Caterpillar reviews

4.0

78% would recommend to a friend

(7,330 total reviews)

Joe Creed

68% approve of CEO

74% positive business outlook

Caterpillar has an employee rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, based on 7,330 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Caterpillar employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Manufacturing industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

7K reviews
4.0
Apr 27, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people, plenty of opportunities which allows you to find the right fit. Pay seemed to be in line with responsibilities. Great place to build a resume.

Cons

Don't kid yourself, Cat is a business who's primary obligation is to shareholders. They are not the least bit concerned about the people who work for them. Regardless wether your BU is profitable or not you will be under review to be sold or eliminated as my group was. With the swipe of a pen you will no longer be 'core to Caterpillar' and your ride will begin.

2.0
Apr 17, 2013

It's a job, Not a career

Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Best manufacturing employer in Central Illinois. Great place for minorities since accelerated promotions for 'diversity' goals in last 5 yrs. Friendly, professional work environment for the most part. Offices are basic but clean. Peoria is a decent small town/city to live in, little bit of everything and easy to get around, expensive though.

Cons

Cat has changed significantly worse in last 8 yrs. - Pay and benefits have been dramatically reduced to primarily boost profits. It has been well known at Cat for the last 10 yrs that John Deere pays better, no secret there. Barton last CEO who balanced all stakeholders needs reasonably well. No real career advancement beyond basic staff level, and that after MANY years. A management culture of heavy favoritism and nepotism for careers, not merit/ performance. Committee style of management is common to avoid direct accountability. Almost impossible to get rid of poor managers, which there are many. Many cost accountants in senior leadership, consequently poor market and product knowledge is common there. Not really a innovative company any longer. Recent heavy emphasis on diversity has demoralized many as less experienced and less qualified minorities are advanced quickly. Young high achievers should view Caterpillar primarily as a stepping-stone resume builder - a 3-5yr job, should be a backup choice.

3.0
Apr 13, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is good and benefits (while being reduced) are still comparable to other large corporations. Great fellow workers and low level manager. Upper managers to much of the old "good old boy network" still exists.

Cons

Too much favoritism when assignments and promotions are made. The best person for the position is not always chosen. Too much emphasis on 6 Sigma and not enough on work experience.

Viewing 319 - 321 of 7,330 Reviews

Glassdoor has 10,068 Caterpillar reviews submitted anonymously by Caterpillar employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Caterpillar is right for you.