No. 5. Devon Energy :: 25 top paying companies

Devon Energy

Average total pay: $187,819
For: Engineer*
Best companies rank: 20

More than 50,000 people apply for jobs at this Oklahama City-based oil and gas producer every year, attracted by a rich package of pay and benefits that includes one of the strongest retirement plans in American business: Devon funds 401(k) plans with anywhere from 8% to 22% of pay, depending on employee match and how long they've worked there. Performance bonuses average more than 15% of pay.


Another attraction: the company's unrelenting emphasis on doing the right thing, expressed in a mission statement called "The Devon Way." The company promises employees: "We will not have hidden agendas and we will not manipulate people." Says one employee: "I feel it is an honor to work for a company with such a high standard of ethics and values."

Rank: 20 (Previous rank: 13)

What makes it so great?
Workers at oil and gas producer rave about bosses. "We all love [CEO] Larry Nichols and [president] John Richels," says one. Another: "You are not asked to give your life for the company. Your time off is your time."

Headquarters: 20 N. Broadway
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
2008 revenue ($ millions): 15,211
Website: www.devonenergy.com

Source: CNN dotcom