Forbes Ranks Illinois' Best Companies for 2026

The list highlights top employers across the state, from healthcare to insurance to aviation.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Forbes has released its list of the best companies in Illinois for 2026, ranking the top 25 employers in the state across a variety of industries. The rankings were determined by analyzing factors like company size, financial strength, customer satisfaction, and employee happiness.

Why it matters

This list provides valuable insight into the thriving business landscape in Illinois, spotlighting the companies that are excelling and setting the standard for what it means to be a great employer in the state.

The details

The top 10 companies on the Illinois list include GE HealthCare Technologies, State Farm, Allstate, W.W. Grainger, Zurich North America, Exelon, Motorola Solutions, John Deere, United Airlines, and Hyatt Hotels. The rankings looked at a range of factors beyond just financial performance, including customer and employee satisfaction.

  • Forbes released the list of America's Best Companies, including the state-by-state rankings, on February 16, 2026.

The players

Forbes

A leading business magazine that publishes an annual list of America's Best Companies, including state-specific rankings.

GE HealthCare Technologies

A Chicago-based manufacturer of hospital equipment and supplies, ranked as the top company in Illinois by Forbes.

State Farm

An insurance company headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, ranked second on the Forbes list of best companies in the state.

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The takeaway

This Forbes ranking highlights the strength and diversity of Illinois' business community, showcasing the state's ability to cultivate thriving companies across a wide range of industries. The list provides valuable insights for job seekers, investors, and anyone interested in the economic landscape of the Prairie State.