Crew Carwash Named Best Place to Work in the U.S. for 2026

A family-owned car wash chain with locations across Indiana and Minnesota has earned the top spot on Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in 2026. Crew Carwash, which employs around 1,000 part- and full-time workers across its 55 locations, moved up from its previous rank of second last year.

Criteria for Ranking

Glassdoor’s rankings are based on employee reviews that evaluate various job-related factors, including opportunities for career advancement and satisfaction with compensation and benefits. The company’s proprietary awards algorithm analyzed anonymous reviews from U.S.-based employers posted on the site between October 2024 and October 2025.

“Flexibility is extremely important for employees right now, and that doesn’t just mean remote work,” stated Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor’s chief economist. “Some companies are willing to be flexible with hours or empower workers regarding how they manage their careers.”

Workforce Engagement Concerns

Despite the recognition of top employers, many American workers remain disengaged, according to Gallup’s latest State of the Global Workplace report. Only 30% of workers reported being engaged, the lowest level seen in a decade. Engaged employees typically exhibit higher productivity levels and contribute to improved business outcomes. Increased workplace pressures such as the rise of artificial intelligence and budgetary reductions have led to a decline in overall employee engagement.

Shifting Trends in the Tech Industry

While the tech sector continues to dominate the list with 24 entries, its appeal among workers appears to be diminishing. This number declined from 26 in 2025 and 31 in 2024. Zhao noted that many tech employers are scaling back on the perks that previously attracted employees: “They are pushing harder and harder on efficiency and productivity.”

Nstarttheless, there is still considerable opportunity for career and income growth in the tech field, as demonstrated by chipmaker Nvidia’s ranking at third.

New Entries and Industry Representation

This year’s Glassdoor rankings introduced 19 new companies, including Alaska Airlines at No. 38, Bath and Body Works at No. 80, and Dutch Bros Coffee at No. 75. Among the two companies that have consistently ranked each year since the inception of the list, Bain & Company placed eighth, while Google secured the 11th spot this year.

Some white-collar industries are experiencing a drop in representation, as workers increasingly see blue-collar roles as being less susceptible to automation and artificial intelligence. Zhao remarked, “While there is still a balance with many industries represented, it reflects the overall trend of hiring freezes in white-collar sectors.”

Top 20 Best Companies to Work For in 2026

1. Crew Carwash
2. In-N-Out Burger
3. Nvidia
4. Keller Williams
5. Mars
6. ServstartNow
7. Bain & Company
8. Houston Methodist
9. EPAM Systems
10. Google
11. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
12. H E B
13. Motorola Solutions
14. Boston Scientific
15. Mathnasium
16. GE Aerospace
17. Progressive Insurance
18. RDSolutions
19. Intuitive
20. Alaska Airlines

For the full list of rankings, click here.

This year’s report highlights the evolving landscape of the workforce and the importance of adaptability in meeting the changing needs of employees. As companies strive to engage their workforce, the findings underscore the critical need for fostering environments where workers feel valued and fulfilled.