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16 Houston-Based Companies Hailed as Best Places to Work by U.S. News

More than a dozen Houston-based companies share the spotlight US News and World Reports second annual collection of “Best Companies to Work For” in 2024-2025.

The annual report examines publicly traded companies around the world to determine the best employers based on six metrics, including work-life balance and flexibility; quality of compensation and benefits; job and business stability; career opportunities and professional development; and more. Companies were not ranked, but included based on reader surveys and publicly available data on each workplace.

New in the 2024-2025 report, US News analysis549 companies across 29 different lists, including the overall Best Companies list – which includes the top 300 companies in the US, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Bermuda – 24 specific lists sector and four regional lists.

A total of 16 companies based around Houston made the lists, with the majority based in the city, while one each was located in Spring and The Woodlands.

In Houston, the construction company leads the pack Comfort Systems United States, which provides HVAC, plumbing and electrical services. Comfort Systems employs 15,800 people, generates annual revenue of $5.57 billion and has a market capitalization of $11.21 billion. The company received high marks for its job stability, “belongingness” and professional development opportunities, according to American News.

Comfort Systems has also made appearances on US News the industry-specific “Best Companies in Construction” list and the “Best Companies in the South” list.

Independent energy company Marathon Oil was another top employer in Houston, with nearly 1,700 employees, an annual revenue stream of $6.38 billion, and a market capitalization of $15.4 billion. The company was particularly awarded the “Top Quality of Pay” label, but also scores high marks for work-life balance, job stability and employee belonging.

In addition to being included in the overall “Best Companies” list, Marathon Oil was recognized in the industry-specific “Best Energy Companies” list and the “Best Companies in the South” list.

A second Houston-based energy company earning a spot among top employers is Ohaccidental (also known as Oxy). The oil company, in business since 1920, has nearly 12,600 employees and generates $27.43 billion in revenue each year.

According to US News, Occidental offers numerous financial, health, wellness and workplace benefits, including 401k matching, tuition assistance, an employee assistance program, flexible work arrangements and much more. The company also obtained the “Top Quality of Pay” label.

Occidental appeared in US News The “Best in Mining and Commodities”, “Best Companies” and “Best Companies in the South” lists.

Other great companies to work for in Houston include:

  • Insperity, Kingwood – Best Professional Services; Best Companies (Overall); Best Companies in the South
  • South West Energy Company, Spring – Best in energy; Best Companies (Overall); Best Companies in the South
  • BENEFITS – Best in IT, software and services; Best Companies (Overall); Best Companies in the South
  • Powell Industries – Best in manufacturing; Best Companies (Overall); Best Companies in the South
  • Stewart – Best in insurance; Best Companies (Overall); Best Companies in the South
  • ConocoPhillips – Best energy, best companies in the South
  • LGI houses, The Woodlands – Best in Construction; Best Companies in the South
  • International service company – Best consumer products and services; Best Companies in the South
  • Skyward Specialty Insurance – Best companies in the South
  • Camden Real Estate Trust – Best in real estate; Best Companies in the South
  • Cheniere – Better in energy
  • EOG Resources – Better in energy
  • Murphy Oil Company – Better in energy

“Prospective and current employees understand the significant impact their employer has on their quality of life,” said Carly Chase, vice president of careers at US News & World Report, in a press release. “Whether it’s a new graduate looking for a company to launch their career, an established professional looking for a change, or an HR professional looking for their career strengths company and others, Best Companies to Work For provides a central place to see which companies are meeting their employees’ needs better.

Best Workplaces Around Texas
In total, 42 different employers headquartered in the Lone Star State were able to gain access. US News 2024-2025 “Best Places to Work” Lists. The Houston metro area is tied with Dallas-Fort Worth for the most top-rated employers, with 16 each. Only one West Texas company made the list: Diamondback Energy in Midland.

The best companies to work for in Austin are:

  • Cirrus Logic
  • Crowd strike
  • Digital real estate
  • Silicon Laboratories
  • E2open
  • T2

The best companies to work for in San Antonio are:

  • Frost Bank
  • iHeartMedia
  • Rush Enterprises, Inc., New Braunfels

The best places to work in Dallas-Fort Worth are:

  • Thryv Holdings, Inc., Dallas
  • Comerica, Dallas
  • Veritex Community Bank, Dallas
  • Charles Schwab, Westlake
  • Southwest Airlines, Dallas
  • MCC, Irving
  • Saber, Southlake
  • Texas Instruments, Dallas
  • Omnicell, Fort Worth
  • Live in Dallas
  • FirstSource Builders, Irving
  • Invitation Homes, Dallas
  • Celanese, Irving
  • Atmos Energy, Dallas
  • Lennox, Richardson
  • Caterpillar, Irving
The full list of the best companies to work for is available at usnews.com