KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named one of the top three employers in the state on Forbes’ America’s Best Employers by State list for 2025, placing third among 80 companies across Tennessee. The ranking, released Aug. 21, marks a four-spot climb from last year and continues UT’s streak of making the list every year since it was first published in 2019.
UT’s placement puts it in company with some of Tennessee’s largest private-sector employers, including Memphis-based FedEx and Nashville’s HCA Healthcare, both of which regularly appear high on Forbes’ annual rankings. Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have also been recognized in past years, underscoring the role of higher education and research institutions in the state’s workforce landscape.
“Knowing UT serves every county in Tennessee makes being recognized as one of the state’s best employers an exceptional honor,” said Tarah Keeler, associate vice chancellor and chief human resources officer at UT Knoxville. “The work we do, whether in bustling cities or in rural communities, is important and powered by the passion of our staff. Providing a strong workplace that fosters professional development allows UT employees to make a lasting impact every day.”
Forbes and Statista, a global data and market research firm, conducted the survey by asking more than 160,000 workers nationwide to evaluate their employers on workplace culture, pay and benefits, career development, and overall satisfaction. Employees also rated past employers and other organizations in their industries. Greater weight was given to responses from current employees and more recent survey data.
UT Knoxville employs more than 8,400 people, including 2,315 faculty and 6,091 staff. Benefits include health and retirement plans, tuition waivers for employees, discounted tuition at state colleges and universities for family members, and access to resources such as a university-affiliated medical center, an early learning center, a veterinary medical center, and a botanical garden.
This latest recognition follows several other national nods for the university. In May, Forbes listed UT as one of the country’s best employers for new graduates for the fifth consecutive year. Last November, it was included in Forbes’ inaugural America’s Dream Employers list.
With Tennessee’s economy anchored by global employers like FedEx, Nissan North America, and HCA Healthcare, UT’s ranking as one of the state’s leading workplaces highlights the university’s growing role not only as an academic institution but also as a major employer competing with the private sector.
