Kansas City — it’s a great place for business. Don’t believe us? Just ask some of the fastest growing private companies in the metro. Now, Forbes is recognizing top employers in KC with its third annual list of America’s Best Employers By State.

Forbes partnered with market research company, Statista, to compile the list by surveying 80,000 Americans working for companies with at least 500 employees.

The surveys were anonymous + conducted between October 2020 and June 2021. The list ranks employers that received the most recommendations.

More than a dozen metro companies took top spots in Missouri and Kansas. Here are the best 6 + where they rank in each state:

💼 Missouri

#2: Hallmark Cards

Industry: Packaged goods

Employees: 27,000

What they do: Hallmark is a card and art supply company with subsidiaries including Crayola and Silly Putty.

#4: Children’s Mercy Hospital

Industry: Healthcare and social

Employees: 8,000

What they do: Children’s Mercy is a comprehensive child hospital that emphasizes holistic care, research, innovation, and education.

#20: Saint Luke’s Health System

Industry: Healthcare and social

Employees: 12,000

What they do: Saint Luke’s is a network of 16 hospitals, plus home care, hospice, and behavioral health care.

💼 Kansas

#1: Garmin

Industry: Semiconductors, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Technology Hardware & Equipment

Employees: 16,000

What they do: Garmin is a tech company, headquartered in Olathe, specializing in GPS devices for 5 categories: marine, outdoor, fitness, auto, and aviation.

#2: Blue Valley Schools

Industry: Education

Employees: 2,797

What they do: Blue Valley Schools provides education for 91 square miles in southeastern Johnson County, including south Overland Park, Leawood, and Olathe.

#3: Netsmart

Industry: IT, internet, software and services

Employees: 2,200

What they do: Netsmart is a healthcare software company based in Overland Park. Note: This company is listed under Missouri in Forbes.