The Most Desired Employers in the U.S.: Insights from a New Survey

LOS ANGELES – In the search for their ideal career, many professionals now prioritize factors beyond just salary. A recent survey conducted by Careerminds has revealed that perks, company purpose, and alignment with personal values play significant roles in attracting employees.

Changing Priorities in the Job Market

The survey, which gathered insights from 3,023 workers across the United States, indicates a clear shift in what employees find appealing in their workplaces. While tech giants like Google and Microsoft continue to entice talent with attractive packages, smaller, mission-oriented companies such as King Arthur Baking Company in Vermont and W.S. Badger Co. in New Hampshire are also celebrated for fostering strong team dynamics and a commitment to environmental values.

Notable employee benefits cited in the survey include:

• Travel perks, highlighted by airlines like Hawaiian, Southwest, and Delta, which offer significant discounts or even complimentary flights for employees and their families.
• Health-centric employers, including Mayo Clinic and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, recognized for their comprehensive wellness initiatives and healthcare provisions.
• Retail companies such as Walmart and Costco, which have received praise for higher wages and employee tuition benefits, effectively redefining career paths within retail sectors.

State-by-State Breakdown of Top Employers

As part of the survey, respondents indicated their preferred employers in each state. The results showcase a diverse array of organizations leading in employee satisfaction:

• Alabama – Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama
• Alaska – Southcentral Foundation
• Arizona – Arizona Diamondbacks
• Arkansas – Walmart
• California – Google
• Colorado – Vail Resorts
• Connecticut – Aetna (CVS Health)
• Delaware – W.L. Gore & Associates
• Florida – Publix Super Markets
• Georgia – The Coca-Cola Company
• Hawaii – Hawaiian Airlines
• Idaho – Micron Technology
• Illinois – ALDI (U.S.)
• Indiana – Eli Lilly and Company
• Iowa – Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Kansas – Koch Industries
• Kentucky – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky
• Louisiana – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
• Maine – L.L.Bean, Inc.
• Maryland – Marriott International
• Massachusetts – MassMutual
• Michigan – Ford Motor Company
• Minnesota – Mayo Clinic
• Mississippi – NASA (John C. Stennis Space Center)
• Missouri – Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B)
• Montana – Zoot Enterprises
• Nebraska – Union Pacific Railroad
• Nevada – Wynn Resorts
• New Hampshire – Timberland
• New Jersey – Johnson & Johnson
• New Mexico – Intel Corporation
• New York – American Express
• North Carolina – Bank of America
• North Dakota – Bobcat Company
• Ohio – The J.M. Smucker Co.
• Oklahoma – Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
• Oregon – Nike
• Pennsylvania – University of Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island – Hasbro
• South Carolina – Michelin North America
• South Dakota – Black Hills Corporation
• Tennessee – FedEx Express
• Texas – Southwest Airlines
• Utah – Adobe
• Vermont – Ben & Jerry’s
• Virginia – Hilton
• Washington – Costco Wholesale
• West Virginia – Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia
• Wisconsin – Kwik Trip, Inc.
• Wyoming – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Emerging Trends in Employee Preferences

The findings from the survey reveal significant trends in the evolving landscape of employment preferences. While technology companies are still major draws due to competitive compensation and options for remote work, regional businesses are gaining traction by offering personalized and impactful benefits. Employees are increasingly valuing environments that allow them to feel supported and respected.

Organizations in the public sector, such as NASA and various state agencies, are also being re-evaluated as appealing career choices, emphasizing job stability and inspiring missions.

This survey from Careerminds highlights a crucial shift: today’s most sought-after employers are not necessarily the most prominent names, but those that create meaningful and supportive work environments.

The Source: This information is derived from findings of a Careerminds survey involving 3,023 U.S. employees, reflecting preferences regarding workplace culture, benefits, flexibility, and overall employer desirability.