According to this print of Occupations (which includes charts concerning "Total Females Occupied" and "Increase in Occupations"), there were more women engaged in "useful occupations" in New York than in any other state in 1880.

(if you go by ratio instead of total number, South Carolina takes the cake.)

But what was considered a "useful occupation" in 1880? This chart of Occupations by Race and Nationality provides some clues.

Plus, it's pretty neat-looking. 

Check out both prints:

Occupations (Total Females Occupations, Increase in Occupations)

Occupations by Race and Nationality