Four Maine companies were named to the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2026. 

In the second edition of the rankings, the list named 600 companies that foster a culture of fairness and respect and that empower employees to take risks and develop new ideas. Forbes worked with Statista, a market research firm, to survey more than 217,000 companies with at least 1,000 employees. Analysts concluded the order and Forbes published the list in late April.

Leading the way for Maine is Wex, Inc., which was ranked No. 78. The Portland-based payment processing company employs 5,100 people and has been featured on other Forbes lists in recent years. It was named No. 62 Best Mid-Cap Company by Forbes in 2024. 

“Our people are the reason Wex has earned this recognition, and we believe they are our competitive advantage for the company,” Melissa Smith, CEO and president, said in a news release posted on the company’s website. “Culture is how strategy becomes execution. It helps us serve customers better, operate with discipline, and continue building a company that can create lasting value for shareholders.”

The Jackson Laboratory, in Bar Harbor, is ranked No. 351. The nonprofit biomedical research organization was named to an additional Forbes list this year, ranking No. 94 for America’s Dream Employers.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of America’s top employers,” said CEO and President Leo Cardon. “Our mission is to improve human health through research, education and innovation. That work is only possible because of the extraordinary people who choose to build their careers here.”

Following them is Idexx Laboratories at No. 450. Headquartered in Westbrook, Idexx focuses on veterinary diagnostics and water testing. With 11,000 employees, it was in the top 50 America’s Best Large Employers 2026 as well.

L.L.Bean was the fourth Maine employer on this year’s company culture list, ranked at No. 509. The popular clothing, shoes and sports equipment brand’s flagship store in Freeport is a landmark for locals and tourists. This year, the business was also ranked No. 11 on Forbes’ list of Best Brands for Social Impact. Forbes noted the company’s commitment to sustainability, community in the outdoors and environmental stewardship.