In a major win for the South Jersey medical community, Cooper University Health Care has been named to the Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers 2026 list. This year’s rankings distinguish Cooper as the only health system in New Jersey to receive the national honor.
The academic health system, headquartered in Camden, secured the No. 114 spot overall among the nation’s top 700 large employers. Out of the thousands of medical institutions across the United States, Cooper was one of just 56 hospitals and health systems to make the cut.
The recognition comes at a time of rapid growth for the system, which now employs nearly 14,000 team members. George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, called the honor an “extraordinary” milestone.
“This is a powerful reflection of the dedication and excellence of our Cooper team members,” Norcross said. “Their commitment to delivering compassionate care and advancing innovation drives our success.”
The sentiment was echoed by Cooper’s co-CEOs, who credited the system’s “passion and purpose” for its ability to thrive despite increasing demands across the health care industry.
“We are committed to investing in and supporting our team members through competitive wages, benefits, and a workplace where people can thrive,” co-CEO Kevin O’Dowd, said.
To determine the 2026 winners, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 217,000 U.S. employees. The anonymous surveys allowed workers to provide candid feedback on several key pillars of their employment:
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Financials: Competitive salary and wage structures.
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Culture: Work environment, leadership, and diversity.
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Growth: Advancement opportunities and professional development.
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Retention: Whether employees would recommend their workplace to friends or family.
This isn’t a one-time fluke for the Camden-based provider. Forbes has recognized Cooper for multiple consecutive years, previously citing it on “Best Employers by State” lists and as one of the nation’s top 200 employers in 2025.
Beyond workplace culture, Cooper remains a clinical powerhouse in the region. Its flagship 663-bed hospital in Camden houses the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey, and the system’s revenue has climbed to over $2.4 billion, backed by an A+ credit rating from S&P and Fitch.
With a network of over 130 offices stretching from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, Cooper now serves more than 2.4 million patients annually.
