If you live in Chicago or want to move to Chicago for your career, you’re in luck. These are the 50 best large, small, and medium companies with offices in the windy city. They keep their employees happy, have good perks, and want you to come work for them. This was compiled with our research partner Great Place to Work. Read more about each company included in the list here.
Best Large Companies in Chicago
1. Salesforce
Headquarters: San Francisco
U.S. employees: 17,417
Industry: Information Technology
Employees say:
“The culture and leadership make this a great company to work at. Leadership shows us how to lead by example. Our senior leadership is very much about ‘practice what you preach’.”
“The people at Salesforce genuinely care about each other, their communities, and their company. Many people are inspired by our CEO who encourages us all to contribute to the world around us in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally. I am very proud to work for a company that embodies the ideals of equality and that allows all employees to bring their whole selves to work.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
2. Power Home Remodeling
Headquarters: Chester, Penn.
U.S. employees: 2,223
Industry: Construction & Real Estate
Employees say:
“Power Home Remodeling invests in their staff through their special events throughout the year. But what’s most important is what they provide for their employees everyday a healthy, fun work environment with potential to grow.”
“The unique thing about this company is that we are more of a family than a company. The people that work here are my best friends. We hire the right types of people. Those with high integrity, good values and character, strong work ethic, cares for other, wants to work for something bigger than themselves and those have a positive attitude. The people who work here and the way they care for one another.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
3. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Headquarters: San Francisco
U.S. employees: 8,265
Industry: Hospitality
Employees say:
“My coworkers feel like family. They are the reason I want to come to work. At Kimpton I am comfortable being best self.”
“Kimpton has allowed me to reach a comfort zone in the work place I’ve never experienced at previous companies. There is an inclusive atmosphere where people are treated equally and are appreciated for their individual talents. Management knows something special about each employee and I think that is awesome!”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
4. Comcast NBCUniversal
Headquarters: Philadelphia
Industry: Telecommunications
Employees say:
“We are spearheading the innovation that is happening in our industry. The vision is big and alive. It is a challenging and fast-paced working environment. We have a growth mindset and our actions reflect that.”
“There is a true spirit of collaboration across the organization. People get excited about new ideas and opportunities to work together to disrupt and innovate. This encourages me to continually pursue new ideas and try new things. Key leaders create a culture of working together to succeed.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
5. Perkins Coie, LLP
Headquarters: Seattle
U.S. employees: 2,139
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Perkins goes out of their way to make you feel appreciated and part of the larger team. At Perkins, all successes are shared.”
“Women can make partner while they are out on maternity leave. They provide female attorneys with the option to work part time and still remain on partnership track.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
6. Hyatt Hotels
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 35,309
Industry: Hospitality
Employees say:
“Our culture is shown through interactions with guests, colleagues, and the community. When walking by a fellow colleague no matter who you are or where you work everyone greets one another as if they knew each other for years.”
As a company, Hyatt has great culture. Management care for their associates and when people are in difficult situation, the leadership and even other associates will try their best to help out. There are great opportunities to grow with the company. Training is provided in the department if you are wiling to grow and learn. Hyatt provides the best service in hospitality industry and has great benefits for their associates to enjoy life outside work.
Read the Great Place to Work review.
7. McDonald’s
Headquarters: Oak Brook, Ill.
U.S. employees: 70,215
Industry: Hospitality
Employees say:
“McDonald’s is a place where the sky is the limit and your opportunities are endless. You make a difference in the lives of those around you and thousands more through the work you.”
“I appreciate coming into work knowing I won’t be judged and the communication I can have with my coworkers and managers. Never has there been a time where I felt judged or worried. I can be myself here.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
8. SAP America
Headquarters: Newtown Square, Penn.
U.S. employees: 18,379
Industry: Information Technology
Employees say:
“SAP is a corporation who cares, and gives back to the community. I feel like my opinions carry weight, and I am only one of over 80,000 employees.”
“The people who work here are smart, kind, considerate, humble, funny, and fun; everyone has a very positive attitude. The attitude of the employees is remarkably positive, and we target our interviews to hire for a positive attitude, which I find to be a differentiator. There is a servant leadership philosophy that empowers employees and creates a pleasant working environment for everyone.”
9. Plante Moran
Headquarters: Southfield, Mich.
U.S. employees: 2,234
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Trust, autonomy, perks and the culture are the factors that makes Plante Moran, LLC the greatest organization to work for.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
10. Ryan, LLC
Headquarters: Dallas
U.S. employees: 1,557
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Exceptionally open communication channels. At other companies I have been a part of, a lower level employee is not generally able to initiate a conversation with an executive or partner. Ryan has a true open-door policy that extends all the way up to the CEO. I can see that my ideas are valued and taken seriously by upper management.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
11. Crowe
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 3,600
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Management has worked hard to make this a team environment. Goal and incentive structures encourage a supportive atmosphere where it benefits individuals to work together.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Crowe for a few reasons. The biggest reason is the amount of flexibility, and personal ownership that is given to you as an employee. Crowe empowers its employees to grab their career development by the horns, and really drive that progression themselves versus following a set-forth platform. Employees are able to develop and challenge themselves early in their career.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
12. Workiva
Employees say:
“Workiva is the best company to work for hands down. This year we launched a ‘my voice. my company.’ campaign that really empowered me to make a difference in the company. I truly feel that this company has allowed me to grow so much professionally and personally. Everyone at the company wants to make a difference and we are all proud to work for Workiva.”
13. AT&T
Headquarters: Dallas
U.S. employees: 200,000
Industry: Telecommunications
Employees say:
“Our company understands that an inspired and engaged employee is exponentially more productive that one who is not. We are urged to sharpen our tools and are given many free opportunities to further our learning.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
14. Slalom
Headquarters: Seattle
U.S. employees: 4,426
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Slalom is the only company I’ve worked that gives so much autonomy to their people.The result is an extremely engaged, super fun place to work that oozes our culture. For example, my manager has asked for volunteers to build a relationship with a vendor.The result has been events in partnership with the vendor that involve employees, customers, and management that create more valued and fun connections for everyone involved. Not only do the employees blossom and grow but so does the whole company.”
15. Mars, Inc.
Headquarters: Mclean, Va.
U.S. employees: 13,954
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Employees say:
“Mars Associates are quick to recognize good work – there is a strong culture of peer recognition which fosters extremely high trust and collaboration. Our open office environment also makes it extremely easy to connect and exchange ideas. I participate in the Coffee Connection program at work, and I love to hear the diverse stories about how people landed in their current roles. It usually involves moves across functions and illustrates the endless opportunities at Mars and the willingness of the company to invest in its people to help them build a career that’s more than just a job.”
16. Alliance Data
Headquarters: Plano, Texas
U.S. employees: 13,911
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Employees say:
I think the company’s commitment to its employees is unique. I’ve seen people leave the company only to be welcomed back later with opened arms. I have seen people go through traumatic events given the time off they need to take care of personal issues. When they came back to work they were given plenty of time to adjust back into their role. I have seen employees go through very stressful life changing events and were given understanding and the benefit of the doubt if production was not up to their usual standards. This is a company that truly cares about its employees.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
17. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 2,653
Industry: Professional Services
“Our company encourages staff to cultivate interests in distinct niches and to participate in community boards and activities which enrich the company’s depth, breadth, and the staff’s professional growth and connection to the people we serve.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
18. Protiviti
Employees say:
“It’s all about the People at Protiviti – they key reason why I stay is the overall quality of our people. I consider many of my co-workers to be personal friends. We share a common respect here that enables us to work through any challenges.”
“People at Protiviti are genuinely kind and considerate of everyone’s unique circumstances. Employees are encouraged to have a life outside of work, and management works hard to make that possible: whether that’s supporting employees other passions/interests through the sabbatical program; designing flexible work schedules for parents (or otherwise); or just through genuine compassion / support during individuals’ more challenging seasons.”
19. Transwestern
Headquarters: Houston
U.S. employees: 2,062
Industry: Construction & Real Estate
Employees say:
“Transwestern is like no other corporate organization. Family comes first, regardless. The work environment is relaxed, yet energetic and lively. I like that we set ourselves apart from the competition in going that extra mile.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
20. Baird
Employees say:
“Senior Management takes an interest in the core individual. They are approachable and open to providing the resources necessary for the individual to perform at their best. They go out of their way to make certain that employees can have a work-life balance.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
21. NJB/Albor Restaurants
Headquarters: Riverwoods, Ill.
U.S. employees: 1,740
Industry: Hospitality
“Our leaders are very inspirational and great motivators. I am always offered learn and grow. The company has not only allowed me to change professionally, but personally. This company feels like a family to me.”
“The unique thing about working here is that our managers are very welcoming and treat their shift workers with great respect. I feel like family here.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
22. Accenture
Employees say:
“Integrity – Management believes in doing the right thing. In any situation where there was the possibility to do something less than honorable, management has always chosen the honorable path. Excellence – People want to deliver high quality services to clients and they work hard to do that. Everything people do reflects the objective of putting the client first. That’s a great environment and approach. Work from home – Being able to work from home and the flexibility it provides are priceless benefits. Working from home saves time and money and allows me to be more efficient while also being more involved with my family. It facilitates a better work/life balance. I cannot express how wonderful this benefit is. It also reflects management’s trust in us, their employees. I never feel like anyone is looking over my shoulder or noting times when I am working. I get my job done.”
23. Deloitte
Headquarters: New York City
U.S. employees: 55,608
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Our firm provides the opportunity to learn and prepare yourself for the future. We believe in investing in the people.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
24. Stryker
Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Mich.
U.S. employees: 16,232
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Employees say:
“This company has the best workforce I have ever experienced. Everyone working here is talented and has the drive and ambition to make this an amazing company to work for. Stryker sees the value in people development and high engagement. It isn’t just “talk,” there is daily action that confirms it. Everyone is very approachable at the company regardless of what level you are at.”
25. PricewaterhouseCoopers
Headquarters: New York City
U.S. employees: 45,817
Industry: Professional Services
“This company is a place where I am continually challenged and allowed to grow. We have a culture where we care for each other, where I feel like my teams and my leaders have my back when I need them.”
“The people that I work with on a daily basis are the reason why I have been here after 5 years. Being able to be challenged on a daily basis as well as being given opportunities to interact with and learn from the individuals who run the organization after only being here for 5 years has given me insight I would not be able to have in other industries [in] America.”
Read the Great Place to Work review.
Best Small and Medium Companies in Chicago
1. West Monroe Partners
Employees say:
“West Monroe Partners really is building the next generation of leaders – it’s not just a mission statement, it’s an actual statement. The leadership spends a considerable amount of time and energy identifying and cultivating talent.”
“West Monroe Partners is 100% employee owned, meaning each and every employee is an owner and is responsible for acting as such. We are also a “people first” organization, that cares deeply about our employees, and are committed not only to their well-being, but also to the well-being of those in our local communities. These factors, among others, contribute to an extremely dynamic, energetic, and committed culture. Our people truly enjoy coming to work each day, and have dedicated themselves to building the best management consulting firm in the world.”
2. FONA International
Headquarters: Geneva, Ill.
U.S. employees: 210
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
“Everyone has a voice and management is always willing to listen and open to ideas for change to better the organization.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
3. Burwood Group
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 203
Industry: Information Technology
Employees say:
“Excellent communication from leadership down, and unique and enjoyable environment/culture to work in. People working here are very passionate and take their jobs seriously, all while being caring and kind. Leadership truly cares about their employees personal and professional lives, constantly ask for feedback and constructive criticism, and enact changes based on that feedback. It is a special place to work. We were at 135 employees when I started here and have now grown to over 200 while maintaining and actually improving an already special culture.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
4. Horizon Pharma
Headquarters: Lake Forest, Ill.
U.S. employees: 837
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
“Your contributions really matter. During meetings, your voice is heard and you impact the bottom line.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
5. ShopRunner
Employees say:
“This company has both a collaborative and empowered environment – people seek out others’ opinions and input. People are empowered to make decisions here.”
“The passion and drive people have here to succeed is one of the things that makes working here great. I have worked for big corporate banks and other corporate settings in the past, and there I felt I to succeed all I needed to do was “the minimum” and what was asked. Here “We” work hard regardless of the outcome and learn from our failures. During our bi-weekly and weekly lunch days we eat as a company in the office. We come together to talk and just get away from our work. During this time, you get a chance to build relationships with people to may not work directly with and get to know one another on a more personal level. About once or twice a month, we do activities together whether its trivia during lunch, kickball on Friday afternoon, game night (video and board games) in the office, or countless other activities. To me these have acted as a stress reliever and a great way have more fun at work.”
6. Assurance
Headquarters: Schaumburg, Ill.
U.S. employees: 462
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Employees say:
“The culture here is energetic. Happy people are contagious. I truly feel like a valued member of the team and community through our corporate giving program.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
7. Sentinel Technologies
Employees say:
“Management here gives me the room and freedom to do my job. I feel management trusts me to do my best and always assumes that I am doing my best. This attitude encourages me to work hard and independently. This is almost unheard of among employers today and very much appreciated.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
8. Integrated Project Management Company
Headquarters: Burr Ridge, Ill.
U.S. employees: 154
Industry: Professional Services
“The leadership from the top down starting with our CEO really do invest in us. There is truly a sense of caring about us both professionally as well as personally. I haven’t stopped smiling since I started working at here!”
“The company is extraordinarily caring and works hard to make us feel like a family. The company applies an open book management approach to share financial results and other key performance metrics. The company is invested in bringing us all together (from seven offices across the nation) four times a year. They not only share information but enjoy recreational activities with our colleagues. We don’t just post our values we live them.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
9. Alliant Credit Union
Employees say:
“The people definitely make this place so amazing. From our CEO, down our culture of inclusion. We truly have a members first focus, which reflects in our mission- every decision is made with the member in mind and our focus is on doing the right thing. I think that’s very unique for the financial services industry. I truly feel that I can approach management with ideas to make things better and even if everything doesn’t get done, they really do listen and do what they can. Working in the operations & technology division is truly a privilege and I am grateful to have such a talented and engaged leader that really does care about our members, their teams, and our organization.”
10. LaSalle Network
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 231
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“The level of collaboration and excitement for collaboration is unlike anything I’ve seen or heard of. Everyone is excited to work as a team and improve the way we do things and get them done.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
11. Radio Flyer
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 75
Industry: Other
Employees say:
“The culture is what makes this company unique. The people here create a great culture for everyone to feel included, valued and comfortable. There is a very personalized feeling about the culture at Radio Flyer. From HR to IT to Facilities to the receptionist at the front door, everyone knows you by your first name and you feel like you’re walking into your own home rather than another day in the office.”
12. Uptake
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 631
Industry: Information Technology
“The people here make Uptake special. I’m excited to come to work so I can continue to create solutions that make the world more productive, reliable, safe and secure. There is no limit to the positive global impact we can make together.”
“Uptake is a veritable Data Science paradise with the audacious goal of transforming industries through the power of machine learning and AI. There is an incredible culture of innovation here, and the talent, ambitions, and achievements make it the crowning jewel of the Chicago tech scene. Uptake give its employees unparalleled freedom to pursue new products and initiatives. I have never worked at a company in which so much effort is put on employee development and learning, and employees are able to shape their career and jobs through these projects. I feel incredibly connected to Uptake’s purpose and wake up excited every morning to go into work. I especially love that Uptake is headquartered in downtown Chicago, and truly embodies the work ethic and ethos of this world-class city.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
13. Geneca
Employees say:
“The executive team goes out of their way to make employees enjoy working for Geneca. Personal milestones are always celebrated. The CEO and COO take individuals out to lunch for one-on-one time and genuinely are interested in their employees’ lives.”
“Geneca genuinely cares about employees’ well-being and about having a company where everyone gets along. They have multiple events year-round where we get to hang out with each other outside of the office, which I believe is key for a good work environment. They also make sure you know when you are doing a great job and reward you for it which makes you feel appreciate it and that your hard work and sacrifice has been worth it. Finally, they make sure that we have all the tools we need to perform at the highest level and promote continuous learning as well as promoting from within the company.”
14. BCU
Headquarters: Vernon Hills, Ill.
U.S. employees: 520
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
“I believe that the inclusion and overall “no one person is better than the next” feeling you get in our workplace is extremely true, and every individual is so upbeat and positive.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
15. Accounting Principals
Headquarters: Jacksonville, Fla.
U.S. employees: 988
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“Management and the understanding of work life balance make this a great working environment, which in a sales environment is hard to come by. Our leadership respects and understands that we have families and he does his best to accommodate our personal life balance with our work life balance. Our executive team is always so personable and make you feel more like a person and not just a number. Our reputation! We are the best in the industry and everyone within the company strives to continue that reputation.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
16. Milhouse Engineering & Construction
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 203
Industry: Engineering
“The company is really committed to its employees. I have been given opportunities to develop and grow and I never feel like at am ‘forgotten about’.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
17. Relativity
Employees say:
“I care about the quality of everything I do here because it has an impact on the company’s success. This is the first place I’ve ever worked where I could really just be me.”
“The founder/CEO is inspiring. People here LOVE their work and are good at it. People here genuinely like one another. Relativity treats its people like human beings, not like machines. Our leaders recognize that we’re doing more than making software here; we’re contributing real value to the world not only in helping the world solve unstructured data problems, but in making going to work a more pleasant, more humane experience. My work here genuinely enriches my life.”
18. Soliant Health
Headquarters: Tucker, Ga.
U.S. employees: 409
Industry: Professional Services
Employees say:
“The culture makes this place a great place to work. Coming to work is easy, and something I look forward to. Everyone is given equal opportunities and tools to succeed and grow within the organization.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
19. True Partners Consulting
Employees say:
“Our office promotes hard work, collaboration, teaching, open communication and transparency. Everyone I have the pleasure of working with promotes an inclusive environment. There are occasions in which people come back to the firm and this is one of many reasons why. The culture at True Partners is not only the best I have worked in but, in comparison to peers I have talked to, one of the best cultures anywhere.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
20. Katalyst Technologies
Headquarters: Evanston, Ill.
U.S. employees: 320
Industry: Information Technology
“Professional growth is a priority. Katalyst looks for ways to grow the company based on employees’ passions. They continually ask employees what they are interested in doing and how they would like to see their career unfold.”
“What makes our company unique is the work, which is challenging and requires you to grow: people here can continually learn new skills. Recognizing that laughter and fun on the job can make a difference in the way the job is done. Giving employees the freedom to learn and grow over all great place to work here.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
21. Maven Wave Partners
Employees say:
“It’s the people.The Mavens themselves are the secret sauce.It’s cliché today to say, “it’s the people”, but it’s truth.We have been able to hire and grow the most collaborative, selfless, unassuming, team-oriented people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.Truly a joy to work at Maven Wave.”
22. Egen Solutions
Headquarters: Naperville, Ill.
U.S. employees: 200
Industry: Information Technology
Employees say:
“The company shows great enthusiasm in celebrating important milestones and bringing people together.Accomplishments are valued and appreciated.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
23. IMC
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 225
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Employees say:
“IMC truly is a place where you can go as far as your skills and motivation will take you. I have seen many people make a massive impact from an early age all on their own fruition. IMC is also a place where you can see your impact on the bottom line almost instantaneous.”
24. APICS
Headquarters: Chicago
U.S. employees: 100
Industry: Professional Services
“Our CEO is specifically interested in fostering people and giving them opportunities to develop. This motivation flows down through the executive team to directors and throughout the organization.”
“We work as a team and that is only because we are seen, we are heard and we are shown that we matter.Our Executives have such dedication and pride into leading APICS to be the best in the industry and all the while treating us with respect, concern for our wellbeing and with a big dash of fun! The leadership here at APICS make it a great place to work. I’m blessed to have a job but I’m grateful that it’s here at APICS.”
Read the Great Place to Work Review.
25. Ultra
Employees say:
“The company values are consistently communicated.This creates a culture that allows team members to express their views or concerns, knowing that they will be respected.”
“We are a virtual company and strongly rely on individual’s drive and self-motivation.There is a very large amount of empowerment as a result.With the empowerment comes a tremendous amount of flexibility in how, where, and when individuals work. We strongly utilize collaboration technologies to pull the team together.Everyone works ‘on’ Ultra as much as they work ‘for’ Ultra.We’ve made tremendous strides forward over the last several years with high growth while keeping the spirit of the individual very much alive.”
