What’s the best place to work in Kentucky? Forbes named these the best employers

Looking to work for one of Kentucky’s best employer? Forbes recently released its annual list of the best large and mid-sized employers in the U.S., and 12 Kentucky companies made the cut.

Though none of the companies ranked particularly high on either list, Fruit of the Loom, based in Bowling Green did crack the top 100 large employers in America list, coming in at No. 51.

In its analysis, Forbes used survey feedback from 217,000 workers, the publication said, and partnered with Statista for the report. Released in February, the ranking split the best employers into two categories: mid-sized, which covered companies with 1,000 to 5,000 employees, and large, those companies with more than 5,000 workers.

In all, eight Kentucky companies made the large workplace list, including two in Lexington, Tempur Sealy International and the University of Kentucky. Just four commonwealth employers appeared on the mid-sized list.

Here’s what to know about Kentucky’s top employers, according to Forbes, including some currently advertised positions.

Kentucky’s Fruit of the Loom named a best employer in 2025

Headquartered in Bowling Green, clothing retailer Fruit of Loom is a popular manufacturer of basics and underwear, dating back to 1851. It advertises itself as “one of the world’s oldest brands — predating the invention of light bulbs, cars and telephones!” and employs more than 28,000 people globally, according to a history on its website.

Forbes’ 2025 company profile puts the employee number a bit lower, at 20,000.

While Fruit of the Loom came in at No. 51 in the nation for best employers, it was Kentucky’s highest-ranking corporation in the employee analysis.

Fruit of the Loom did not respond to general inquiry about placing on Forbes’ 10th annual report.

If you’re intrigued and looking for a career move, the company’s website features two corporate openings in Bowling Green as of April 24, both for cost accountants. On the facility side, there are also two advertised positions in the area, neither of which require a college degree. None of the openings advertised through Fruit of Loom’s corporate site include pay scales, but do advertise benefits packages.

Forbes’ best mid-sized employers in KY

These were the top Kentucky companies in Forbes’ 2025 best mid-sized employers, covering workplaces with 1,000 to 5,000 workers:

1. Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, Prestonsburg, No. 144 overall in the U.S.
2. Brown-Forman, Louisville, No. 294 overall in the U.S.
3. AAF International, Louisville, No. 371 overall in the U.S.
4. Thorntons, Louisville, No. 441 overall in the U.S.

Forbes’ best large employers in KY

These were the top Kentucky companies in Forbes’ 2025 best large employers, covering workplaces more than 5,000 workers:

1. Fruit of the Loom, Bowling Green, No. 51 overall in the U.S.

2. Norton Healthcare, Louisville, No. 106 overall in the U.S.

3. University of Kentucky, Lexington, No. 203 overall in the U.S.

4. Humana, Louisville, No. 275 overall in the U.S.

5. Tempur Sealy International, Lexington, No. 330 overall in the U.S.

6. Texas Roadhouse, Louisville, No. 455 overall in the U.S.

7. Toyota Boshoku, based in Kariya, Japan, No. 669 overall in the U.S.

8. Long John Silver’s, Louisville, No. 676 overall in the U.S.

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