Chesapeake was the second-highest performing energy company, beaten by Hilcorp Energy Company which came 7th on the list.

It is Hilcorp's first appearance on Fortune's list, which cited company incentives and rewards as the reasons it made the top 10.

Hilcorp made a promise to staff that if production rates and reserves were doubled by 2015, every employee would get a cheque for $100,000.

It was on top of a previously accomplished goal which rewarded employees with $50,000 towards a new car.

Average salaries at Hilcorp are about $US211,942 ($A201,205) for a full-time employee.

The list of benefits includes a bonus program, a 401k savings plan, medical, dental and vision plans, a wellness program, life and accidental death insurance, a time off program, years of service awards, talent scout program, educational reimbursement program and a number of "giving back" initiatives.

Chesapeake just beat oil and gas producer Devon Energy, which came 27th on the list.

Job growth over the past year increased 26% with the company adding 2740 jobs, taking the total number of its employees in the US to 13,242.

With "safety bonuses" being paid out in the millions, Fortune said the additional benefit was the major perk of being a Chesapeake employee.

The company offers onsite childcare and gym facilities and an average annual pay of $US127,858.

Chesapeake chairman Archie Dunham said the company's above and below ground assets were equal performers.

"In addition to our extraordinarily high quality assets below ground, Chesapeake has built an asset base of tremendous breadth, value and energy above ground - our employees," Dunham said.

"It is a tribute to our management team for their excellence and efforts that Chesapeake has now been recognised among the 100 best companies to work for six years running."