Forget Silicon Valley darlings—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, a company based in Fishers, Indiana, has claimed the top spot, leaving tech giants and trendy startups in the dust. But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just a quirky anomaly. It's a reflection of a shifting landscape in the world of work, where employee satisfaction is increasingly tied to factors beyond flashy perks and high salaries.
Glassdoor's rankings, based on employee feedback from over 1,000 U.S. companies between October 2024 and October 2025, reveal a surprising truth: the companies that prioritize their people are the ones thriving. Employees were asked to rate their employers on everything from career opportunities and compensation to work-life balance and company culture. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the paycheck anymore.
Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor's chief economist, highlights a key trend: the best companies are those 'continuing to invest in their employees,' especially during times of economic uncertainty. With layoffs making headlines in 2025, workers craved stability and support. The companies that helped their employees navigate this turbulent environment are the ones rising to the top.
So, who made the cut? Here’s the top 10 list of the best companies to work for in 2026, according to Glassdoor:
Crew Carwash
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- Headquarters: Fishers, IN
- Industry: Retail
- Why it stands out: Supportive leadership, career growth opportunities, and a strong team culture.
- Rating: 4.6
In-N-Out Burger
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Irvine, CA
- Industry: Food service
- Rating: 4.5
Nvidia
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
- Industry: Technology
- Rating: 4.5
Ryan
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Dallas, TX
- Industry: Finance
- Rating: 4.5
Keller Williams
- Rating: 4.5
- Headquarters: Austin, TX
- Industry: Real estate
- Rating: 4.5
Mars
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: McLean, VA
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Rating: 4.4
ServiceNow
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA
- Industry: Technology
- Rating: 4.4
Bain & Company
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Boston, MA
- Industry: Business consulting
- Rating: 4.4
Houston Methodist
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Houston, TX
- Industry: Healthcare
- Rating: 4.4
EPAM Systems
- Rating: 4.4
- Headquarters: Newtown, PA
- Industry: Technology
- Rating: 4.4
Crew Carwash’s rise to the top is particularly noteworthy. After ranking second in 2024, the company’s focus on employee well-being and growth propelled it to the number one spot. But what’s really striking is the ongoing decline of tech companies on the list. While tech still dominates with 24 companies out of 100, this number has been steadily dropping—from 31 in 2024 to 26 in 2025.
Zhao points out that the tech industry’s allure is fading as layoffs and rigid return-to-office policies take their toll. Flexibility is the new gold standard for employees, and companies that fail to offer it are falling behind. Yet, tech isn’t entirely out of the picture—it still offers high pay and career opportunities, even if its popularity isn’t what it once was.
Meanwhile, retail and manufacturing are making a comeback, with 10 and nine companies, respectively, on this year’s list. This diversity across industries underscores a crucial point: great workplaces aren’t limited to one sector or job type. From carwashes to healthcare providers, companies that prioritize their employees are thriving.
So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re job hunting or looking to improve your current workplace, the message is clear: employee-centric cultures are the future. And if you’re wondering how to stay ahead in this evolving landscape, consider leveraging AI to boost your productivity. CNBC’s online course, Beyond the Basics: How to Use AI to Supercharge Your Work, offers advanced skills like building custom GPTs and using AI agents to elevate your career.
But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As the workplace continues to evolve, will flexibility and employee investment become non-negotiable, or will traditional perks like high salaries and prestige still hold sway? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on the future of work!
