In the never ending quest to identify companies that are hiring, get a boost from Forbes.
Here is Forbes‘ list of the 10 public U.S.-based companies whose headcount grew the most last year. Our list, based on data from FactSet, excludes companies whose increased headcounts are simply due to acquisitions. The data does not break out how many of the new jobs are domestic positions.
Cognizant Technology Solutions, Teaneck, N.J.
Computer Outsourcing
Hired: 16,700 Total Headcount: 78,400
The company built new computing centers in India–but also hired in its Phoenix delivery center.
Lowe’s, Mooresville, N.C.
Home Improvement Retailer
Hired: 10,000 Total Headcount: 238,000
This big box retailer opened 60 stores in the U.S. last year.
Tyson Foods, Springdale, Ark.
Meat Producer
Hired: 10,000 Total Headcount: 117,000
Chicken grower added poultry processing jobs in the U.S. and new international operations.
Comcast, Philadelphia, Pa.
Broadcasting and Cable
Hired: 7,000 Total Headcount: 107,000
The big cable company is making a push with telephone service and high-speed Internet for businesses.
Best Buy, Richfield, Minn.
Electronics Retailer
Hired: 5,000 Total Headcount: 155,000
Best Buy has flourished since Circuit City went under. It plans to open 50 new large stores and 75 smaller ones this year.
UnitedHealth, Minnetonka, Minn.
Health Insurance
Hired: 5,000 Total Headcount: 75,000
The HMO industry is bracing for 32 million new customers it will get from President Obama’s health care overhaul.
Costco Wholesale, Issaquah, Wash.
Retail
Hired: 4,000 Total Headcount: 79,000
During a downturn, the club warehouse chain opened 18 new locations.
Apollo Group, Phoenix, Ariz.
Education
Hired: 3,800 Total Headcount: 21,500
Better known as the University of Phoenix, the company is capitalizing on increased demand for professional training in a tight economy.
Amazon.com, Seattle, Wash.
Online Retailing
Hired: 3,600 Total Headcount: 24,300
The Kindle electronic reader is a big hit.
Express Scripts, St. Louis, Mo.
Pharmacy Benefits Management
Hired: 3,500 Total Headcount: 14,300
The big pharmacy benefits manager has added 250 new salesmen as clients look for ways to save health dollars.
