Triangle Companies Rank Among America's Best Employers in 2026

Several major universities, health systems, and businesses in the Raleigh-Durham area make Forbes' annual list of top employers.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Forbes has released its 11th annual 'America's Best Employers' list, ranking companies across the United States based on employee surveys. Several organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region, including major universities, health systems, banks, and businesses, were recognized as top employers nationwide.

Why it matters

The Forbes list provides valuable insight into which companies in the Triangle area are seen as the most desirable places to work, highlighting the region's strengths in attracting and retaining top talent across various industries.

The details

Among large employers with over 5,000 workers, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Duke University Health System, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University all made the 2026 list. Other Triangle-area companies recognized include First Citizens Bank, Lenovo, Butterball, Sunstates Security, SAS Institute, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and SASR Workforce Solutions. In the mid-size employer category, Cary-based Epic Games led the state, while the City of Durham and Durham-based automation company Bell and Howell also appeared on the list.

  • Forbes released its 11th annual 'America's Best Employers' list on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

FirstHealth of the Carolinas

A healthcare system headquartered in Pinehurst, North Carolina that ranked No. 69 nationwide among large employers.

Duke University Health System

A major academic health system in the Triangle region that ranked No. 105 among large employers.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The flagship public university in North Carolina, located in the Triangle, that ranked No. 129 among large employers.

Epic Games

A video game company based in Cary, North Carolina that ranked No. 17 nationally among mid-size employers.

City of Durham

The local government of Durham, North Carolina that ranked No. 215 among mid-size employers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The strong presence of Triangle-area companies on Forbes' list of America's best employers underscores the region's reputation as a hub for top talent and desirable workplaces across industries like healthcare, education, technology, and finance.