Delta Air Lines Earns Top Recognition on Forbes’ 2025 List of America’s Best Employers by State
Delta Air Lines has once again demonstrated why it remains one of the most admired employers in the United States. The airline was recently recognized in Forbes’ seventh annual ranking of America’s Best Employers by State, securing leading positions across multiple regions and reinforcing its reputation as an employer of choice in the aviation industry and beyond.
In the 2025 rankings, Delta was named the No. 1 employer in three states—Georgia, Michigan, and Utah, setting itself apart as one of the very few companies to achieve this distinction. Among the 1,417 companies included in this year’s survey, Delta tied with Costco as the only organization to hold the top spot in three separate states. Beyond its No. 1 finishes, Delta also secured No. 4 positions in New York and Massachusetts and an No. 8 ranking in Minnesota, demonstrating the airline’s broad appeal across different regions of the country.
This achievement is not only a reflection of Delta’s workplace culture but also an affirmation of its ongoing efforts to put people—employees and customers alike—at the heart of its business strategy.
Sustained Leadership in Workplace Recognition
Delta’s strong showing in the Forbes rankings is not an isolated occurrence. In fact, this year marked the fourth consecutive year that the airline earned the No. 1 spot in Georgia, its home state and headquarters hub. It also represented the second consecutive year at the top in Michigan, further solidifying Delta’s position as a trusted employer in key markets.
The recognition comes at a time when workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and corporate responsibility are being scrutinized more closely than ever. For Delta, this consistency highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a work environment that supports growth, rewards contributions, and ensures employees feel valued.
A Culture of Care: “Taking Care of People First”
Forbes not only highlighted Delta’s rankings but also spotlighted the leadership of Allison Ausband, Delta’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, as an example of the company’s people-first philosophy. Ausband emphasized the airline’s long-standing approach of prioritizing employees, knowing that a motivated and cared-for workforce translates directly into better service for customers.
“It sounds very simple, but if you take care of your people, then they’re going to take care of the customer,” Ausband said in her Forbes profile feature.
This guiding principle has become a cornerstone of Delta’s brand identity. In an industry known for its complexity and challenges—from fluctuating demand to operational disruptions—Delta’s ability to maintain a supportive internal culture is a significant competitive advantage.
Comprehensive Benefits for Employees
Delta’s recognition also stems from the wide range of benefits and programs it offers to employees. These are designed not only to attract top talent but also to support long-term career growth, work-life balance, and overall well-being. Among the highlights of Delta’s employee offerings are:
- Unlimited standby travel privileges for employees and eligible family members, reinforcing Delta’s role as both a global airline and a community builder.
- Profit-sharing programs that reward employees directly for the airline’s financial success, giving them a personal stake in the company’s growth.
- Robust training and development opportunities, enabling career advancement and skill-building in a highly competitive industry.
- Comprehensive healthcare packages, among the best in the sector, ensuring access to quality medical services.
- Family care support, acknowledging the importance of work-life integration.
- Up to five weeks of paid vacation, a generous policy that underscores Delta’s commitment to rest, recovery, and overall employee happiness.
These benefits not only reflect Delta’s investment in its people but also distinguish it as a forward-thinking employer in the transportation and service industries.
How Forbes Compiled the 2025 List
The Forbes America’s Best Employers by State list is one of the most comprehensive assessments of workplace culture in the United States. For the 2025 edition, Forbes once again partnered with the market research firm Statista to conduct a nationwide survey.
More than 160,000 employees across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., participated in the study. Eligibility required companies to employ at least 500 people within the United States.
Survey participants were asked to rate their employer on a scale of zero to 10, indicating how likely they were to recommend their workplace to others. Respondents also evaluated other employers they were familiar with, either through direct experience within the past two years or via industry and personal connections.
To ensure fairness and accuracy, the survey results were combined with data from the past three years. Greater weight was given to feedback from current employees and the most recent responses within each state. This approach allowed Forbes and Statista to create a nuanced, state-by-state ranking that reflects local employment dynamics while also considering broader, long-term trends.
Why This Recognition Matters
Earning a place on Forbes’ Best Employers list is not only about prestige—it carries real implications for both employees and customers. For Delta, recognition at the state level strengthens its ability to attract and retain talent across diverse labor markets, particularly as the airline continues to grow and modernize its operations.
In an era when employees are increasingly selective about workplace culture, flexibility, and values alignment, Delta’s repeated success in the rankings signals trust and loyalty. It shows that the airline is not just offering competitive pay and benefits but is also cultivating a sense of belonging and purpose among its workforce.
From a customer standpoint, a strong internal culture translates into better service delivery. Airlines rely heavily on front-line employees—pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, mechanics, and many others—whose daily interactions shape the passenger experience. A workforce that feels supported and valued is more likely to extend that positivity to customers.
Delta’s Broader Commitment to People and Communities
Beyond its direct employee benefits, Delta has made a broader commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, both of which contribute to its positive reputation as an employer. The airline has been actively involved in sustainability initiatives, diversity and inclusion programs, and local community partnerships. These efforts resonate strongly with employees who want to feel that their workplace aligns with their personal values.
For instance, Delta’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has led to measurable progress in creating pathways for underrepresented groups in aviation careers. Its environmental sustainability goals—including investments in fleet modernization and carbon reduction—demonstrate a long-term vision for responsible business practices. Together, these initiatives reinforce why employees are proud to be associated with the company.
As Delta continues to strengthen its position in the airline industry, its recognition on Forbes’ 2025 America’s Best Employers by State list provides both validation and motivation. The company’s leadership team, including Allison Ausband and CEO Ed Bastian, has consistently articulated that employees are at the core of Delta’s success.
This philosophy has guided the airline through challenges—from industry disruptions during the pandemic to ongoing labor market shifts—and will remain central to its strategy in the years ahead. By maintaining a relentless focus on employee well-being and professional development, Delta is positioning itself not only as a leading airline but also as a benchmark for workplace excellence across all industries.
Delta Air Lines’ performance in Forbes’ 2025 rankings reflects more than just statistical success. It underscores the airline’s deep commitment to its people, its sustained leadership in workplace culture, and its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. By placing first in three states, ranking within the top five in two others, and continuing to earn top recognition year after year, Delta has proven that its employee-first philosophy is not just a slogan but a lived reality.
As Allison Ausband put it best: “If you take care of your people, then they’re going to take care of the customer.” That simple but powerful idea continues to drive Delta forward—ensuring that employees, customers, and communities all benefit from the airline’s success.