Dollywood Included On List Of Newsweek's Top Workplaces For Entry Level Employees

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Wednesday, March 18, 2026) — Newsweek has recognized Dollywood as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level Employees 2026 following the results of a recent survey. It is the first time Dollywood Parks & Resorts has earned the award, and it comes just one month after the park earned Newsweek’s Top Workplace for Women award. Dollywood earned five stars as part of its inclusion to the list.

The America’s Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level Employees award is based on a nationwide, large-scale independent research study that Newsweek conducted between April 2025 and October 2025. Key performance indicators for naming award recipients include leadership, integrity, compensation, work-life balance, culture, benefits and more. The full list may be viewed HERE.

According to Newsweek’s Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Cunningham, “The modern job market isn’t just about skills; it’s about a fundamental shift in values. Younger generations prioritize purpose and well-being, while employers struggle to bridge the gap between traditional expectations and digital-first habits. To thrive, both must move beyond the noise and build a foundation of genuine trust.” 

With a caring culture, generous benefits, unparalleled company growth and numerous employment opportunities on the horizon, Dollywood employees—also known as hosts—understand firsthand why the company has received so much positive attention as an employer. 

“Being recognized as a top workplace for entry level employees is special because it reflects on what truly sets Dollywood apart from other parks—our hosts,” said Susan Loveday, Dollywood Vice President of Human Resources. “We have always strived to create an environment where our hosts feel valued, supported and inspired to grow. That begins with a genuine culture of care for our team with meaningful benefits and wide-ranging opportunities. Dollywood is more than a place to work—it’s a place where you can build a future, have fun doing it and be part of something that brings joy to millions of guests each year.”

Newsweek conducted nearly 180,000 employee interviews which included more than 2.7 million comprehensive company reviews to determine the recipients of this year’s awards. The survey also includes data considered from previous studies between 2022 and 2024 (included at a reduced weight), making these awards part of America’s largest independent employee studies. The study is completely independent and unbiased; companies cannot apply, register or pay to be included in the study or influence their ranking through payment. 

Pointing to Dollywood host job satisfaction, the Pigeon Forge park has long been voted as the friendliest theme park in the world. The park also is the only park to win the Golden Ticket Award for Best Guest Experience, which factors friendliness of employees—along with cleanliness and value—into its selection consideration. The prestigious Golden Ticket Awards are given annually by industry publication Amusement Today. In October 2025, Dollywood was named #50 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service 2026 list. The company was the second highest in the hotels/recreation category.    

Dollywood Parks & Resorts employees receive a variety of unique benefits including 100% free tuition through Herschend’s GROW U. program, access to the Dollywood Family Healthcare Center, along with complimentary Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country admission for family and friends. Hosts are provided a free lunch every working shift and take part in Dollywood’s Park Perks program, which provides free or reduced admission to many regional attractions, theaters and experiences. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision, is available for qualified full-time employees. Dollywood also pays a portion of childcare costs for hosts whose children are cared for at an Upwards-affiliated provider. Numerous opportunities also are available to help employees develop leadership skills, including an apprenticeship program in conjunction with Walters State Community College. 

Anyone interested in joining the award-winning team may view opportunities, as well as job descriptions and basic requirements for each position, at dollywoodjobs.com. Applicants can signify their interest in a position by following the online instructions to complete the application process.

For more information about Dollywood’s 2026 season, please visit Dollywood.com or download the Dollywood app.