Are you looking for the best FAANG company to work for in 2024? If so, you’re not alone. As technology continues to evolve and change the way we do business, many people are wondering which of the five most popular tech companies – Facebook (now Meta), Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google (FAANG) – is the best place to invest their time and energy.
In this blog post, we’ll examine each of these companies in detail and make a case for why one might be better than another when it comes to working there in 2024. We’ll look at factors such as compensation, employee benefits, work-life balance, and more. By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of which company is right for you. So let’s get started!
Comparison of FAANG Companies
All right, so let’s start by comparing the five FAANG companies side-by-side.
1. Facebook/Meta
- Year established: 2004
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, CA
- Employees: 76,000
- CEO: Mark Zuckerberg
- Net worth: $344.75B
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $171,971
- Work-life balance: 3.6/5 (78% recommend)
- Employee perks: Pet-friendly office, free meals, generous PTO policy
Meta is the world’s largest social network. It’s a place where users can connect and share with each other, as well as consume news, entertainment, and more. The company is home to over 76,000 employees worldwide who work together to create a world-class product.
While Meta is known for its competitive compensation and generous employee benefits, the company does have a reputation for having high stress levels and long hours. That said, many employees appreciate the work-life balance they get and the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in tech.
Meta prides itself on offering a range of perks that reflect its corporate culture. Among them are pet-friendly office spaces, free meals, and a generous paid time off policy. The company also provides employee development resources, such as mentorship programs and an annual training budget. With its commitment to supporting its employees, Meta continues to be a top destination for tech professionals.
In addition to its great employee benefits, Meta also has a strong financial position. In 2022, the company was worth $344.75 billion and its entry-level engineers received a total compensation package of $171,971. Needless to say, Meta is an attractive place to work with high salaries and great benefits, making it a desirable destination for those wanting to make their mark in the tech industry.
2. Apple
- Year established: 1976
- Headquarters: Cupertino, CA
- Employees: 164,000
- CEO: Tim Cook
- Net worth: $2.06T
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $157,418
- Work-life balance: 3.6/5 (83% recommend)
- Employee perks: Generous PTO policy, flexible work hours, on-site childcare
Apple is one of the most iconic companies in the world and has been at the forefront of innovation for decades. The company has 164,000 employees worldwide who are responsible for developing groundbreaking products and services like the iPhone, iPad, Macbook, Apple Watch, and many more.
Apple is known for its competitive salaries, generous employee benefits, and flexible work schedules. The company also has a strong focus on work-life balance, with employees reporting that they rarely have to stay late or skip meals in order to get their work done. Additionally, the company offers on-site childcare, which is a major perk for any working parent. Apple also has a generous paid time off policy so employees can take the time they need to recharge and relax.
At Apple, entry-level engineers can expect a total compensation package of around $157,418. This includes salary, bonuses, and equity. With such generous compensation and benefits, it’s no wonder why Apple has a reputation for attracting and retaining top talent from around the world.
With its focus on innovation, cutting-edge technology, and employee satisfaction, Apple has become one of the most successful companies in the world. The company is now worth a staggering $2.06 trillion and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
3. Amazon
- Year established: 1994
- Headquarters: Seattle, WA
- Employees: 1,544,000
- CEO: Andy Jassy
- Net worth: $878.16B
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $168,168
- Work-life balance: 3.4/5 (74% recommend)
- Employee Perks: Generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement
Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and is considered one of the most innovative companies in the world. With 1,544,000 employees working in offices across the globe, Amazon is a leader in its industry and has been at the forefront of technological advancements for decades.
Amazon is known for its competitive compensation and generous employee benefits, including generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and more. However, the company does have a reputation for having high stress levels and long hours. Despite this, 74% of employees surveyed recommend working at Amazon as reported by Glassdoor.
CEO Andy Jassy has been the head of Amazon since 2021 and has steadily increased the company’s market value. As of April 2021, Amazon is worth over $878 billion dollars, making it one of the most successful businesses in history. Entry-level engineers at Amazon make an average annual salary of $168,168, making it one of the most lucrative positions within the company.
Amazon is known for its commitment to innovation and customer service, and it continues to be a leader in the tech industry, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With its commitment to employee satisfaction and competitive compensation plans, Amazon is an attractive option for any job seeker looking to join a successful and growing company.
4. Netflix
- Year established: 1997
- Headquarters: Los Gatos, CA
- Employees: 11,300
- CEO: Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos
- Net worth: $140.43B
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $212,104
- Work-life balance: 3.8/5 (86% recommend)
- Employee Perks: Flexible work schedules, generous vacation time, tuition reimbursement
Netflix is one of the world’s most successful streaming services and has revolutionized the way many people watch television. Founded in 1997, the company has grown exponentially and now employs 11,300 people around the globe. CEO Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos have been at the helm of Netflix since 2021 and continue to lead the company in new directions.
Netflix is known for its generous compensation packages and employee perks, including flexible work schedules, generous vacation time, and tuition reimbursement. Employees rate the work-life balance positively at 3.8 out of 5 on Glassdoor with 86% recommending working at Netflix.
Netflix is currently worth an estimated $140.43 billion and continues to grow each year. Entry-level engineers typically earn a total compensation of $212,104 at Netflix. This is an incredible opportunity for ambitious engineers looking to take the next step in their careers.
Netflix is a leader in the streaming industry and continues to innovate and grow each year. From its generous compensation packages to its high-quality content, Netflix is a great place to work for anyone interested in streaming.
5. Google
- Year established: 1998
- Headquarters: Mountain View, CA
- Employees: 186,779
- CEO: Sundar Pichai
- Net worth: $1.15T
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $183,329
- Work-life balance: 4.3/5 (90% recommend)
- Employee Perks: Comprehensive healthcare benefits, generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement
Google is the world’s leading search engine and one of the most valuable companies in the world. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the company has made it possible for millions of people around the world to access information instantly.
Google is also known for its generous employee perks, including comprehensive healthcare benefits, generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, and tuition reimbursement.
With over 186,779 employees, Google is currently headed by CEO Sundar Pichai. The company has a net worth of $1.15T and the current total compensation for entry-level engineers is $183,329.
According to employee reviews, Google has an overall work-life balance rating of 4.3/5, with 90% of employees recommending it as a great place to work. So if you’re looking for a career with a tech giant, Google may be your perfect fit.
What About Microsoft?
But what about Microsoft and why is it not included in the FAANG companies? Well, Microsoft is a tech giant in its own right and it has been around since 1975. It is not included to FAANG as it is considered an old-school tech company that has been around for a long time.
While Microsoft continues to be a major player in the tech industry, it is seen as a bit more traditional or old-school when you compare it to the newer and faster-moving technology companies like Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Microsoft still dominates the enterprise software market and is one of the best places to work for software engineers. We would thus like to include Microsoft in our review as well.
Microsoft
- Year established: 1975
- Headquarters: Redmond, WA
- Employees: 221,000
- CEO: Satya Nadella
- Net worth: $1.6T
- Entry-level engineer compensation (total): $151,666
- Work-life balance: 4.2/5 (91% recommend)
- Employee Perks: Generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement
Microsoft is one of the world’s largest technology companies, and it has been at the forefront of technological advancement since its establishment in 1975. Microsoft has a massive global presence, with more than 221,000 employees working across its various offices located around the world.
The company has seen tremendous success since Satya Nadella took over as CEO in 2014, and its market capitalization is now estimated to be worth more than $1.6 trillion.
Microsoft offers competitive salaries to its entry-level engineers, with an average total compensation of $151,666. In addition, the company receives high ratings in work-life balance and offers generous employee perks such as vacation time, flexible work schedules, and tuition reimbursement.
Microsoft is an ideal place to work for those who are passionate about technology and want to be part of a company that continues to shape the future.
The Best FAANG Company To Work For in 2024
So which FAANG company is the best to work for in 2024? While it may be tough to answer this question definitively, as all FAANG companies offer excellent compensation and career opportunities, one or two leaders still stand out even among the best.
Out of the FAANG companies, Google is the clear favorite among employees according to various research websites. Moreover, they are renowned for offering remote jobs and flexible work options that promote work-life balance. As a result, it’s easy to see why Google stands out from its contemporaries in this regard.
Netflix comes as a close second by offering the highest compensation for entry-level engineers. Besides, Netflix is also known for its laid-back and overall great working environment. Blind has particularly shown that Netflix is a favorite among FAANG companies in many aspects and ratings.
If you’re looking for a more traditional tech company with a strong focus on enterprise software which is not necessarily a FAANG company, then Microsoft may also be an excellent choice. Microsoft offers competitive salaries, great work-life balance, and generous employee perks.
At the end of the day, it is important to pick the company that best suits your interests and goals. Whichever FAANG company you decide to work for, you can be sure that it will provide a great working environment and rewarding career opportunities.
The Worst FAANG Company To Work For in 2024
FAANG companies are mostly great places to work for any software engineer. However, some happen to have a poor reputation in one or more aspects. Two companies may be of note here.
Amazon has had a long history of questionable practices when it comes to employee treatment. As per reports by The New York Times and other outlets, the company has long been criticized for its long working hours and lack of job security. While Amazon has made some improvements in recent years, it is still not considered the most ideal place to work for.
Meta, on the other hand, has been criticized for its privacy policies and practices that have led to numerous controversies, such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Moreover, it is notorious for its rapid changes in product strategy and rigid coding guidelines that may frustrate many engineers.
Both Amazon and Meta boast particularly poor work-life balance issues with relatively higher stress levels and working hours. Thus, these two companies may not be ideal for those seeking a relaxed and rewarding working experience.
At the end of the day, it is important to pick the company that best suits your needs and interests. All FAANG companies offer excellent career opportunities and competitive salaries, but some may not be a great fit for everyone.
Which FAANG Company Pays the Most?
FAANG companies are known to offer among the highest compensation rates to their employees. It is even possible to become a software engineer millionaire by moving up the career ladder and gaining seniority at FAANG companies.
When it comes to salary and compensation, Netflix still remains the leader among FAANG companies. Although Netflix offers less in terms of bonuses and stock options, its base salary tops that of all other FAANG companies by far.
Netflix’s entry-level software engineer total compensation is currently at $212,104, higher than other FAANG companies by a few tens of thousands of dollars.
Google also offers competitive compensation packages and is second in the FAANG league table. On average, an entry-level software engineer at Google can expect to earn around $183,329 in total compensation per year.
Which FAANG Company Has the Best Work-Life Balance?
Google has long been known for its focus on work-life balance and flexibility, which is why it tops the list in this regard. Google offers its employees not only a great salary and perks but also flexible working hours, remote work options, and other benefits that promote a healthy balance between work and home life.
Google also earns high praise for its focus on employee well-being and its commitment to cultural diversity. The company has even taken the extra step of implementing policies that help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Employee perks such as free food, on-site gyms, and unlimited vacation time, further promote work-life balance. All these benefits make Google one of the best FAANG companies when it comes to work-life balance.
Apple comes in second, with great employee benefits and a more relaxed work environment than other FAANG companies. It’s also worth noting that Apple has made a conscious effort to reduce the number of hours its employees work, making it an attractive option for those looking for a better work-life balance.
Which FAANG Companies Allow Remote Work?
Most FAANG companies are now offering remote work options in one form or another.
Facebook has made it easier than ever to find remote jobs, and Google is not far behind. In fact, they offer several categories of positions that you can do from the comfort of your own home – with some restrictions in place, naturally.
Other companies have turned back from remote-first policies as the COVID-19 pandemic has began to fade in intensity. Amazon, for example, has recently announced that most of its employees will have to return to their offices in the near future.
Apple and Netflix have both demanded a majority of their employees to come back into the office, as they deem it their right.
Ultimately, it all depends on the specific job position and company. Before you apply for a job at one of these companies, be sure to check their remote working policies. This will help you decide if the company is a good fit for you and your desired lifestyle.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job at FAANG?
Getting a job at any of the FAANG companies is quite difficult, even if you have all the qualifications and experience.
The hiring process at each company is highly competitive, and employers will often look for the best of the best. This means that the applicant pool will usually be quite large and filled with highly qualified candidates.
In addition to having the necessary qualifications, you need to be able to demonstrate a passion for your chosen field, a commitment to excellence, and ambition.
Amazon and Apple are typically the easier two companies from FAANG to land a job at. However, it also depends on the job field you are in and your experience level.
On the opposite side of the general research available online, you’ll find that Google is probably the hardest FAANG company to get hired at.
Is Working at FAANG Stressful?
As most engineers describe it, working at FAANG companies is generally a good experience and a fairly laid-back tempo. Most companies have a good work-life balance and flexible scheduling, with employees having the freedom to choose their own hours.
That said, it can still be quite stressful depending on the position. The demands of being an engineer in a large company, or even a small one, can take its toll. It may require long hours, and the pressure to produce results can be intense, especially during times of deadlines.
Google, again, seems to be the most laid-back of the FAANG companies, with many employees reporting a good work-life balance.
On the other hand, Amazon and Facebook are known to require more hassle and stress from their employees. But that said, every employee’s experience is different depending on their specific job, team, and company culture.
As with any job, it’s important to manage your stress levels. Working in a FAANG company can be exciting, but it’s also important to take time for yourself and prioritize your mental health. Taking regular breaks, working out, meditating, and spending time with friends and family can help you stay focused and relaxed.
Why Not Work at FAANG?
Working at FAANG is a dream for most software engineers at all experience levels in the US and around the world. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.
There are a few reasons why you might decide not to work at a FAANG company. These include:
- The cost of living in some of the cities where these companies are located is often very high.
- You may not agree with the culture or the company’s values.
- The demand for engineers can be intense at some companies and require long hours from employees.
- There might be more opportunities outside of the FAANG companies that better fit your skills and interests.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a FAANG job is the right fit for you. Consider all the pros and cons before making your decision.
If you do decide to work at one of these companies, make sure you research the company thoroughly and understand their expectations. This will help ensure you’re making the right choice for both you and the company.
What Companies Pay More than FAANG?
Although FAANG companies typically pay well, there are a few other tech companies that offer even higher salaries. Some of them are the names you wouldn’t even know or expect to see on this list.
According to Level.fyi, the following companies have higher compensations for entry-level software engineers in the United States:
- Two Sigma (New York, NY) – $274,000
- Stripe (San Francisco, CA) – $266,000
- Cruise (San Francisco, CA) – $238,000
- Roblox (San Mateo, CA) – $234,000
- LinkedIn (Sunnyvale, CA) – $226,000
- Databricks (San Francisco, CA) – $221,000
- Waymo (Mountain View, CA) – $220,000
Other non-FAANG companies that are known to offer high compensation to their software engineers that are comparable to FAANG levels include Oracle, Microsoft, Dropbox, Snap, Slack, Twitter, Uber, and AirBnB.
As you can see, there are many large tech companies out there that offer competitive salaries. If you’re looking for a job in tech, it literally pays to do your research and explore all the options available.
What Will FAANG Be Called Now?
One other thing which has been the center of controversy among the online community in the recent times – what is FAANG going to be called now that Facebook has changed its name to Meta?
The tech industry has responded differently to the name change. Some argue that FAANG should remain as it is and others think that because Facebook changed its name, the acronym should be changed to MAANG or MANGA.
Others have argued MANAA is a more appropriate name for the cluster, as Google should also be changed to Alphabet, as it did in 2015.
At the end of the day, there is no definitive answer to this question and it will be up to the tech community to come up with a consensus on what the new acronym should be.
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding which of the FAANG companies is the best to work for in 2024, the answer depends on individual preferences and the job itself.
However, if you would like to follow the statistics and objective factors, Google clearly remains the leader in most attributes related to employee satisfaction in the industry. Professional development opportunities, competitive salary packages, and a great work environment are just some of the perks that make it an ideal employer in the tech world.
Nevertheless, the other FAANG companies are equally attractive and have a lot to offer as well. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which company would be the best to work for based on what you are looking for in a job. No matter your choice, rest assured that you will have a great experience if you choose a FAANG company as your employer.
Good luck in your job search and may the best company win!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.