8 Best Places to Work in Orange County (2025 Guide)
The best places to work in Orange County offer more than good pay. They give you a strong culture, real growth paths, and stability you can count on.
This guide compares leading employers across healthcare, tech, gaming, data, and hospitality so you can see how each workplace measures up. Every summary includes ratings, benefits, role types, and highlights pulled from real employee feedback.
Methodology
We built this guide using public employee review data from Indeed and other platforms where employees review workplaces in Orange County.
Every score comes from recent reviews that reflect work-life balance, pay, culture, management, and job security.
We also reviewed each company’s site to understand their mission, local presence, and career paths.
Only employers with major Orange County operations or headquarters appear on this list.
Nothing here is sponsored.
The goal is to give you a clean overview so you can compare companies quickly
Summary of The Best Places to Work in Orange County
| Company | Overall Rating | OC Locations | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards Lifesciences | 3.9 | Irvine (Global HQ) | Engineering, R&D, Clinical Affairs, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, IT, Corporate, Early-Career |
| Blizzard Entertainment | 3.9 | Irvine (HQ) | Game Design, Engineering, Art/Animation, UX, QA, Localization, Analytics, Production, Marketing, Corporate |
| CHOC: Children’s Hospital of Orange County | 3.9 | Orange | Nursing, Clinical Specialties, Mental Health, Lab/Diagnostics, Research, Admin, Facilities, IT, Residency Programs |
| Experian North America | 3.6 | Costa Mesa (North America HQ) | Data Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Product, UX, Marketing, Finance, HR, Corporate, Early-Career |
| Vizio | 3.6 | Irvine | Product Management, Engineering, Software Dev, Digital Media, Design, Marketing, Data, Operations, Quality |
| Hoag | 4.0 | Newport Beach, Irvine, Orthopedic Institute, Health Centers | Nursing, Allied Health, Cybersecurity, IT, Digital, Clinical Support, Revenue Cycle, Lab, Imaging, Business Roles |
| In-N-Out Burger (Corporate & Regional) | 4.3 | Irvine + multiple store locations across OC | Corporate Operations, Training, Logistics, HR, Finance, IT, Supply Chain, Restaurant Management |
| Alteryx | 3.7 | Irvine (HQ) | Product & Engineering, Data Science, Customer Success, Sales, Marketing, IT, Security, Corporate, Early-Career |
Edwards Lifesciences (MedTech, Global HQ in Irvine)
Address: 1 Edwards Way, Irvine, CA 92614
3.7/5 stars for work-life balance
3.8/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.5/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.5/5 stars for management
3.7/5 stars for culture
Roles:
The Irvine headquarters hires across engineering, R&D, clinical affairs, manufacturing, operations, quality, regulatory, IT, and corporate teams. The company also runs strong university and early-career programs designed for interns and new graduates.
What stands out:
Employees consistently mention the strong sense of purpose behind the work. Many feel motivated by the patient impact and appreciate the supportive, kind atmosphere. Reviews highlight helpful teams, a rewarding mission, and leadership that invests in development and training. The Irvine campus and on-site resources are frequently praised.
Benefits:
Reviewers talk about great PTO, quick-starting medical coverage, and wellness programs. People also point to growth opportunities, strong training, and benefits that compare well to other MedTech companies. The steady environment and supportive culture show up often in positive reviews.
Best for:
Engineers, operators, clinical staff, and early-career professionals who want mission-driven work, strong benefits, and a stable MedTech headquarters setting in Orange County.
Blizzard Entertainment (Gaming & Interactive Entertainment, Irvine HQ)
Address: 16215 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618
3.6/5 stars for work-life balance
3.7/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.1/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.4/5 stars for management
4.0/5 stars for culture
Roles:
Blizzard hires across game design, engineering, art and animation, UX, QA, localization, analytics, community, production, and corporate operations. The Irvine campus remains the central hub for most creative and technical disciplines, with early-career programs and structured internships for students and new grads.
What stands out:
Blizzard’s culture centers on creativity, collaboration, and world-building. Employees talk about the excitement of working on franchises that reach millions of players and the satisfaction that comes from contributing to iconic universes. The company highlights curiosity, craftsmanship, inclusivity, and teamwork as core values. Many reviewers praise the culture, the creative environment, and the opportunity to learn from experienced game developers.
Benefits:
Employees give positive feedback on pay, medical coverage, and wellness programs. Blizzard also invests in training, cross-team collaboration, and events that support a sense of community. The Irvine campus offers an environment built for creativity, with access to resources and teams that support long-term growth.
Best for:
Artists, designers, engineers, producers, and anyone who wants to build games in a highly creative environment with a strong cultural identity and a headquarters located in Orange County.
CHOC: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Pediatric Healthcare System, Orange)
Address: 1201 W La Veta Ave, Orange, CA 92868
3.8/5 stars for work-life balance
3.8/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.6/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.4/5 stars for management
3.6/5 stars for culture
Roles:
CHOC hires across nursing, clinical specialties, mental health, lab and diagnostic services, research, administrative operations, facilities, social work, IT, and early-career residency and training programs. The hospital is a major pediatric employer in Orange County and supports both experienced clinicians and new graduates.
What stands out:
CHOC’s mission is woven into everything employees do. Staff often mention the sense of purpose that comes from supporting children and families during critical moments. The environment focuses on compassion, teamwork, and clinical excellence, with many long-tenured employees who stay because of the culture. CHOC’s union with Rady Children’s expands resources, research opportunities, and access to world-class pediatric care.
Benefits:
Employees highlight strong medical coverage, competitive PTO, and support for education and growth. The hospital offers programs that focus on collaboration, wellness, and training. Many roles also benefit from the Southern California lifestyle, which CHOC promotes as part of its employee experience.
Best for:
Nurses, clinical professionals, mental health specialists, researchers, and administrative staff who want meaningful pediatric work in a supportive, mission-driven hospital environment.
Experian North America (Global Data & Technology, Costa Mesa HQ)
Address: 475 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
3.5/5 stars for work-life balance
3.7/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.1/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.1/5 stars for management
3.4/5 stars for culture
Roles:
Experian hires across data science, analytics, engineering, cybersecurity, product, UX, marketing, finance, HR, and corporate operations. Costa Mesa serves as the main North American headquarters, supporting both technical and business teams, along with strong early-career and internship programs.
What stands out:
Experian is known for its people-first culture and global impact. Employees often highlight the supportive atmosphere, flexible schedules, and friendly teams. Many reviews mention strong collaboration, a culture that encourages innovation, and leadership that promotes inclusion and belonging. Experian has also been ranked as one of the World’s Best Workplaces, reinforcing its reputation as a consistent, stable employer with a positive environment.
Benefits:
Reviews frequently highlight competitive compensation, solid medical coverage, generous PTO, and flexible work options. Employees appreciate the learning opportunities, volunteer programs, and support for personal and professional development. Experian invests heavily in culture-building, recognition programs, and wellness resources across all levels.
Best for:
Data analysts, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, corporate teams, and early-career talent who want a supportive culture, strong flexibility, and the stability of a global technology company based in Orange County.
Vizio (Consumer Electronics & Smart TV Technology, Irvine HQ)
Address: 39 Tesla, Irvine, CA 92618
3.2/5 stars for work-life balance
3.5/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.1/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.0/5 stars for management
3.2/5 stars for culture
Roles:
Vizio hires across product management, engineering, software development, digital media, marketing, design, data, operations, and quality engineering. Many Irvine roles blend hardware and software work, with additional opportunities in content partnerships and device support.
What stands out:
Vizio focuses heavily on innovation, value, and accessible technology. Employees often highlight the fast pace, the variety of projects, and the opportunity to work across both hardware and software. The environment attracts people who enjoy creative problem solving and hands-on product work. The company’s growth in smart TVs, soundbars, and connected entertainment gives teams the chance to shape products millions of households use.
Benefits:
Reviews mention competitive pay, solid health benefits, and access to resources that support learning and development. Employees also appreciate the ability to work on visible consumer products, the collaborative teams, and the opportunity to grow into new technical areas. The Irvine location offers convenient access to one of Orange County’s strongest tech corridors.
Best for:
Engineers, product managers, designers, and technical professionals who want to work on consumer electronics in a fast-moving environment with a strong Irvine presence.
Hoag (Healthcare System, Newport Beach & Irvine)
Address: 1 Hoag Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663
4.0/5 stars for work-life balance
3.9/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.7/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.6/5 stars for management
3.9/5 stars for culture
Roles:
Hoag hires across nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, IT, digital experience, clinical support, administrative operations, revenue cycle, laboratory services, imaging, and business roles. Most roles support Hoag’s major Orange County locations, including Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and Hoag Health Centers across the region. The system also offers structured programs for new grad nurses and early-career clinicians.
What stands out:
Hoag’s culture is grounded in excellence, respect, integrity, and compassion. Employees often describe Hoag as a collaborative, tight-knit environment where people stay for years because of the mission and the supportive teams. Many mention that working across top-ranked facilities in Newport Beach and Irvine gives them access to modern resources and highly skilled colleagues. Hoag continues to be recognized as Orange County’s highest-rated hospital, which shows in both patient outcomes and employee pride.
Benefits:
Employees highlight strong work-life balance, solid medical coverage, and programs that support learning and growth. Many appreciate the leadership transparency, career development pathways, and day-one support. Feedback often mentions the value of Hoag’s culture and the emphasis on employee well-being.
Best for:
Nurses, allied health professionals, IT teams, administrative staff, and anyone who wants a mission-driven hospital environment with major Orange County campuses in Newport Beach, Irvine, and additional clinics across the region.
In-N-Out Burger (Corporate & Regional Operations, Irvine)
Address: 4115 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
4.1/5 stars for work-life balance
4.3/5 stars for pay and benefits
4.3/5 stars for job security and advancement
4.0/5 stars for management
4.3/5 stars for culture
Roles:
In-N-Out hires across both restaurant operations and corporate teams. Irvine is a major regional hub with opportunities in training, logistics, HR, finance, IT, supply chain, design, and administrative roles. Employees can grow through structured career paths that range from store-level management to corporate leadership. Many Orange County store locations also feed into long-term development programs.
What stands out:
In-N-Out is known for stability, strong leadership, and a culture where people feel valued. Employees consistently praise the pay, teamwork, and growth opportunities. The company’s family-oriented environment is mentioned in many reviews, along with the sense of pride in the work. In-N-Out also has a long history in Orange County, with strong ties to the community and a reputation as one of the most respected employers in the region.
Benefits:
Reviewers highlight excellent pay, generous benefits, predictable schedules, and strong support from management. Many mention that advancement opportunities are clear and consistent, and that the culture feels supportive at every level. The Irvine area offers access to multiple store operations and a large base of corporate teams, giving employees flexibility in how they grow.
Best for:
People who want stable growth, strong pay, a positive team environment, and a well-respected employer with deep roots in Orange County.
Alteryx (Data & AI Software, Irvine HQ)
Address: 3345 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
3.5/5 stars for work-life balance
4.1/5 stars for pay and benefits
3.3/5 stars for job security and advancement
3.0/5 stars for management
3.8/5 stars for culture
Roles:
Alteryx hires across product and engineering, data science, customer success, sales, marketing, IT, security, and corporate functions. The Irvine office is a major hub for platform development, AI innovation, customer experience, and leadership roles. The company also invests heavily in internship and early-career programs for students and new grads.
What stands out:
Employees highlight the excitement of working at a company that sits at the center of data, AI, and analytics. Reviews frequently mention strong teamwork, a culture that encourages curiosity, and opportunities to build new ideas in a fast-moving environment. Many appreciate the mission-driven approach, the focus on customer outcomes, and the chance to work with top global brands that rely on Alteryx to drive decisions.
Benefits:
Positive reviews point to competitive pay, strong benefits, and programs that support well-being and professional growth. Employees value the mentorship culture, flexible work options, volunteer opportunities, and support for development. Alteryx also promotes inclusion and belonging, and invests in resources that help people grow their careers internally.
Best for:
Engineers, data professionals, customer success teams, sales talent, and early-career applicants who want a modern tech environment focused on AI, analytics, and innovation in the heart of Irvine.
Preparing for Your Orange County Job Search
After reviewing potential employers, the next step is making sure your application materials are sharp and ready. Companies in Orange County move fast, and most use digital tools for screening, scheduling, and internal communication. A few small improvements can make your profile stand out right away.
Update your resume for the roles you want
Keep your resume simple and clear. Highlight recent work, measurable results, and skills that match the job. Many OC employers (especially in tech, healthcare, and medtech) use automated screening systems, so clean formatting and direct phrasing help your resume get through the first review.
Refresh your LinkedIn profile
Hiring teams often check LinkedIn before reaching out. Make sure your headline shows your role or specialty, your experience matches your resume, and your “About” section is easy to read. Add recent projects, certifications, and skills that reflect where you want to go next.
Prepare work samples or a small portfolio
This matters for more than creative fields. Engineers, product managers, analysts, nurses, and administrative applicants can benefit from simple, organized examples of their work. Case studies, dashboards, writing samples, certifications, or project summaries help hiring managers get a quick sense of your strengths.
Practice short, direct answers for interviews
Many local employers run structured interviews. Prepare brief explanations of your past work, how you solved problems, and how you contribute to a team. A few practiced stories make your experience easier to remember and easier to present.
Professional Headshots at Studio Pod: Make Your Resume Stand Out
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right place to work in Orange County comes down to fit. Pay matters, but the day-to-day rhythm, the team around you, and the support you get shape your experience more than anything else. Use the summaries above to narrow your list, then look at the roles each company hires for and the skills they expect.
Take time to update your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and your work samples before you apply. Clean, simple materials help hiring teams understand your strengths fast. A recent headshot also helps you look prepared across internal tools, badges, and online profiles.
If you need a quick way to update your photo, Studio Pod gives you fast, professional headshots you can use right away. You book a short session, follow simple on-screen guidance, and leave with a full set of images that fit resumes, LinkedIn, and company badges.
Joseph West
Photographer, CEO of Studio Pod
Joseph is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the intersection of technology and creativity. He has initiated and expanded multiple ventures, leveraging AI for multiple photography applications.
