News Summary
Forbes has revealed its annual ranking of the best employers in South Carolina, with six companies recognized for their outstanding workplace cultures. Notably, the University of South Carolina is included in this prestigious list, which celebrates organizations that prioritize employee satisfaction and growth. Pinnacle Financial Partners also received accolades for being the top workplace in the large company category, emphasizing the importance of a positive workplace culture. As South Carolina continues to attract new residents, the recognition of these employers highlights the state’s growing appeal in terms of job opportunities and quality of life.
South Carolina Companies Shine in Forbes’ Best Employers Rankings
Columbia, South Carolina – Forbes has once again recognized the best employers in South Carolina, marking the 10th consecutive year the publication has published its renowned list. This year, six companies from the state made the cut, showcasing the quality of workplaces throughout South Carolina.
Among the companies highlighted are the Michelin Group, the University of South Carolina, Sunbelt Rentals, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Movement Mortgage, and Milliken & Company. The rankings are based on an extensive survey conducted in collaboration with Statista, which questioned over 217,000 employees from organizations with more than 1,000 staff members.
How Rankings Were Determined
Employees were asked to recommend their employer and rate them on a scale from zero to ten. The responses from the past three years were aggregated to create a thorough assessment of work environments across the state. This methodology ensured a comprehensive understanding of employee satisfaction, capturing trends and shifts over time.
Pinnacle Financial Partners Sets the Standard
In a related celebration of workplace excellence, Pinnacle Financial Partners was recognized as the No. 1 Top Workplace in South Carolina in the large company category by South Carolina Top Workplaces. This marks the seventh consecutive appearance on the list for Pinnacle and the fifth year in a row it has achieved the top spot, even after making the transition to the large company category.
The company received the “Clued-In Senior Management” award, highlighting the employees’ confidence in their leadership, particularly in how management communicates and makes decisions. Associates at Pinnacle report a positive workplace culture characterized by authentic care, empowerment, transparency, and respect. Regional leaders within the company emphasize the importance of fostering a respectful and trusted workplace environment where teamwork and shared purpose are prioritized.
The Importance of Workplace Culture
The South Carolina Top Workplaces list is generated by Energage, based solely on anonymous employee feedback that evaluates essential cultural pillars such as alignment, connection, and execution. This approach ensures that the rankings reflect the genuine experiences and sentiments of employees across various organizations.
South Carolina’s Growing Appeal
The recognition of these employers comes at a time when South Carolina is experiencing significant demographic changes. The state boasts the highest move-in-to-move-out ratio in the country, currently standing at 2.05. This trend signals that the state is becoming increasingly attractive for new residents, fueled in part by robust job opportunities and quality of life.
Charleston, South Carolina, has been particularly noted for its favorable job market conditions, landing at No. 6 on WalletHub’s list of the best places to find a job in 2025. Factors contributing to this ranking include strong socio-economic conditions and a vibrant local economy.
Quality of Life Across the State
The city of Columbia also garners attention due to its proximity to the University of South Carolina and an appealing median home price of approximately $252,883. Other towns, such as Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Clemson, Aiken, and Bluffton, have been highlighted for their community amenities, affordable housing, and overall quality of life, making them attractive destinations for current and prospective residents.
With the combination of recognized employers and a growing population seeking residence, South Carolina stands out on the map as a state of opportunity, reinforcing the importance of workplace culture in attracting and retaining talent in the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- Forbes: Best Large Employers
- Pinnacle Financial Partners News Release
- iHeart: Best Places to Find a Job in 2025
- World Atlas: Best Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025
- Greenville Online: SC Companies Among 2024’s Best
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
