A company’s workforce is perhaps its most valuable asset, and no one knows more about a workplace than its employees. Employee opinions reflect basic measures, such as pay, perks, benefits, and hours worked. But they are also influenced by factors such as a company’s culture, work-life balance, and leadership — intangibles that can be lost in internal audits and consultancy surveys.

While companies have websites, public relations teams, and recruiters to tailor their message to prospective hires, employees have far fewer forums to communicate their views. Glassdoor.com, a career community website, provides the opportunity for employees to give their own opinions, and for potential employees to research the company. To identify the 54 Best Companies to Work For, 24/7 Wall St. examined reviews from current and former employees on Glassdoor.com.

Click here to see the best companies to work for. 

Click here to see the worst companies to work for.

The best companies to work for were concentrated in particular industries. For example, technology companies are well represented among the highest-rated employers, as are consulting firms. Of the 54 best companies, only nine received an average rating of 4.0 or higher on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0. Of these, five are in the technology space — Facebook (NASDAQ: FB), Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). Several consulting firms also made the list. Seven out of the 54 best companies provided consulting services, including the Big Four auditing firms — EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG.

The high pay associated with the technology and consultancy industries may also explain the relatively high worker satisfaction. Not only are software engineers and consultants some of the highest-paid individuals in the workforce, but employees at companies on this list tend to be paid more than similar professionals at other companies. According to a report from Glassdoor, just 10% of Glassdoor users who reported annual wages higher than $120,000 gave their employers a rating of 1 out of 5 versus 15% of employees earning less than $30,000 annually.

However, controlling for a range of other factors, the report found money does not have a very large impact on satisfaction. An employee’s experience with a company’s culture and values are far more important.

Being a market leader also appears to help. Many well-reviewed companies are the leaders in their respective industries, and as a result are financially successful. Apple, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), and Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) are all among the top-rated employers on Glassdoor.com and among the largest public companies in the world by revenue.

While ensuring a positive workplace experience seems to have paid off for many of these companies, a satisfied workforce does not guarantee financial success. A number of the 54 best companies to work for reported year-over-year revenue declines. T-Mobile recorded a net loss of $7.3 billion in its fiscal 2012, and made less than $250 million in profits in each of the two subsequent years. This may mean some of these companies are especially good at managing workforce morale. Or, the conditions that led to the declines will eventually undermine employee satisfaction.

Not surprisingly, satisfied employees also tend to approve of their CEOs. It would seem leadership matters, not just for running a company and producing returns for shareholders, but also for promoting employee satisfaction. Among the 54 best companies to work for, 34 have CEOs with an approval rating of 90% or higher. In all, just three CEOs have an approval rating below 80%, and all have the endorsement of at least two-thirds of their employees. By contrast, the average CEO approval rating on Glassdoor.com was 68%.

In order to determine America’s best companies to work for, 24/7 Wall St. independently reviewed employee ratings and testimonials on Glassdoor.com. Among the more than 200 companies reviewed, 24/7 Wall St. identified the 54 businesses that received the highest overall scores. Employee satisfaction is measured by Glassdoor.com on a scale of 1.0 through 5.0, where 1.0 is very dissatisfied and 5.0 is very satisfied. The average company rating on glassdoor is a 3.2. To be considered, a company had to have at least 1,000 reviews, with an average of 3.6 or higher. Employers were also excluded if they were a government agency or bureau, a non-profit, or a subsidiary of a company. Employee totals and revenue figures are from the most recent fiscal year available. Sources include company documents and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. For companies that do not provide data, Forbes estimates were used. For companies reporting revenues in foreign currencies, we converted revenue into dollars based on the effective exchange rate at the end of the company’s fiscal year.

These are America’s Best Companies to Work For

1. Facebook
> Glassdoor rating: 4.5
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Mark Zuckerberg)
> Employees: 10,082
> Industry: Internet information providers
> Revenue: $12.5 billion

Based on employee feedback on Glassdoor.com, Facebook is tied as the best company to work for in 2015. The company received an average review of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Also, nine out of 10 employees said they would recommend working at the company to a friend. Employees who think highly of the company cited good pay and benefits and a fast-paced work environment. Facebook also offers generous perks, such as laundry service, free gourmet meals, and gym access. Facebook employees also approved of management policies. One review echoed a common sentiment, advising management to “keep doing what you are doing, putting people first…and treating your employees with great care and kindness.”

Employee satisfaction is important to a company’s success and Facebook’s performance in the stock market has reflected as much. Since its IPO price in May 2012 of $38 a share, the tech giant‘s shares have more than doubled and now trade around $94.

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2. Linkedin
> Glassdoor rating: 4.5
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 99% (Jeff Weiner)
> Employees: 6,900
> Industry: Internet information providers
> Revenue: $2.2 billion

Launched in 2003, LinkedIn describes itself as the “world’s largest professional network.” Based on employee reviews on Glassdoor.com, it is also one of the best places to work. More than 90% of reviewers said they would recommend a job with the company to a friend, and nearly 100% approve of CEO Jeff Weiner. Competitive salaries, smart co-workers, and great benefits were frequently mentioned in positive reviews. The base annual salary of $133,000 for a software engineer at LinkedIn is 47% higher than the national average salary of $90,374 for software engineers. One common complaint among dissatisfied workers, however, was lack of a work-life balance — evidence that even the best companies are not perfect.

3. Insight Global
> Glassdoor rating: 4.5
> Number of reviews: 2,600
> CEO approval rating: 95% (Glenn Johnson)
> Employees: 11,561
> Industry: Staffing
> Revenue: $918.4 million

Like many of the best companies to work for, Insight Global operates in the information technology industry. The company recently relocated its offices to Silicon Valley in San Jose, California. While the company continues to profit from strong tech sector growth, it does not manufacture computer components and therefore employs relatively few traditionally highly-paid software engineers. In fact, some employees at Insight Global reported relatively low pay. For example, the average annual salary of a recruiter at the company is $35,245, about 31% lower than the national average recruiter salary. Nonetheless, Insight Global workers are among the most satisfied. The company was frequently praised for its professional work environment. Current and former employees also cited available and fair advancement opportunities.

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4. Google
> Glassdoor rating: 4.4
> Number of reviews: 3,800
> CEO approval rating: 96% (Larry Page)
> Employees: 53,600
> Industry: Internet information providers
> Revenue: $66.0 billion

Google is famous for its employee perks. The company not only offers health and retirement benefits, but also travel insurance, legal aid, and education reimbursement, to name a few. However, employees noted some concerns, including how hard it was to get promoted and how large the company felt at times. Google is also one of a number of technology companies criticized for the lack of diversity in its hiring.

Still, Google employees are on the whole well compensated and very satisfied. The average annual salary of a software engineer at Google is $127,664, well above the national average of $90,374 for the same job and one of the highest compared to other companies.

5. McKinsey & Company
> Glassdoor rating: 4.2
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 97% (Dominic Barton)
> Employees: 17,000
> Industry: Business services & supplies
> Revenue: $8.0 billion

McKinsey & Company describes itself as “a global management consulting firm that serves leading businesses, governments, non governmental organizations, and not-for-profits.” The vast majority of reviewers working for the consulting firm are happy to be there. A typical management consultant associate with McKinsey makes about $162,800 annually, slightly more than the national average of $156,800 for similar positions at other companies. While higher salaries help improve employee satisfaction, many reviewers praised McKinsey for being an excellent place to learn and develop skills through challenging work that will serve them for their entire career.

6. Expedia
> Glassdoor rating: 4.1
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 97% (Dara Khosrowshahi)
> Employees: 18,210
> Industry: Travel
> Revenue: $5.8 billion

Online travel company Expedia employs more than 18,000 people in more than 30 countries. Expedia runs Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, and a number of other travel websites. The holding company purchased Travelocity in January and will likely acquire competitor Orbitz in a $1.6 billion deal widely expected to be approved by antitrust regulators. As might be expected of a vacation and online travel company, Expedia employees have access to travel benefits, which were among the most cited perks in positive reviews of the company.

7. Adobe Systems
> Glassdoor rating: 4.1
> Number of reviews: 1,400
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Shantanu Narayen)
> Employees: 12,499
> Industry: Application software
> Revenue: $4.1 billion

Many studies show that well-paid employees are often more satisfied, which may be the reason software company Adobe scores so well in worker happiness. Computer scientists, the most common position to rate the experience of working at the San Jose-based company, earn an average base annual salary of $120,000, roughly $10,000 higher than the average national salary for that position. In general, employees who expressed their approval of the company said they truly enjoyed the culture and work-life balance Adobe had to offer. Many also spoke in praise of the perks offered. One senior computer scientist said, “Phenomenal benefits — from the health plans, to flexible vacation policy, and set company breaks.”

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8. Apple
> Glassdoor rating: 4.0
> Number of reviews: 5,400
> CEO approval rating: 95% (Tim Cook)
> Employees: 97,000
> Industry: Electronic equipment
> Revenue: $182.8 billion

Apple is one of the largest companies in the world by revenue. The company reported $182.8 billion in revenue in its fiscal 2014, up substantially from the previous year. The iPhone maker employs roughly 97,000 people worldwide, including around 4,400 temporary and seasonal workers. In the United States, employee wages range from as low as $13 per hour for Mac specialists, to $122,000 a year for software engineers. This was about 35% higher than the national average salary for software engineers. On the whole, Apple employees are very satisfied with the work environment and treatment from upper management. Satisfied workers reported great benefits and opportunities for advancement, although a lack of work-life balance was a common complaint. The employee discount was also frequently listed as a positive feature of Apple employment.

9. Nike
> Glassdoor rating: 4.0
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 96% (Mark G. Parker)
> Employees: 62,600
> Industry: Apparel footwear & accessories
> Revenue: $30.6 billion

The fact that the world’s largest sneaker manufacturer has some of the most satisfied employees may be surprising to some. At one point, the company had a reputation for using badly-treated sweatshop laborers in southeast Asia, but since Nike (NYSE: NKE) appears to have shed that reputation. Regardless, company reviews on Glassdoor.com were primarily by U.S. employees, who appear to like their jobs and the company’s leadership. All but 4% of Nike’s reviewers said they approved of CEO Mark Palmer. A large share of the respondents mentioned a highly exciting and enjoyable work environment. Also, many respondents were Nike customers themselves and enjoyed the free gear they received as one of the perks.

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10. Chick-fil-A
> Glassdoor rating: 3.9
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Dan T. Cathy)
> Employees: > 1,000
> Industry: Fast food
> Revenue: $5.8 billion

Chick-fil-A is the only company in the restaurant industry to make the list of best places to work. On Glassdoor.com, employees praised the restaurant for its friendly workplace environment and flexible scheduling to accommodate other employee obligations. Another common sentiment among satisfied employees was one that the chain’s customers can likely relate too. To quote one employee review, “Free food was always the highlight of my day.” The relatively satisfied employees likely helped improve customer service at Chick-fil-A. This year, the company joined the ranks of 24/7 Wall St.’s Customer Service Hall of Fame.

11. Salesforce
> Glassdoor rating: 3.9
> Number of reviews: 1,400
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Marc Benioff)
> Employees: 16,000
> Industry: Application software
> Revenue: $5.4 billion

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) is a cloud-based service that facilitates relationships between businesses and their customers or potential customers. The company went public over 10 years ago at an IPO price of $11 and today trades at around $70 a share, moving from a niche product in its early years to becoming the industry standard today. The company may owe much of its success to a satisfied workforce. With a rating of 3.9 on Glassdoor.com, Salesforce is one of the best companies to work for in 2015. An average member of the Salesforce technical staff makes $120,200 annually, about 13% more than the national average of $106,322 for similar positions at other companies. While higher pay helps employee morale, satisfied survey respondents also frequently cite interesting, talented co-workers, and working for a product they genuinely believe in.

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12. Costco Wholesale
> Glassdoor rating: 3.9
> Number of reviews: 2,000
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Craig Jelinek)
> Employees: 195,000
> Industry: Discount, variety stores
> Revenue: $112.6 billion

Costco (NASDAQ: COST) beat both its main competitors in employee satisfaction score by a wide margin — while Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale scored very low on Glassdoor.com, Costco fell just outside of the top 10. An impressive 82% of employees approve of CEO Craig Jelinek’s leadership, while only 52% and 60% approved of Sam’s Club and BJ’s CEOs, respectively. Employees are very well compensated at Costco, which may explain why so many are happy with their jobs. Cashiers reported earning an average base of $16 an hour, well above what most people in the position at other companies make. A cashier at BJ’s Wholesale, for example, makes about $10 every hour.

13. Johnson & Johnson
> Glassdoor rating: 3.9
> Number of reviews: 1,800
> CEO approval rating: 95% (Alex Gorsky)
> Employees: 126,500
> Industry: Drug manufacturers
> Revenue: $74.3 billion

Pharmaceutical and consumer goods company Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) long ago established itself as a common brand in homes and hospitals across the country. Manufacturing everything from over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol and Benadryl to personal hygiene products such as Listerine and baby powder, the company also sells hospital equipment through its medical devices segment. Johnson & Johnson does much to ensure employee satisfaction as well as customer satisfaction. Employee reviews on Glassdoor.com often praise the company’s family-oriented culture, high pay, and generous paid time off and 401k benefits.

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14. Intel Corporation
> Glassdoor rating: 3.9
> Number of reviews: 5,100
> CEO approval rating: 84% (Brian M. Krzanich)
> Employees: 106,700
> Industry: Semiconductor – broad line
> Revenue: $55.9 billion

While long hours and a challenging work-life balance are common complaints among reviews, Intel employees appear to be adequately compensated. Intel’s software engineers earn about $106,000 annually, about 17% more than the industry average. Along with higher salaries, Intel employees are especially happy with company benefits, including stock options and flexible scheduling. One employee underscored the prevailing sentiments, writing that Intel gave them access to “cutting edge technology, with the best resources to do great things.”

15. Edelman
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 92% (Richard W. Edelman)
> Employees: 5,500
> Industry: Public relations
> Revenue: $768 million

Public relations firm Edelman was founded in 1952 by Dan Edelman. More than six decades later, the company is now run by his son, Richard, and is the largest public relations firm in the world. Edelman’s employees appear to love the current CEO, with 92% approving of Edelman’s leadership. Workers surveyed on Glassdoor.com report very positive work-life balance at the company and appreciated being surrounded by productive, intelligent workers.

16. The Walt Disney Company
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 1,200
> CEO approval rating: 91% (Bob Iger)
> Employees: 180,000
> Industry: Entertainment – diversified
> Revenue: $48.8 billion

The Walt Disney Company was founded in October 1923 as The Disney Brothers Studio. Five years later, Mickey Mouse was introduced to the world and the brand took off. The company now has 11 theme parks and 47 resorts across three continents and has been behind some of the most iconic animated films in industry history. It also owns several prominent TV networks and film studios. Disney is also one of the best companies to work for. While complaints about the company being a large beaurocracy from survey respondents on Glassdoor.com are typical for large companies, the benefits of working for Disney are what set it apart. Disney employees cite many perks they love about the company — from discounted merchandise and free park access to a positive work environment with competitive pay and benefits .

17. Intuit
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 2,000
> CEO approval rating: 91% (Brad Smith)
> Employees: 8,000
> Industry: Application software
> Revenue: $4.5 billion

Starting in 1983 with personal finance software Quicken, Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU) now produces software such as TurboTax and QuickBooks that have been used by over 45 million people. Positive employee reviews regularly cite great pay and benefits, flexible hours, good work-life balance, and a fun environment. Intuit offers a 401k match and pays senior software engineers 16% more than the average salary of comparable positions at other companies.

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18. Microsoft
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 11,000
> CEO approval rating: 87% (Satya Nadella)
> Employees: 118,000
> Industry: Business software & services
> Revenue: $93.6 billion

Software company Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) does not rate as high as competitor Apple, but it is still considered by the 11,000 employees who reviewed it to be one of the best companies to work for. The company is now helmed by Satya Nadella after the 14-year tenure of Steve Ballmer came to an end last year. Nadella appears to have earned the workers’ respect in less than two years, as he has an 87% approval rating on Glassdoor.com. Microsoft workers also praise the company’s benefits system and appreciate being surrounded by intelligent coworkers. Several software developers reported being kept busy and engaged by managers who had their interests and professional growth in mind.

19. Procter & Gamble
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 2,700
> CEO approval rating: 86% (A.G. Lafley)
> Employees: 118,000
> Industry: Personal products
> Revenue: $83.1 billion

Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, Procter & Gamble is the company behind many of the most recognizable household brands. Brands such as Tide, Gillette, and Crest all fall under the P&G umbrella. Still based in Cincinnati, P&G is one of best companies to work for. Survey respondents praise the company for its ethical business practices and collaborative work environment. Higher salaries also do not hurt. The average base salary for a brand manager at P&G is $139,200, about 25% higher than the national average for the same position.

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20. SAP
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 2,700
> CEO approval rating: 91% (Bill McDermott)
> Employees: 74,500
> Industry: Application software
> Revenue: $19.3 billion

German software company SAP rates as one of the best large software companies to work for, with a score of 3.8 out of 5. The company is massive, employing more than 74,000 workers around the world. Like many of the companies with satisfied employees, SAP has a highly-compensated workforce. The average base annual salary of most positions listed on Glassdoor.com was at least $100,000. More than four out of every five employees say they would recommend a job with the company to a friend, and common positive comments included praise of the company’s work-life balance and opportunity for employees to grow.

21. T-Mobile
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 3,200
> CEO approval rating: 95% (John Legere)
> Employees: 45,000
> Industry: Wireless communications
> Revenue: $29.6 billion

T-Mobile (NYSE: TMUS) is one of the four big cellular service providers in the United States. Though it does not rank as having the most reliable network, it has the most satisfied employees. Many survey respondents on Glassdoor.com acknowledge that the job can be stressful, but claim they are well compensated with a decent salary and performance-based bonuses. Many also commend the work of their managers, saying they can be helpful in easing the stress that comes with the job.

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22. Starbucks
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 7,000
> CEO approval rating: 91% (Howard D. Schultz)
> Employees: 191,000
> Industry: Specialty Eateries
> Revenue: $16.4 billion

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) baristas make an average of $9.50 an hour, significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. While a relatively high wage never hurts, Starbucks employees rave about the company’s perks on Glassdoor.com. The company offers employees a favorable 401k and health insurance through Blue Cross. Not to mention free coffee. Like most of the best companies to work for, Starbucks’ CEO Howard Schultz receives high marks from employees with a 92% approval rating.

23. FedEx
> Glassdoor rating: 3.8
> Number of reviews: 1,600
> CEO approval rating: 88% (Fred Smith)
> Employees: 325,000
> Industry: Air delivery & freight services
> Revenue: $45.6 billion

Earlier this year, FedEx (NYSE: FDX) ranked among the top 10 companies with the best customer service in a Zogby survey commissioned by 24/7 Wall St. According to ratings posted on Glassdoor.com, FedEx also does well by its employees. Receiving an average score of 3.8 stars out of five, FedEx is one of the best large companies to work for in the United States. Though many package handlers complain that the job can be physically demanding at times, great benefits and job security were common sentiments expressed in the positive reviews.

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24. Edward Jones
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 89% (Jim Weddle)
> Employees: 39,000
> Industry: Diversified financials
> Revenue: $5.7 billion

Edward Jones is an investment management company that claims to emphasise the relationship between the financial advisor and the client. Employees, too, seem to be satisfied, with seven out of 10 happy enough with their job that they would recommend it to a friend. Employees at the company note on Glassdoor.com the comprehensive training program in particular, saying it allows them to do their job confidently, and that it will serve them throughout their career. Positive reviews also express satisfaction with company perks such as bonuses, vacation time, and flexible hours.

25. Unilever
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 1,400
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Paul Polman)
> Employees: 172,471
> Industry: Personal products
> Revenue: $68.6 billion

Though the company is headquartered in London, Unilever ranks as one of the best companies to work for in the United States. Unilever owns common household brands such Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Dove soaps. One reviewer noted that “if you are dedicated to improving yourself and Unilever you will be supported and rise in the company.” While compensation at the company is roughly in line with the national average for similar positions, the company appears to offer a generous 401 k contribution.

26. Texas Instruments
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 1,400
> CEO approval rating: 77% (Rich Templeton)
> Employees: 31,003
> Industry: Semiconductor – broad line
> Revenue: $13.0 billion

Founded in 1930 under the name Geophysical Service Inc, the company was not known as Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) until 1954 when they invented the silicon transistor, which TI says paved the way to modern electronics. Positive reviews on Glassdoor.com regularly cite good pay and benefits, flexible hours, and a friendly work environment. In fact, with a base annual salary just over $100,000, an electrical design engineer makes 12% more than the average national salary for the same job.

27. Publix
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,000
> CEO approval rating: 87% (Ed Crenshaw)
> Employees: 175,000
> Industry: Retail food
> Revenue: $30.8 billion

While there are dozens of supermarket chains across the country, Publix is one of only two that ranks among the best places to work. According to the company’s website, Publix prides itself in being “a great place to work.” While wages for cashiers and deli clerks are slightly below the national average for similar positions, at $9.38 and $10.10 an hour respectively, full time employees praise the grocery chain for generous benefits and flexible scheduling options.

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28. Marriott
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,000
> CEO approval rating: 88% (Arne Sorenson)
> Employees: 123,500
> Industry: Lodging
> Revenue: $13.8 billion

Earlier this year, Marriott (NYSE: MAR) ranked fourth among the companies with the best customer service in a Zogby survey commissioned by 24/7 Wall St. While Marriott does well by its customers, it also manages to keep its employees happy. Employees often rate the hotel chain highly for its benefits. Satisfied Marriott employees regularly cite discounted hotel rates across the nation and around the globe as one of the perks of working for the hotel chain.

29. Qualcomm
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,300
> CEO approval rating: 72% (Steve Mollenkopf)
> Employees: 31,300
> Industry: Communication equipment
> Revenue: $26.5 billion

Semiconductor and communications company Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) ranks as one of the best companies in its field to work for. Many Qualcomm employees say they enjoyed having access to the cutting edge technology the company provides. Workers submitting reviews on Glassdoor.com also say company benefits are highly competitive and praised the office environment. Many in the San Diego branch, where the company is based, say they enjoy the location.

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30. Goldman Sachs
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,300
> CEO approval rating: 93% (Lloyd C. Blankfein)
> Employees: 34,000
> Industry: Investment brokerage
> Revenue: $34.5 billion

Though the most common complaints about working for Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) are the long hours and lack of a work-life balance, the brokerage firm compensates its employees well. An average associate with the company makes a base annual salary of $113,600 a year, about 20% more than the national average for the same position. After bonuses, an associate can expect to take home about $151,000 annually. Goldman employees are also pleased with the amount they learned while working at the company, the power the brand brought to their resumes, and working with smart and talented people.

31. Kaiser Permanente
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,400
> CEO approval rating: 84% (Bernard J. Tyson)
> Employees: 195,000
> Industry: Healthcare
> Revenue: $56.4 billion

While making a difference in people’s lives helps increase employee satisfaction, reviews on Glassdoor.com also point to active measures the company has taken to boost employee moral. Good pay, healthy work-life balance, and excellent benefits, including 401k matching, are mentioned regularly in positive reviews. Three-quarters of Kaiser Permanente employees would recommend a job with the company to a friend.

32. EMC
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2.,600
> CEO approval rating: 89% (Joe Tucci)
> Employees: 70,000
> Industry: Data Storage Devices
> Revenue: $24.4 billion

Employees at the Hopkinton, MA-based EMC  (NYSE: EMC) appear to have a great deal of confidence in their product, with one staff engineer saying, “Smart people, great technology, good compensation. Not everyone gets a chance to work for a company that defines the technology and changes the landscape.” Staff are paid very well. The base annual salary of nearly every position at the company is at least $100,000, according to Glassdoor.com. EMC is the majority owner of VMWare, another technology company that receives even higher marks for employee satisfaction on Glassdoor.com.

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33. General Electric
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 3,400
> CEO approval rating: 85% (Jeffrey R. Immelt)
> Employees: 305,000
> Industry: Diversified Machinery
> Revenue: $148.6 billion

General Electric (NYSE: GE) was formed in 1892 when Thomas Edison’s company, Edison General Electric Company, merged with the Thomson-Houston Company. Since then, GE has been the brand behind countless inventions and innovations. Today, the company employs over 300,000 people and is one of the best places to work. A mechanical engineer at GE can expect to make over $85,000 annually, 21% more than engineers with other companies. GE employees also have confidence in their leadership. CEO Jeff Immelt has an approval rating of 85%.

34. EY
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 6,500
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Mark Weinberger)
> Employees: 190,000
> Industry: Consulting
> Revenue: $27.4 billion

Formerly known as Ernst & Young, EY rebranded itself in 2013. Today, EY provides its auditing services across nearly all industries. Though it is headquartered in London, EY is one of the best places to work in the U.S. The average base salary for audit staff is $67,132, 12% higher than the average national auditor salary. Like most of the best companies to work for, survey respondents at EY have a high opinion of upper management, giving CEO Mark Weinberger a 94% approval rating.

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35. Fidelity Investments
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,500
> CEO approval rating: 88% (Abby Johnson)
> Employees: 41,000
> Industry: Financial services
> Revenue: $14.9 billion

Fidelity Investments is a financial services company that currently manages $5.2 trillion in customer assets. Though the base salary of $41,900 for a financial representative at Fidelity is roughly in line with the national average, Fidelity reps typically make an additional $6,000 annually after bonuses and commissions. Benefits at Fidelity are also generous. Over 60 reviewers on Glassdoor.com cited the company’s 7% of salary match on 401k contributions.

36. American Express
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,700
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Ken Chenault)
> Employees: 54,000
> Industry: Credit services
> Revenue: $34.3 billion

Among the most praised aspects of working at American Express (NYSE AXP) is the work-life balance, and the frequent option to work from home. High salaries may be another reason AmEx is one of the best places to work. Marketing analysts make about $68,000, roughly $12,000 more than employees in similar positions nationwide. In addition, the company offers maternity and paternity leave, as well as a supportive 401k plan.

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37. Cisco Systems
> Glassdoor rating: 3.7
> Number of reviews: 6,600
> CEO approval rating: 93% (Chuck Robbins)
> Employees: 70,942
> Industry: Networking & Communication Devices
> Revenue: $47.1 billion

Founded at the dawn of the computer age, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) designs, manufactures, and sells the hardware that facilitates internet connectivity, from wireless routers to data center switches. This year, Cisco employees are among the happiest in the workforce. The company pays its software engineers an especially generous base salary of $118,700, 31% more than the average software engineer among all companies. Employees also laud the company for its flexible scheduling options, manageable work-life balance, and its 401k match of up to 3% of a given salary.

38. USAA
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 87% (Stuart Parker)
> Employees: 27,000
> Industry: Insurance
> Revenue: $24.0 billion

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, USAA is one of the best companies to work for in the U.S. One factor likely contributing to employees’ high praise is the flexible vacation policy. In addition to the two to three weeks of paid vacation, the company gives out additional vacation days each quarter. USAA also offers a 401k program, and it will match an employee’s contribution up to 8%. In February, Stuart Parker took over as CEO. Parker has been with USAA for 16 years, and enjoys an 87% approval rate on Glassdoor.com.

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39. PwC
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 7,100
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Robert Moritz)
> Employees: 180,000
> Industry: Professional Services
> Revenue: $34.0 billion

PwC, formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, was formed in 1998 when Price Waterhouse merged with Coopers & Lybrand. Today, it primarily offers consulting and auditing services to companies across a broad swath of industries. While all of the “big four” auditing firms are among the best places in the country to work, PwC scored better than Deloitte and KPMG, two of its primary competitors. Nine out of 10 employees surveyed thought highly of CEO Robert Moritz and positive employee reviews regularly praise the company for being a great place to launch a career.

40. H&R Block
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 71% (William C. Cobb)
> Employees: 2,200
> Industry: Tax preparation
> Revenue: $3.0 billion

Like many of the other best companies to work for, employees often note the flexible work schedule in their reviews on Glassdoor.com. Flexibility comes at a cost, however. Because H&R Block provides tax services, employment is extremely seasonal. The company employs 2,200 workers year-round, with ranks swelling to roughly 88,000 as the April 15th tax deadline approaches. Among the biggest perks of working at H&R Block is discounted tax advice and medical coverage. Benefits are also extended to the company’s seasonal employees.

41. Siemens
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 84% (Joe Kaeser)
> Employees: 343,000
> Industry: Diversified machinery
> Revenue: $78.8 billion

Siemens was founded in 1847 and today designs and manufactures various technologies for infrastructure projects, power generation, and medical diagnosis. The company employs 343,000 people in hundreds of countries. The state-of-the-art technology and a positive working environment are among the top features cited by employees.

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42. Pfizer
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,400
> CEO approval rating: 80% (Ian Read)
> Employees: N/A
> Industry: Drug manufacturer
> Revenue: $49.6 billion

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) employees praise the company on Glassdoor.com for its good pay and benefits. Scientists at the company earn over $110,000 annually on average, higher than the nationwide average for the profession. While satisfied employees often contribute to better performance overall, the best companies to work for are not necessarily the best-performing companies financially. Pfizer’s net income fell from $14.6 billion in 2012 to $9.1 billion in 2014.

43. Northwestern Mutual
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,900
> CEO approval rating: 93% (John E. Schlifske)
> Employees: > 5,000
> Industry: Financial services
> Revenue: $26.7 billion

Northwestern Mutual employees praise the financial services company for its flexible schedules and supportive managers. Also, while commission-based jobs can be inconsistent and stressful, many employees at Northwestern Mutual see this as a strength, citing “unlimited income potential.” Upper management also received high marks from employees. Over 90% of survey respondents thought highly of CEO John E. Schlifske.

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44. Whole Foods Market
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 2,300
> CEO approval rating: 80% (John Mackey and Walter Robb)
> Employees: 58,100
> Industry: Supermarkets
> Revenue: $3.2 billion

Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) is one of the largest retailer of natural and organic foods in the country. There are 424 stores worldwide. The grocery chain employs 58,100 people, and boasts a relatively low 11% turnover rate. In addition to the company’s stated devotion to sustainability and healthy living, Whole Foods seems willing to take good care of its employees. Current and former workers frequently praised praise the company for its great benefits. Eligible employees receive numerous perks, including medical care, dental plan, vision plan, life insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and store discounts.

45. Gap
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 2,300
> CEO approval rating: 87% (Art Peck)
> Employees: 141,000
> Industry: Retail
> Revenue: $16.4 billion

Gap Inc., (NYSE: GPS) a clothing retailer operating companies like the Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy employs about 141,000 people. People working in customer-facing service positions often report some of the lowest wages and employee satisfaction. Gap raised its minimum hourly wage to $9 in 2014, and to $10 per hour in June this year, which likely contributed to the favorable reviews. Gap workers cite perks such as the employee discount and flexible work hours. In addition, employees praise the company for its sustainable practices.

46. Morgan Stanley
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 2,400
> CEO approval rating: 87% (James P. Gorman)
> Employees: 55,802
> Industry: Financial Services
> Revenue: $34.3 billion

High pay is one reason that Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is among the best companies to work for. Analysts with the company earn over $77,000 on average, far higher than the $66,600 earned by analysts nationwide. In addition to high salaries, the company offers health insurance, including dental coverage, and a matching 401k. Nearly 90% of employees who provided reviews on Glassdoor.com approve of CEO James Gorman. He has been the CEO and Chairman since 2012.

47. Ericsson-Worldwide
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 2,900
> CEO approval rating: 89% (Hans Vestberg)
> Employees:
> Industry:
> Revenue:

Ericsson employees enjoy their work so much that three out of every four employees would recommend their job to a friend. One reason may be the extremely high pay the average worker earns. Base salary for a software engineer at the company is over $114,000, 26% higher than the national average for that position. Satisfied employees also cite excellent travel opportunities, as the Swedish telecommunications company operates in 180 countries. Ericsson employees appear to admire the company’s upper management. CEO Hans Vestberg has an approval rating of 89% on Glassdoor.com.

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48. KPMG US
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 3,600
> CEO approval rating: 91% (John B. Veihmeyer)
> Employees: 23,000
> Industry: Consulting
> Revenue: $6.8 billion

Like many of the best companies to work for, the U.S. branch of KPMG offers employees health insurance, including vision and dental. In addition, the firm recently lengthened maternity leave from 12 weeks to 18 weeks. One of the more unique policies at KPMG demonstrates the firm’s commitment to higher education, the company will match employee donations to his or her alma mater. For these reasons, and many others, reviews on Glassdoor.com indicate that KPMG is a great place to start a career. Current CEO John Veihmeyer has a 91% approval rating among employees and has been with the company since 1977.

49. Deloitte
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 8,900
> CEO approval rating: 94% (Cathy Engelbert)
> Employees: 210,400
> Industry: Consulting
> Revenue: $34.2 billion

Along with PwC, EY, and KPMG, Deloitte is one of the four premiere auditing firms in the U.S. Though the company ranked behind the other “big four,”, Deloitte employees are still among the most satisfied in the country. Deloitte’s consultants and senior consultants earn a slightly lower-than-average salary for similar positions, however, employees appreciate many aspects of the job. Positive reviews regularly cite a fast-paced work environment and express appreciation for the company’s progressive attitude towards striking an appropriate work-life balance.

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50. Juniper Networks
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Rami Rahim)
> Employees: 8,815
> Industry: Networking & Communication Devices
> Revenue: $4.6 billion

Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) designs, manufactures and sells hardware, such as switches and routers, that enable companies and individuals to connect to the internet. It also provides consulting services to optimize connection speed and security. Employees at the company are generally happy, frequently citing a flexible work schedule with a reasonable work-life balance. With a 90% approval rating, CEO Rami Rahim is held in high esteem among Juniper Networks’ employees.

51. Citrix Systems
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 88% (Mark B. Templeton)
> Employees: 10,081
> Industry: Software
> Revenue: $3.1 billion

Citrix (NASDAQ: CTSX) is the name behind products like GoToMeeting, which allows multiple parties to collaborate and share documents through video conferencing. Citrix employees generally enjoy their jobs. Many reviewers applaud the positive work environment and enjoy working with cutting-edge technology. Employees also tend to have a high opinion of senior leadership. Even though he recently announced plans to retire amid structural changes and pressure from investors, CEO Mark Templeton, who has been at the helm since 2001, scores high approval ratings from his employees.

52. Bloomberg L.P.
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,500
> CEO approval rating: 88% (Michael R. Bloomberg)
> Employees: 15,000
> Industry: Financial data and media
> Revenue: $8.3 billion

Financial data provider and media company Bloomberg employs more than 15,500 people worldwide. Software developers and computer engineers report some of the highest job satisfaction, regardless of which company they work for. Bloomberg employs over 3,000 computer engineers, and pays above-average salaries. Software developers at Bloomberg earn $110,820 annually on average, versus the national average salary of $86,226 for the profession. Like many of the best companies to work for, Bloomberg is still led by its founder, Michael Bloomberg.

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53. Accenture
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 12,000
> CEO approval rating: 91% (Pierre Nanterme)
> Employees: 305,000
> Industry: Consulting
> Revenue: $31.9 billion

Accenture is an IT consulting firm headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company went public at $15.10 a share back in July 2001 and now trades at over $100. It has benefitted from increased reliance on information technology across the corporate world. Accenture’s impressive performance on the NYSE has certainly helped the morale of those employees who took advantage of stock options. The company’s pay is also generally better than average. An Accenture consultant makes nearly $93,000 annually, 5% more than the average consultant’s salary.

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54. Nordstrom
> Glassdoor rating: 3.6
> Number of reviews: 4,200
> CEO approval rating: 93% (Blake W. Nordstrom)
> Employees: 73,500
> Industry: Apparel stores
> Revenue: $13.5 billion

A disproportionately high number of the best companies to work for are still operated by their founder or a founding family member. Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) is one of them. CEO Blake Nordstrom, represents the fourth generation of the family to lead the clothing department store. He receives high marks from his employees, with 93% approving of his leadership. The only department store to make the list, Nordstrom stands out for its treatment of employees. While a sales associate earns about $12 an hour, commissions from sales typically tack on another $10,000 to annual pay. Additionally, Nordstrom offers its employees comprehensive health care, stock options and a 401k plan.

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