Is Norfolk Southern a good company to work for?

Norfolk Southern has an overall rating of 2.9 out of 5, based on over 2,169 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has increased by 1% over the last 12 months. 35% of employees would recommend working at Norfolk Southern to a friend and 25% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Norfolk Southern have been left by employees working as Intern , Track Supervisor and Management Trainee .

Does Norfolk Southern pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Norfolk Southern employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.5 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Norfolk Southern. This rating has improved by 2% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Norfolk Southern?

35% of Norfolk Southern employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Norfolk Southern 2.2 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.4 for culture and values and 2.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Norfolk Southern?

Railroad Conductor (202) , Conductor (98) , Locomotive Engineer (59) , Freight Conductor (43) , Engineer (37) , Signal Maintainer (35) , Trainmaster (33) , Intern (29) , Electrician (26) , Machinist (26) , Manager (24) , Train Dispatcher (24) , Train Conductor (19) , Operations Supervisor (18) , Management Trainee (15)

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

"Pay is good but you are paid for the on call lifestyle and selling your life way for a paycheck." ((in 394 reviews)); "Good benefits and ability to promote within" ((in 302 reviews)); "4. Good retirement that will follow you to another railroad if you decide to change employers" ((in 89 reviews)); "The people were great and very welcoming." ((in 84 reviews)); "good money and enough to support family" ((in 58 reviews))

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

"Poor management, have to pay for parking, having to bid on jobs" ((in 166 reviews)); "No work life balance and always short staffed" ((in 126 reviews)); "hours are long and boring" ((in 79 reviews)); "CEO and upper management are horrible." ((in 46 reviews)); "Cannabalism is the corporate culture." ((in 30 reviews))

What are employees saying about Norfolk Southern layoffs in 2026?

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

What are the top reviewed Norfolk Southern locations?

Atlanta , Norfolk , Roanoke , Chicago , Bellevue , Conway , Fort Wayne , Pittsburgh , Harrisburg , Elkhart , Birmingham , Toledo , Altoona , Chattanooga , Decatur , Macon , Louisville , Cleveland , Cincinnati , Knoxville , Charlotte , Columbus , Saint Louis , Savannah , Greensboro , Enola , Greenville , Detroit , Sheffield , Peru

Norfolk Southern reviews

2.9

35% would recommend to a friend

(1,914 total reviews)

Mark George

30% approve of CEO

25% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Norfolk Southern has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 1,914 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Norfolk Southern employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Transportation & Logistics industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

2K reviews

5.0

Nov 2, 2008

A wonderful place to work.

Mid-upper level transportation manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Business is strong, market fluctuations have less overall effect on operations. NS is well diversified in it's traffic base. There are no worries of job loss. NS requires HIGH level of integrity. You can count on the word of the people you work with. For someone with my background and education, NS provides opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere. They promote both from within and without, looking for competent leaders and managers, pedigrees and connections will not help you if you are unable to advance the business. Lastly NS provides above average compensation

Cons

Union shop, long hours, unions, very young front line supervisory staff

4.0

Oct 27, 2008

Norfolk Southern a very good transportation corporation!

Railroad yardmaster/conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

railroad pensions are good, ns also offers 401k, health care contributions are rising every though when measured with other industries we are good. personal days are accrued with years of service though we all, even the newest people qualify for three days. you must work a minimum of days to qualify for vacation, a almost 4 years service i currently have 2 weeks, with one week allowed to be taken one day at a time. the ns truly has hired the most diverse workforce i have ever experienced, as a matter of fact they promote it! the ns training program is an excellent on-the-job and formal program.

Cons

the work schedules are difficult, due to the nature of our business. normal sleep patterns are very difficult to maintain. working in a rain storm, a snow storm, high winds, at night, blazing heat is not for everyone. one must know how to dress for all as well as changing weather conditions. the type of high tech clothing is expensive, good rain wear is two to three hundred dollars. good work shoes gore-tex for general use and winter boots that are gore-tex and insulated are one hundred thirty-five dollars up to two hundred dollars plus for the winter versions. company provided eye wear is not very good.

4.0

Oct 2, 2008

Norfolk Southern Railroad is an awesome company to be employed for.

Thermit welder

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There are several different jobs within the company and when you get tired of one you can choose something different if you'd like and everything keeps rolling as in you don't lose no sinority or vacation or time towards retirement. You can just keep switching to different jobs that you qualify for or Norfolk Southern will send you to school to become qualified to do another job that you like within the company. It's a strong company that treats it's employees well and makes you want to do a good job for them.

Cons

I have been here for 10 years and I really have nothing bad to say about Norfolk Southern. I enjoy working there and have never had any problems with anything.

Viewing 1909 - 1911 of 1,914 Reviews

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Jobs at Norfolk Southern

Regional Sales Support Manager

2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Reading, PA)