Forget Silicon Valley glamour—the best place to work in 2026 is a family-owned carwash in Indiana. Yes, you read that right. According to Glassdoor's 18th annual Best Places to Work report, Crew Carwash has claimed the top spot, leaving tech giants and trendy startups in the dust. But here's where it gets controversial: in an era dominated by AI and remote work, why is a traditional, brick-and-mortar business leading the pack? And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the industry; it’s about how companies treat their employees.
Glassdoor’s rankings are based on employee feedback from U.S.-based companies with at least 1,000 workers, collected between October 2024 and October 2025. Employees rated their employers on factors like career opportunities, compensation, culture, diversity, and work-life balance. The full list includes 100 companies, but what sets the top performers apart? Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor’s chief economist, highlights a common trait: these companies are doubling down on their employees, even in uncertain times.
2025 was a year of economic turmoil, with widespread layoffs leaving workers on edge. The best employers, Zhao explains, were those that helped their teams navigate this uncertainty. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are companies truly investing in their employees, or are they just doing the bare minimum to retain talent? Let’s dive into the top 10 and see what makes them stand out.
Crew Carwash
- Rating: 4.6
- Headquarters: Fishers, IN
- Industry: Retail
- Why it stands out: Supportive leadership, career growth opportunities, and a strong team culture propelled Crew Carwash from second place in 2024 to the top spot this year.
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- Headquarters: Irvine, CA
- Industry: Food service
Nvidia
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
- Industry: Technology
Ryan
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Dallas, TX
- Industry: Finance
Keller Williams
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Austin, TX
- Industry: Real estate
Mars
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: McLean, VA
- Industry: Manufacturing
ServiceNow
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
- Industry: Technology
Bain & Company
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Boston, MA
- Industry: Business consulting
Houston Methodist
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Houston, TX
- Industry: Healthcare
EPAM Systems
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Newtown, PA
- Industry: Technology
One trend Zhao highlights is the ongoing decline of tech companies on the list. While tech remains the most represented industry with 24 companies, this number has dropped from 31 in 2024. Is the tech industry losing its appeal? Zhao suggests that layoffs and a push for in-office work have dimmed its luster. Employees now crave flexibility, and some tech giants are struggling to deliver. But let’s not write off tech entirely—it still offers high pay and career opportunities, even if it’s not at its peak popularity.
Meanwhile, retail and manufacturing are gaining ground, with 10 and 9 companies on the list, respectively. Does this signal a shift in where the best jobs are found? Zhao believes so, stating, “Finding the best place to work isn’t limited to one industry or job. There are exceptional employers across sectors and regions offering top-tier employee experiences.”
So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re in tech, retail, or healthcare, the key to job satisfaction lies in how your employer values and supports you. But here’s a final question to ponder: In a world where AI is reshaping work, will traditional industries continue to outshine tech in employee satisfaction? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
