20 best private companies of 2024

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There may be no such thing as the perfect employer, but that doesn't mean job seekers can't get an opportunity that comes close. 

U.S. News & World Report pulled 11,000 responses from private U.S. workers across 29 industries, asking them how they would rate their pay, work-life balance, job stability, physical and psychological comfort, sense of belonging and professional development opportunities. Each company received a scorecard, with each listed factor scored from one to five (five being the highest). Over 240 companies made this "Best Companies" list. EBN narrowed it further to standout employers who scored at least two fives on their report cards.

Ultimately, job seekers will have to consider what factors they prioritize and what environment gives them the best chance at achieving their career aspirations, says Carly Chase, vice president of career business franchise at U.S. News & World Report. 

Read more: These 5 unexpected interview questions are a good way to assess talent

"'Best' is a subjective term relative to one's personal career ambitions along with their needs and desires," she says. "But there are some universally desired factors that can contribute to a good workplace — job seekers should consider the environment that they are most likely to succeed in, whether that's working in an office or remotely."

Job seekers should note this list is exclusive to companies with more than 5,000 employees and $500 million in revenue. But this list may be a good starting point for workers who are curious about some of the top companies in their industries. 

Here are the 20 best private companies of 2024 (listed in alphabetical order):

AP News

Type of company: news agency
Scored five on stability and quality of pay 

Read more: Employers have a talent crisis on their hands

Blue Shield of California

Type of company: health insurance company
Scored five on stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development

Boston Consulting Group

Type of company: global management consulting firm
Scored five on work-life balance, stability, comfort and sense of belonging

Coach America

Type of company: busing company
Scored five on quality of pay, work-life balance, stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development

Daymon

Type of company: provides private brand development, strategy and other logistics
Scored five on quality of pay, stability, comfort and professional development

Dot Foods

Type of company: food industry redistributor
Scored five on quality of pay, work-life balance, stability and comfort

Read more: How Canva's 'Skills Passport' initiative is supporting internal mobility

Encora

Type of company: IT services management firm
Scored five on quality of pay and comfort

Freeman

Type of company: global event agency
Scored five on quality of pay, stability and comfort

Hub International

Type of company: insurance brokerage
Scored five on quality of pay and professional development

Hard Rock

Type of company: entertainment, gaming and hospitability firm
Scored five on work-life balance and stability

In-N-Out Burger

Type of company: regional fast food chain
Scored five on quality of pay, stability, comfort and sense of belonging 

Read more: 5 good habits essential for a successful career

L.L.Bean

Type of company: clothing brand
Scored five on quality of pay, stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development

McKinsey & Company

Type of company: global management consulting firm
Scored five on work-life balance, comfort and sense of belonging

NASCAR

Type of company: motorsports organization
Scored five on work-life balance, stability and comfort

Northwestern Mutual

Type of company: financial services firm
Scored five on quality of pay, work-life balance and comfort

Patagonia

Type of company: outdoor clothing brand
Scored five on stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development

Read more: Gen Z's career motivations have evolved. Here's how

Raymour & Flanigan

Type of company: furniture retail chain
Scored five on quality of pay and work-life balance

Trader Joe’s

Type of company: grocery store chain
Scored five on quality of pay, stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development

Veterans United Network

Type of company: provides VA loans for veterans and active duty servicemembers
Scored five on quality of pay, work-life balance, stability, comfort and professional development

Wegmans Food Markets

Type of company: grocery store chain
Scored five on quality of pay, work-life balance, stability, comfort, sense of belonging and professional development
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