Best Companies in Oakland

Alameda Health System

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
People working at Alameda Health System say the mission to serve local patients shapes an inclusive, collaborative culture where teams feel proud of their impact. Staff highlight comprehensive medical coverage, strong retirement matches, and generous paid leave alongside flexible scheduling that respects family time. They describe supportive managers who fund certifications, mentorships, and clear promotion paths, helping careers grow in a stable public‑hospital network. Ongoing clinical innovations and green‑hospital projects keep work fresh, while leadership’s transparency and community outreach reinforce job security and social responsibility.

Ask.com

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members at Ask.com report a casual, idea‑driven environment where engineers, designers, and content editors work closely and experiment often. Reviews praise competitive pay, solid health benefits, and an easy‑to‑use remote‑first policy that protects work‑life balance. Employees say the company’s modest size lets voices be heard, managers coach rather than dictate, and regular hack‑days sharpen skills and open promotion doors. Ongoing product revamps show adaptability, while volunteer coding camps and clean‑data initiatives signal a steady commitment to the wider Oakland community.

Bandcamp

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Artists and technologists at Bandcamp describe an atmosphere that blends music passion with clear business purpose. They point to fair salaries, stock options, and comprehensive coverage wrapped in a four‑day summer schedule that guards personal time. Colleagues mention flat hierarchies, open demo sessions, and paid professional courses that keep careers growing. Frequent platform upgrades prove Bandcamp’s willingness to innovate, and profit‑sharing with independent musicians underlines social conscience. Workers feel secure because leadership shares metrics and invites feedback during monthly town halls.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Operators, mechanics, and analysts at BART say the agency’s sizable pension, zero‑premium health plans, and predictable shifts anchor both financial and personal security. Crews praise training academies, tuition reimbursement, and cross‑department rotations that open doorways into technology, safety, and management tracks. Employees credit a safety‑first culture, diverse work groups, and clear communication from top transit leaders. Ongoing fleet electrification and station‑access projects showcase adaptability, while discounted eco‑commutes and neighborhood grants reflect a broader civic mission that keeps morale high.

Beneficial State Bank

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Bankers at Beneficial State Bank talk about salaries that match larger institutions, plus robust wellness stipends, paid volunteer days, and flexible hybrid schedules. They value an egalitarian culture where branch staff regularly meet executives to refine products. Mentoring circles and bank‑funded credentials boost advancement, and low turnover signals security. Workers say mission‑aligned lending sparks innovation in affordable housing and climate projects, reinforcing a sense of purpose. Transparent leadership publishes impact goals, keeping employees engaged in responsible finance and community outcomes.

Blue Bottle Coffee Company

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Roasters, baristas, and corporate staff at Blue Bottle Coffee Company highlight free health care, paid Sabbaticals, and shift‑swap flexibility that supports balanced lives. They describe a learning culture with sensory labs, management apprenticeships, and pathways from café to headquarters roles. Employees say wages, tips, and profit‑sharing feel fair, while continuous menu testing keeps work creative. Waste‑reduction efforts and farmer‑direct sourcing feed social responsibility, and clear communication from Oakland leaders about expansion plans fosters trust and long‑term job confidence.

Blue Shield of California

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Since moving its headquarters downtown, Blue Shield of California employees report revitalized collaboration spaces, flexible remote options, and industry‑competitive pay paired with zero‑deductible medical coverage. Staff appreciate leadership’s open Q&A forums, tuition aid, and a career lattice that supports lateral and upward moves. Ongoing tech upgrades, like AI claims processing, demonstrate adaptability, while sizeable charitable grants and emissions targets strengthen a shared purpose. Workers mention low attrition and steady membership growth, adding to a sense of security and optimism.

Children’s Hospital Oakland (UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Nurses, researchers, and support teams say Children’s Hospital Oakland offers rich pensions, family‑focused benefits, and self‑scheduling that eases life outside work. Staff praise a warm, inclusive culture where interdisciplinary rounds spur learning and advancement, backed by hospital‑funded degrees and simulation labs. Competitive pay, consistent census levels, and a strong academic partnership create stability. Employees note leadership’s hands‑on style, green building upgrades, and charity‑care programs that embed social responsibility, while cutting‑edge pediatric trials keep innovation front and center.

Clorox Company

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at the Clorox Company describe an open‑door culture where ideas travel quickly from lab to market. Reviews highlight strong salaries, annual bonuses, and extensive health, fertility, and wellness plans, plus a “Flex‑Fridays” policy that safeguards balance. Workers credit leadership for funding certifications, stretch assignments, and clear promotion tracks. Ongoing product reformulations and recyclable packaging efforts show adaptability and social consciousness. Stable revenues and transparent earnings calls make staff feel secure, while inclusive resource groups deepen engagement across the campus.

Cost Plus, Inc.

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Store leaders and headquarters staff at Cost Plus, Inc. share that competitive pay, employee discounts, and comprehensive coverage come with alternating remote days that respect family life. Colleagues mention collaborative showrooms, open merchandise tastings, and data‑driven training that speed growth into planning, design, or logistics roles. Teams point to management’s steady communication about inventory shifts, which supports job confidence. Sustainable sourcing pilots and artisan partnerships reinforce social responsibility, and frequent assortments refreshes illustrate adaptability that keeps the work creative.

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Plant technicians and R&D teams at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream praise stable union wages, tuition help, and family health plans, along with predictable shifts that make work‑life balance easier. Employees say an upbeat culture celebrates new flavors through tasting panels and cross‑team projects that hone skills. Leadership’s investment in automation and eco‑friendly refrigerants signals innovation and responsibility, while low turnover in core departments fosters security. Mentorship from seasoned professionals and clear promotion ladders encourage ongoing career development.

e.l.f. Beauty

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members at e.l.f. Beauty highlight competitive cash compensation, stock grants, and wellness reimbursements, plus remote‑optional schedules that fit modern lifestyles. Workers describe a playful yet focused culture where fast product cycles invite experimentation and learning, and managers fund courses in digital marketing, formulation, and leadership. Employees note high transparency around goals, consistent revenue growth that underpins job stability, and active sustainability drives—such as refill programs—that add purpose. Diversity councils and open forums keep voices heard across the Oakland HQ.

Everlaw

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Engineers, attorneys, and client‑success staff at Everlaw appreciate strong salaries, stock options, and choice‑based time‑off that nurtures balance. They speak of an intellectually curious workplace where weekly “demo Fridays” and conference stipends fuel professional growth. Leadership shares metrics, offering job security through clear performance targets, while teams praise managers who coach rather than direct. Continuous platform upgrades reveal adaptability, and pro bono initiatives supporting public‑interest litigation underscore social commitment. Employees say the inclusive culture keeps engagement and satisfaction high.

Fivetran

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Workers at Fivetran cite market‑aligned pay, generous equity, and fully paid premiums, alongside an asynchronous work style that accommodates global collaboration and personal commitments. They report a culture of rapid experimentation, with hack weeks and funded certifications that propel advancement. Leadership’s weekly all‑hands ensures transparency, supporting job confidence amid fast expansion. Employees applaud carbon‑offset policies and open‑source contributions as signs of social responsibility. Frequent connector launches demonstrate ongoing innovation that keeps daily work challenging and rewarding.

GT Nexus

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Supply‑chain analysts at GT Nexus describe competitive pay, robust 401(k) matches, and wellness stipends, plus hybrid schedules that respect remote preferences. Staff highlight a collaborative culture where shared dashboards, code reviews, and leadership mentorship speed skill building. Ongoing platform enhancements for real‑time logistics visibility showcase adaptability, while green‑shipping initiatives and humanitarian relief programs reflect social conscience. Consistent platform growth and backing from parent company Infor bolster job stability, and employees say open quarterly reviews keep them engaged and informed.

Kaiser Permanente

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Clinicians and corporate teams at Kaiser Permanente point to comprehensive benefits that include zero‑copay plans, pensions, and on‑site wellness centers, paired with flexible scheduling options. Workers value an inclusive environment where resource groups thrive and talent mobility pathways open doors across clinical, tech, and admin tracks. Leadership’s transparent strategy updates foster security, while continual research funding and telehealth expansion illustrate adaptability. Employees also note community clinics and sustainability pledges, creating a sense of purpose that drives high satisfaction.

LaunchDarkly

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Staff at LaunchDarkly highlight top‑tier salaries, equity, and unlimited PTO alongside a “remote‑mostly” rhythm that supports work‑life harmony. They praise a culture that celebrates experimentation, with weekly feature‑flag demos and manager‑backed conference budgets accelerating career growth. Workers say consistent revenue gains and open financial dashboards build job security. Ongoing platform releases show innovation, while volunteer coding clubs, carbon‑neutral hosting, and transparent leadership practices reinforce social responsibility and employee trust across the Oakland headquarters.

Marqeta

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Marqeta employees mention competitive compensation, equity grants, and customizable health plans, plus flexible onsite days that prioritize balance. Reviews describe a collaborative, fast‑paced atmosphere where hackathons and skill‑exchange sessions nurture advancement. Workers note stable client growth and clear OKRs that maintain job confidence. Frequent API enhancements show adaptability, and diversity councils plus philanthropic grants tie the company to Oakland’s community. Staff appreciate leaders who host open office hours and share strategic updates, sustaining high engagement and satisfaction.

Mosaic (Solar Mosaic)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Team members at Mosaic share that fair salaries, stock options, and generous green‑commute perks sit alongside hybrid schedules that respect personal time. Employees describe a mission‑driven culture focused on clean‑energy financing, with leadership funding certifications, hack weeks, and mentorship paths that spur growth. Stable loan‑volume increases provide job security, while continuous product tweaks show adaptability. Staff also celebrate the company’s transparent reporting and community solar donations, which reinforce social responsibility and keep morale strong.

Numi Organic Tea

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Numi Organic Tea say competitive pay, paid family leave, and wellness stipends pair with a four‑day remote option that safeguards work‑life balance. They celebrate an inclusive culture where tea tastings, story‑sharing sessions, and leadership coaching encourage professional growth. Workers credit steady sales and purpose‑driven sourcing for job security, while constant recipe experimentation displays adaptability. Carbon‑neutral packaging and Fair Trade premiums underscore social responsibility, and transparent town halls keep staff connected to the company’s mission.

Oakland Athletics

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Front‑office staff and ballpark crews report solid wages, union benefits, and seasonal flexibility that lets personal priorities flourish. Employees describe a spirited culture where collaboration spans analytics, community outreach, and player development, supported by training grants and mentorship with sports veterans. Leadership shares relocation discussions openly, building trust and a sense of security through clear timelines. Ongoing fan‑experience upgrades reveal innovation, and youth baseball clinics plus green‑stadium initiatives highlight the club’s community and sustainability commitments.

Pandora Media

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Sound engineers, curators, and developers at Pandora Media point to competitive salaries, stock purchase plans, and health coverage, coupled with a flexible hybrid schedule. They praise an upbeat culture where “jam sessions” and hack‑days foster creativity and learning. Staff say annual listener‑growth targets and clear OKRs maintain job confidence, while constant feature refreshes prove adaptability. Music‑education grants, diversity internships, and carbon‑reduction projects demonstrate social responsibility, and transparent leadership keeps employees engaged in the future of streaming.

Pet Food Express

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Store associates and headquarters teams at Pet Food Express mention fair hourly pay, sales bonuses, and veterinary‑care discounts, paired with schedules that accommodate school and family needs. Workers describe a pet‑centric, collaborative culture where manufacturer trainings and internal certifications build expertise and open promotion paths. Strong year‑over‑year growth supports job security, while frequent product trials and omnichannel upgrades illustrate adaptability. Employees laud leadership’s rescue partnerships, local‑shelter donations, and recycling programs, which reinforce a shared sense of purpose.

Port of Oakland

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Harbor workers, planners, and tech teams at the Port of Oakland appreciate pension plans, zero‑premium health coverage, and compressed workweeks that support balance. Staff highlight a safety‑oriented culture, hands‑on apprenticeships, and tuition assistance that encourage advancement across engineering, operations, and law‑enforcement units. Stable cargo contracts and clear capital plans bolster job security, while green shore‑power projects and community scholarships display social responsibility. Employees value leadership’s regular briefings, which foster transparency and keep teams aligned with innovation goals.

Red Bay Coffee

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Baristas and roastery staff at Red Bay Coffee celebrate living‑wage pay, fully paid health care, and flexible shift swaps, along with leadership that schedules tasting labs and career workshops. Workers say the company’s inclusive, art‑centric culture encourages creativity, while profit‑sharing and transparent financial updates strengthen security. Constant menu innovation and mobile ordering illustrate adaptability, and direct‑trade sourcing plus neighborhood art programs highlight social responsibility. Employees feel their voices shape the brand’s direction and community impact.

Revolution Foods

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Culinary teams and corporate staff at Revolution Foods admire pay that matches industry benchmarks, strong medical coverage, and generous PTO, combined with remote flexibility for many roles. Employees describe a mission‑led culture feeding students nationwide, backed by leadership that funds language courses, certifications, and clear promotion ladders. Stable contract renewals offer job confidence, while continuous menu innovation demonstrates adaptability. Workers value transparent metrics, low waste initiatives, and volunteer meal drives that keep social responsibility at the heart of daily work.

Roofstock

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Analysts and engineers at Roofstock cite market‑competitive pay, equity, and wellness allowances alongside remote‑first schedules ensuring life balance. They highlight a data‑driven culture where hackathons, manager‑backed courses, and peer reviews facilitate quick career growth. Staff feel secure thanks to steady revenue from marketplace expansion and open financial briefings. Continual platform enhancements reveal adaptability, and neighborhood revitalization partnerships plus landlord‑education programs underscore social responsibility. Employees say leadership’s openness and collaborative spirit maintain high satisfaction.

Sungevity

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Sales reps, installers, and software teams at Sungevity value generous commissions, healthcare, and paid training, plus shift flexibility that fits personal commitments. Workers describe a collaborative atmosphere where solar‑tech updates and sustainability talks drive growth. Leadership shares installation metrics and future roadmaps, giving employees a sense of stability. Constant design tweaks and financing options reveal adaptability, while community solar donations and recycling programs reflect social responsibility. Staff say the company’s mission keeps morale and engagement strong.

The Permanente Medical Group

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Physicians and support staff within The Permanente Medical Group say competitive compensation, funded CME, and defined‑benefit pensions provide security and satisfaction. They note an evidence‑based culture that prizes collaboration across specialties, supported by leadership that invests in telemedicine innovation and leadership academies. Flexible scheduling and team‑based care models help balance personal and professional life. Employees also point to strong environmental goals and free community clinics as signs of social responsibility, reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging.

University of California Office of the President (UCOP)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at UCOP highlight stable public‑sector salaries, excellent retirement options, and comprehensive health benefits, paired with flexible hybrid schedules. Staff describe a collegial environment where intercampus projects and tuition discounts support continuous learning. Leadership’s town halls and transparent budgeting offer job security. Ongoing policy innovations in climate research and digital equity showcase adaptability, while public‑service grants and sustainability mandates emphasize social responsibility. Workers feel their efforts shape the entire UC system, boosting engagement and long‑term satisfaction.