively.

Professional opportunities: 48

Work/life balance: 20

Economic and social well being: 37

Women’s healthcare: 38

Median annual earnings: 36

Overall point total: 179

More on Indiana: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Indiana

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If you want a peachy work/life balance, Georgia probably isn’t the state for you. With a dead-last rank in that category, Georgia’s also on our mind as a less-than-ideal place for women’s healthcare and economic and social well being. Median annual earnings are decent though, and the Peach State also ranks fourth for women-owned businesses. However, the Bulldogs also have the second-highest female unemployment rate and ranked 37th for professional opportunities.

Professional opportunities: 37

Work/life balance: 50

Economic and social well being: 41

Women’s healthcare: 42

Median annual earnings: 24

Overall point total: 194

More on Georgia: The strangest tooth-related crimes in the state of Georgia

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In the land of cowboys, cowgirls seem to come up short on professional opportunities, ranking 46th out of 50 in that category. Tied with Georgia for 42nd place overall, the Lone Star State doesn’t shine when it comes to work/life balance or economic and social well being. However, median annual earnings were just above average.

Professional opportunities: 46

Work/life balance: 45

Economic and social well being: 40

Women’s healthcare: 39

Median annual earnings: 24

Overall point total: 194

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Sweet home Alabama may not be so sweet for female professionals. Median annual earnings are some of the lowest in the country, and work/life balance and women’s healthcare ranked equally as poorly. The Heart of Dixie ranked 44th overall, pushed towards the bottom of the list by below-average ranks in every category. One consolation? The sweet tea is delicious.

Professional opportunities: 37

Work/life balance: 42

Economic and social well being: 32

Women’s healthcare: 43

Median annual earnings: 42

Overall point total: 196

More on Alabama: Find out where Alabama ranks on the list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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The mountainous slopes of West Virginia offer great hiking and beautiful foliage, but not much in the way of professional opportunities for women. This Appalacian state ranked 44th for professional opportunities and an even-more-disappointing 47th for median annual earning. Additionally, the state had the fifth-highest gender pay gap. One redeeming feature: Work/life balance is average, so at least you’ll be able to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery.

Professional opportunities: 44

Work/life balance: 25

Economic and social well being: 44

Women’s healthcare: 46

Median annual earnings: 47

Overall point total: 206

More on West Virginia: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in West Virginia

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Ranking 46th on the list, Arkansas has a surprisingly high ranking for professional opportunities considering it ranks 48th for women-owned businesses and 47th for median annual earnings. Those low stats for the Natural State are beaten only by its last-place finish in economic and social well being. There will be little time to enjoy the Ozarks, too; Arkansas finished 36th for work/life balance.

Professional opportunities: 29

Work/life balance: 36

Economic and social well being: 50

Women’s healthcare: 45

Median annual earnings: 47

Overall point total: 207

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The Palmetto State has an abundance of beautiful beaches and crippling humidity, but it comes up short in the professional opportunities department. Ranking 49th, 47th and 42nd in professional opportunities, women’s healthcare and economic and social well being respectively, this southern state is a sticky place for female professionals.

Professional opportunities: 49

Work/life balance: 36

Economic and social well being: 42

Women’s healthcare: 47

Median annual earnings: 37

Overall point total: 211

More on South Carolina: See where the state ranks on the list of the best and worst states to work in a dental practice

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Life on the bayou for female professionals is not all easy southern living. Ranked 48th overall, the Cajun State ranked 49th for economic and social well being, 42nd for median annual earnings, and 43rd for women’s healthcare. More bad news? Louisiana has the second-highest gender pay gap in the nation. We wish we had better news about life on the Gulf, but at least you know you’ll get a totally rocking party once a year.

Professional opportunities: 50

Work/life balance: 32

Economic and social well being: 49

Women’s healthcare: 43

Median annual earnings: 42

Overall point total: 216

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Ohhhhhhklahoma where the wind comes rushing down the plain to meet … bad prospects for female professionals. Oklahoma didn’t rank higher than 40th in any category. The Sooner State ranked 45th for professional opportunities and economic and social well being, and a dismal 48th for women’s healthcare. A 44th place finish in median annual earnings doesn’t offer particularly great incentive either.

Professional opportunities: 45

Work/life balance: 40

Economic and social well being: 45

Women’s healthcare: 48

Median annual earnings: 44

Overall point total: 222

More on Oklahoma: The latest hourly and annual salary numbers for dentists, hygienists and assistants in Oklahoma

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Mississippi: So many letters, yet so few professional opportunities. Mississippi ranked in the bottom five for every category except work/life balance, and also has the honor of the fourth-highest female unemployment rate in the nation. The Hospitality State isn’t that hospitable to female professionals, ranking 47th in both median annual earnings and professional opportunities.

Professional opportunities: 47

Work/life balance: 41

Economic and social well being: 46

Women’s healthcare: 49

Median annual earnings: 47

Overall point total: 230

More on Mississippi: The craziest dental crimes in the Hospitality State

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