As the national workforce navigates a complex era of return-to-office mandates and AI integration, New Jersey’s top corporations are proving that employee engagement remains a priority. In the newly released Forbes America’s Best Large Employers 2026 list, the Garden State is well-represented by a diverse array of industry leaders, from global pharmaceutical giants to homegrown retail and service icons.
The annual ranking, developed in partnership with Statista, reflects the voices of over 217,000 U.S. employees. Amid reports that 62% of middle managers feel overwhelmed by rising workloads, the companies on this list were singled out for maintaining high standards in salary, work-life balance, and professional development.
While a staggering 72% of workers nationwide feel pressured to use artificial intelligence without formal training, New Jersey’s top-ranked firms have focused on structured growth. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, ADP, and Prudential Financial have been noted for their ability to blend technological advancement with a stable, supportive corporate culture.
The list of 700 large organizations features several New Jersey mainstays that have consistently performed well over a three-year rolling period. Notable mentions include:
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Cooper University Health Care: Ranked at #114, it stands as the only health system in New Jersey to make the Large Employers list this year.
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TD Bank: Headquartered in Cherry Hill, the bank continues to be a top regional employer.
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Johnson & Johnson: The New Brunswick-based pharmaceutical leader maintains its status as a premier destination for talent in the “Drugs & Biotechnology” sector.
The following New Jersey companies earned national recognition for their commitment to workplace excellence:
| Company | Headquarters | Industry |
| Johnson & Johnson | New Brunswick | Drugs & Biotechnology |
| TD Bank | Cherry Hill | Banking & Financial Services |
| Cooper University Health Care | Camden | Healthcare |
| Prudential Financial | Newark | Insurance |
| Automatic Data Processing (ADP) | Roseland | Business Services |
| Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ | Newark | Insurance |
| Cognizant | Teaneck | IT Software & Services |
| Panasonic | Newark | Semiconductors & Electronics |
| Becton Dickinson | Franklin Lakes | Medical Equipment |
| Quest Diagnostics | Secaucus | Medical Equipment |
| Sanofi | Bridgewater | Drugs & Biotechnology |
| Bayer | Whippany | Drugs & Biotechnology |
| Novartis | East Hanover | Drugs & Biotechnology |
| Chubb | Whitehouse Station | Insurance |
| Spencer Gifts | Egg Harbor Township | Retail & Wholesale |
| Chanel | Piscataway | Clothing & Shoes |
| Student Transportation of America | Wall Township | Transportation |
| Holman | Mount Laurel | Automotive |
“Being named to Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers list is an extraordinary honor and a powerful reflection of the dedication and excellence of our Cooper team members,” said George E. Norcross, III, chairman of the board of trustees at Cooper, said.
Cooper’s co-CEOs, Kevin O’Dowd and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli emphasized that the ranking validates their long-term strategy of investing in workforce development. With over 8,500 employees and a massive regional footprint, the health system has prioritized competitive wages and professional growth to combat the industry-wide challenges of the post-pandemic era.
The final Forbes list represents 1,200 organizations—500 midsize and 700 large—that have demonstrated consistent employee satisfaction over a three-year rolling period.
