Forbes has released its first-ever Best-In-State Companies list, and 25 North Carolina-based firms made the rankings, signaling a strong and competitive business environment across the state. Thousands of companies were analyzed, but only 750 earned national recognition, including a powerful mix of Triangle-based employers, Charlotte corporations, and fast-growing regional brands.
Unlike other Forbes rankings, the list focuses exclusively on private-sector companies — meaning universities, hospitals, municipal agencies, and other nonprofit institutions were not considered. Government employers and nonprofit organizations often perform highly on Forbes rankings but were excluded here to highlight private businesses.
How Forbes Selected North Carolina’s Top Companies
To identify the best-performing firms, Forbes evaluated millions of data points, looking closely at:
Financial strength and long-term performance Growth outlook and stability Employee satisfaction and workplace culture Customer satisfaction and brand reputation Overall operational excellence
Only companies headquartered in the state were considered, so major national brands operating within North Carolina were not included unless their corporate offices are based here. For example, Walmart qualifies only for the Arkansas rankings, not North Carolina, even though it has stores statewide.
Where NC’s Top Employers Are Located
North Carolina’s leading businesses are overwhelmingly clustered in two major regions:
⭐ The Research Triangle
Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and surrounding areas continue to attract major corporate investment, tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and high-growth startups. The Triangle’s reputation for innovation, talent pipelines, and university-driven research contributes to outstanding workplace performance.
⭐ Charlotte
As one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing financial hubs, Charlotte is home to powerhouse employers in banking, insurance, and logistics, many of which earned a spot on Forbes’ inaugural list.
Outside the two metro regions, several mid-sized cities and emerging North Carolina towns also placed, reflecting the state’s statewide business strength—not just in major cities.
Why North Carolina Is Winning National Attention
Forbes’ rankings validate what many economic analysts already know: North Carolina has become a top-tier state for business relocation, innovation, and workforce development. Several factors contribute to the exceptional performance of NC employers:
Competitive business tax structures A strong pipeline of university-trained talent Accelerating tech, biotech, and finance ecosystems Growing advanced manufacturing and logistics A reputation for high quality of life and workforce satisfaction
With a mix of Fortune 500 headquarters, fast-scaling startups, and industry leaders, North Carolina’s job market remains one of the most competitive in the country.
What the Forbes List Means for Job Seekers and Investors
Being named a Best-In-State Company is not purely symbolic—it directly reflects the companies that:
Treat employees well Deliver consistent customer satisfaction Demonstrate long-term financial strength Support growth, career development, and innovation
For job seekers, this list highlights the most attractive NC employers to work for and may influence relocation decisions, talent retention, and recruitment trends.
For investors, the rankings reinforce confidence in North Carolina’s business community, especially in the markets around Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, which continue to outperform national averages in economic growth.
North Carolina’s Corporate Future Looks Bright
With 25 companies on Forbes’ list—and two of the state’s metros ranked among the South’s fastest growing—North Carolina continues to solidify its status as a national business leader.
The state benefits from:
Expanding industries A resilient workforce A dynamic startup ecosystem National recognition for innovation
Expect more North Carolina companies to earn national attention as the Triangle and Charlotte continue attracting high-performing employers and corporate expansion projects.
Stay Tuned for the Full Ranked List
As Forbes releases deeper breakdowns, DoRaleigh.com will highlight:
The complete list of the 25 companies Which industries are leading statewide Individual company profiles Top NC employers by employee satisfaction
Bookmark this article and check back soon for company-by-company rankings and analysis.
Follow Local Business Growth With DoRaleigh.com
If you want to stay updated on North Carolina rankings, Raleigh corporate expansions, local hiring news, and business development trends, follow:
DoRaleigh 