Cherokee Nation named one of Forbes' '2025 America's Best Large employers'

The Cherokee Nation has been recognized as one of Forbes' 2025 America's Best Large Employers, marking the third time the organization has been honored by Forbes and the first time in the large employer category.

“I deeply appreciate the hard work and commitment from our Cherokee Nation workforce, which reflects through this recognition by Forbes,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr via Indian Gaming report. “We’ve experienced unprecedented growth and an increase in services offered to Cherokee citizens in recent years. None of this would be possible without a dedicated workforce united under the idea that we’re all in this together.”

The Forbes recognition is based on an independent survey of 210,000 employees nationwide from companies with over 1,000 workers, the report noted. Employees rated employers on opportunities for advancement, compensation, and other factors.

Deputy Chief Bryan Warner added, “We have long known that Cherokee Nation is among the most successful government services entities and this is true thanks to the efforts of our work family.”

In 2021, Hoskin signed an executive order setting the Cherokee Nation on a path to a $15 minimum wage, almost double Oklahoma's state rate. The order also led to a $10.6 million wage increase for over 80% of government and healthcare employees.

Additional employee benefits include two hours of paid mental wellness leave per month, paid family leave for births and adoptions, and $2,000 per child in Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible employees.

Cherokee Nation was also named one of Oklahoma’s best employers by Forbes in recent years. The Nation employs nearly 5,800 people.