Ranking
America's Dream Employers 2026
America’s Dream Employers 2026 recognizes the most sought-after workplaces in the United States: companies that inspire ambition among students and earn strong endorsement from their own employees. The ranking is based on an independent survey of U.S. college students and employee feedback, assessing how frequently organizations are named “dream employers” and their overall employer ratings.
- Based on a clear and detailed methodology
- Segmented by industry
- Created in partnership with Forbes
10,000
10,000
students surveyed
3,500
3,500
companies evaluated
500
500
companies awarded
Ranking Details
America's Dream Employers 2026
Total:
Total companies:
0 companies
AWARDING YOUR EXCELLENCE
Claim your award
Every awardee is contacted by email with instructions on accessing the award portal.
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Project Details
About the project
Now in its second edition, America’s Dream Employers 2026 is based on feedback from students and professionals across the U.S., supported by a detailed methodology for evaluating companies. The project aims to highlight the most sought-after companies to work for and provide a benchmark for both employers and job seekers to better understand the job market.
Feedback from over 10,000 students was gathered through an independent online survey. Participants rated how excited they would be to receive a job offer from each company and evaluated them across key employer areas, such as workplace culture, salary, development opportunities, image, and overall working conditions. Employees from nominated organizations also shared their feedback. From 3,500 companies shortlisted, the final ranking recognizes 500 dream employers across the U.S.
Scoring
Identifying America's dream employers
Our scoring model uses independently collected survey data from students in the US. The data is divided into several assessment dimensions.
Direct score
Students were asked to name their dream employer, and rate how excited they would be to receive a job offer from that company.
Indirect score
Respondents indicated the industry they work in. Based on this, each respondent is shown a selection of employers active in a given sector. Respondents can then voluntarily recommend or advise against employers from the list.
METHODOLOGY
How we work
Learn about our general approach to creating employer rankings. Further details about how the ranking was created can be found in the America's Dream Employers 2026 methodology.
01 Concept
For our employment projects, we evaluate and rank the world’s leading employers, highlighting organizations that excel in fostering positive work environments and sustainable growth. Our rankings help job seekers make informed career choices while providing companies with a benchmark to assess their standing in the global job market.
02 Data Collection
For data collection, our team of analysts creates detailed online questionnaires that ask survey participants about work-related topics. By working with leading online access panels worldwide, suitable participants are identified and surveyed independently of potentially awarded employer brands. Survey responses are then checked for quality and validity (interview length, variances, inconsistencies) and sorted accordingly.
03 Evaluation
To evaluate the data, we apply a scoring model that combines direct feedback on the participants’ own employers with indirect feedback on other employers within their professional fields.
04 Quality Assurance
For each potential award-winning employer, company information is researched and eligibility for the list is confirmed. This step serves as quality assurance and is presented as information in the publication.
Partnership
Our media partner
Forbes Media is a global media, branding and technology company, with a focus on news and information concerning business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and affluent lifestyles. The company publishes Forbes, Forbes Asia, and Forbes Europe magazines as well as online at Forbes.com.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
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Get in touch with us
You can contact us via the phone number or email below for any queries related to this project. We look forward to hearing from you.
Jannik Petersen
Jannik Petersen
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