// The Rise of the Overworked American: U.S. Work Hours Reach Record Highs in 2024

The Rise of the Overworked American: U.S. Work Hours Reach Record Highs in 2024

New MyPerfectResume analysis reveals an 11% increase in national work hours since 2007, led by Texas (+34%), North Dakota (+31%), and Utah (+29%)

GUAYNABO, PR – September 9, 2025 – New data analysis from resume-building platform MyPerfectResume®finds that Americans are working significantly more than they were in the mid-2000s, despite little growth in real wages or workplace support. Using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the Changing American Workweek report reveals that cumulative national work hours have surged 10.7% since Q1 2007, reaching a record 296.7 billion hours in Q4 2024.

Unlike traditional employment statistics, which count the number of people with jobs, this analysis focuses on total labor volume, the actual hours Americans are working. The results show a rise in labor intensity across the U.S., fueled by second jobs, longer shifts, gig work, and blurred lines between home and work.

“We often ask how many people are working, but the better question is: how much are they working, and at what cost?” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume. “This new metric captures the full weight of the modern workweek, and the burnout building beneath the surface.”

Key Findings:

• Total national work hours rose 10.7% between Q1 2007 and Q4 2024, reaching 296.7 billion hours.
• Texas experienced the largest increase in work hours since 2007, up 34%.
• Other high-growth states include North Dakota (+31%), Utah (+29%), Idaho (+28%), and Arizona (+23%).
• Five states saw declines in hours worked: New Mexico (–3%), Vermont (–3%), Alaska (–4%), West Virginia (–5%), and Wyoming (–6%).

The Top 10 States Where Americans Are Working the Most

Based on percentage growth in total cumulative hours worked from 2007 to 2024, these states lead the nation in labor intensity:

In Sun Belt and Mountain West states, such as Texas, Florida, and Utah, population growth, booming industries, and labor shortages are driving up work demands. However, longer hours don’t always mean better jobs. Many gains come with burnout risks, inconsistent schedules, and unpaid overtime.

Why This Matters

The report uses total hours worked to measure the amount of labor being performed, not just the number of people working. This macro view reveals hidden burdens:

• Workers covering multiple jobs or shifts
• Employees stretched by understaffing
• Remote workers tethered to their devices 24/7
• Gig workers logging hours without benefits

What’s Driving the Increase?

Several economic pressures are driving Americans to work more than they did in the mid-2000s:

• Stagnant wages: More hours are needed to cover basic costs.
• Labor shortages: Fewer workers mean more shifts to fill.
• Remote/hybrid models: Workdays often extend into evenings and weekends.
• Rising cost of living: Many workers take on second jobs or freelance gigs.

Bottom 5 States Where Work Hours Declined

These states may reflect slower economic recoveries, aging populations, or shifts away from labor-intensive industries.

To view the full rankings and data breakdown by state, visit: https://www.myperfectresume.com/career-center/careers/basics/american-workweek-hours-increase 

Survey Methodology

This analysis was conducted by MyPerfectResume using publicly available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

• National Data: Quarterly totals for hours worked were pulled from the BLS Productivity and Costs program. Q1 2007 was compared with Q4 2024.
• State Data: Indexed hours worked by state (2007–2024) were analyzed to calculate the percentage change in cumulative labor hours.
• This analysis measures total labor volume, not average hours per person, offering a broad perspective on economic labor demand by state.