Massachusetts, DC and Connecticut rank as top places for working fathers

Shifting gender norms and more inclusive workplace policies have made it easier for the working father to spend more time with their children. While the modern-day dad doesn't face the same expectation to be the sole breadwinner as before, the state he lives in often helps determine his circumstances. 

Variations in state law and a state's overall economic well-being help determine the situation for working fathers across America, according to a new report by WalletHub. Few states have paternity leave mandates, and other factors, such as the average length of the work day, can significantly impact a father's level of involvement at home. 

Read More: What about Dad? 

The economy and law, however, aren't cure-alls. Although some states, such as New York, have introduced paid leave for fathers, many dads still struggle to take leave due to fear of consequences. Studies demonstrate that paternity leave has benefits for the whole family, linked with improved health for mothers and lower divorce rates. 

"Even though the employer may offer these leaves, bosses and coworkers often look down on men who take them," Linda Nielsen, a professor at Wake Forest University, said in WalletHub's press release. "Consequently, these dads might get fewer raises, fewer promotions, and fewer of the more 'desirable' opportunities at work. "

To help determine the best and worst states for working dads, Wallethub conducted a study across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. They used 23 different metrics, from the cost of child care to insurance rates, to help measure their results. Here are their findings.