Survey reveals each state's most coveted employer: See the list

LOS ANGELES - When it comes to landing a dream job, salary isn’t always the deciding factor. 

A new survey from Careerminds asked thousands of workers across the country which companies they’d most like to work for — and their answers show that employee loyalty often comes down to perks, purpose, and personal values.

From airline travel benefits to flexible schedules and strong community ties, America’s most coveted employers reflect a changing workforce — one that’s just as interested in life balance as it is in paychecks.

A 'Help Wanted' sign in a shop window in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

What makes a company truly desirable in today’s job market?

The backstory:

The Careerminds survey, which polled 3,023 U.S. workers, found that employees are increasingly drawn to benefits that go beyond compensation. Major players like Google and Microsoft remain popular for offering stock options and catered meals. 

But smaller, mission-driven businesses like Vermont’s King Arthur Baking Company and New Hampshire’s W.S. Badger Co. also made the list — favored for their tight-knit teams, environmental values, and community culture.

Perks like free travel stood out. Airlines including Hawaiian, Southwest, and Delta were cited for offering steep discounts or free flights to employees and their families — a job benefit that, for many, doubles as a passport.

Healthcare-focused employers also ranked high, with organizations like Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recognized for their robust wellness programs and insurance offerings.

Even the retail sector is changing its narrative. Walmart, Costco, and Publix earned praise for improved wages, tuition support, and employee stock ownership — benefits that help redefine what retail careers can look like today.

(File: L.L.Bean in Colonie, NY on August 29, 2007. Times Union staff photo by Lori Van Buren via Getty Images)

Which companies topped the list in each state?

Dig deeper:

Here are the most coveted employers by state, based on survey responses:

• 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

What the top employers reveal about workplace trends

Big picture view:

The range of employers on the list shows how workplace preferences are shifting. Tech companies still draw workers with competitive packages and remote options. But smaller or more regional brands are winning loyalty by offering meaningful benefits — whether that’s food perks (Ben & Jerry’s, Starbucks), strong retirement plans (Ford, GM), or flexible hours (USAA’s four-day workweek).

In several cases, government and public sector employers like NASA and state agencies are being reevaluated as solid, even inspiring, career options.

Ultimately, the survey underscores that today’s most attractive employers aren’t always the flashiest — they’re the ones creating environments where people feel supported, respected, and able to thrive.