Does CN pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, CN employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.9 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at CN. This rating has improved by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at CN?

56% of CN employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated CN 2.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.8 for culture and values and 3.1 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at CN?

Railroad Conductor (126) , Locomotive Engineer (75) , Train Conductor (55) , Conductor (49) , Freight Conductor (49) , Intern (23) , Manager (21) , Project Manager (21) , Trainmaster (19) , Analyst (15) , Supervisor (15) , Carman (14) , Heavy Equipment Operator (14) , Engineer (13) , Freight Train Conductor (13)

What are the pros of working at CN according to real employee reviews?

"Pay is good and stock plan is nice.." ((in 280 reviews)); "The benefits are good and it’s steady" ((in 228 reviews)); "Ok pay good pension and benifits" ((in 77 reviews)); "And good money if you are in the right place for doing very little work." ((in 66 reviews)); "Great team to work with." ((in 19 reviews))

What are the cons of working at CN according to real employee reviews?

"no work life balance and 24/7 scheduling" ((in 93 reviews)); "Long hours and being on call at all hour can be difficult for most people with families at home." ((in 70 reviews)); "2 massive layoffs in 3 years" ((in 26 reviews)); "It is normal to have a 10 to 15 hour journey home eating into any time off." ((in 23 reviews)); "They don't care about you or your family they just want the bottom $. 1 in 4 managers are good." ((in 22 reviews))

What are employees saying about CN layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about CN layoffs and their outlook for job security at CN in 2026.

What are the top reviewed CN locations?

Homewood , Chicago , Memphis , Stevens Point , Fond du Lac , Gary , Jackson , Baton Rouge , Champaign , Duluth , Battle Creek , Detroit , Waterloo , Proctor , Superior , Milwaukee , Flat Rock , Port Huron , New Orleans , Joliet , Markham , Decatur , Wisconsin Rapids , Burlington , Minneapolis , Mattoon , Libertyville , Naperville , Willow Springs , Effingham

CN reviews

3.3

56% would recommend to a friend

(1,532 total reviews)

Tracy Robinson

46% approve of CEO

46% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.9

Compensation and benefits

3.5

Diversity & inclusion

3.1

Career opportunities

2.8

Culture & values

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.6

Senior management

CN has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 1,532 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The CN employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Transportation & Logistics industry (3.5 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

2K reviews

4.0

Mar 14, 2011

Some managers are better than others

Track laborer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great wages and benefits. They have an employee stock purchase plan where the company matches $0.35 of every $1 you put in. Adding your family to your health insurance doesn't cost you extra.

Cons

Depending on where you live you might not be home much. Each job/position is put out for bidding. It is then awarded based on seniority and your "qualifications". Some jobs are considered mobile and you are paid a per diem to help pay for your hotels, food and travel. Some jobs are "headquartered" and only pay you your hourly wage. Problem is there might not be a per diem job available or you don't have enough seniority which means you will have to work a headquartered job that may not be all that close to where you live.

1.0

Apr 15, 2025

Run!!

National account manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive Pay and good Company stock incintive

Cons

Horrible Management in Marketing & Sales. Not a lot of upward movement if you are in sales. Department is led by people with no innovation or creativity. Toxic work environment. Management likes to make examples out of employees by embarrassing them. Absolutely no diversity.

CN Response

1y

Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great benefits and pay. We strive hard to create a work environment where all employees have an opportunity to develop and grow their career. We thank you for helping move our business and the economy forward. Please share your thoughts during our regular pulse and Interaction surveys and speak with your manager about your career aspirations during your regular touchpoints.

5.0

Dec 3, 2023

Better than most other Class I railroads

Conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Best Benefits you will see in your life. Best pay structure you will see in your life.

Cons

Limited to no holidays off as they are awarded per union agreement. Limited to no weekends off for your first 5 years on the job.

CN Response

2y

Thank you for your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great pay. When we recruit talent to our teams we spend a lot of time going over the realities associated with the railroad operating 24/7/365 days a year, including how being on call can disrupt your family life and important events. We thank you for helping move our business and the economy forward, and hope you shared your thoughts during your exit interview.

Viewing 43 - 45 of 1,532 Reviews

Jobs at CN

Facilities Maintenance Electrician

Signals & Communications Apprentice

Senior Manager, Contracts and Compliance

Senior Engineer, Bridge Testing

CN

CN reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Some managers are better than others

Run!!

Better than most other Class I railroads

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