Plano has long built its identity around growth, opportunity and professional drive. Now, that reputation is earning national recognition.
In WalletHub’s 2026 Hardest-Working Cities in America report, Plano ranks 17th overall among the 116 largest U.S. cities analyzed, landing in the top 20 just ahead of Employee Appreciation Day on March 6.
How The Rankings Were Determined
To identify where Americans work the hardest, WalletHub evaluated cities across 11 key metrics. The data points included employment rate, average weekly hours worked, share of workers with multiple jobs, commute times, volunteer hours and leisure time.
Americans work an average of 1,796 hours per year — significantly more than workers in many other industrialized countries — making the conversation around productivity, work-life balance and burnout especially timely.
How Plano Performed
Plano earned an overall ranking of 17th nationally.
Among specific categories, the city ranked:
20th for average workweek hours
39th for average commute time
52nd for employment rate
85th for share of workers with multiple jobs
6th for share of households where no adults work
27th for annual volunteer hours per resident
43rd for average daily leisure time
The rankings reflect a mix of long workweeks, moderate commute times and strong volunteer engagement, offering a snapshot of how Plano residents balance productivity with community involvement.
The Bigger Picture
WalletHub analysts noted that while working longer hours can increase productivity, it may also come with tradeoffs related to physical health, stress and overall well-being.
“Hard work is the backbone of America’s economy,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “While working long hours and minimizing time off can lead to increased productivity, they can also have negative effects on people’s physical and mental health.”
As North Texas continues to grow as a corporate and economic hub, Plano’s ranking underscores its position as a city driven by professional ambition and workforce participation.
For the full 2026 Hardest-Working Cities in America report, visit wallethub.com.
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