Is Sweetwater a good company to work for?

Sweetwater has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5, based on over 571 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has increased by 18% over the last 12 months. 80% of employees would recommend working at Sweetwater to a friend and 74% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Sweetwater have been left by employees working as Senior Sales Engineer , Sales Engineer and Marketing .

Does Sweetwater pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Sweetwater employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.9 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Sweetwater. This rating has improved by 16% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Sweetwater?

80% of Sweetwater employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Sweetwater 3.9 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.2 for culture and values and 4.0 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Sweetwater?

Sales Engineer (137) , Senior Sales Engineer (19) , Software Engineer (13) , Marketing (10) , Sales (9) , Account Coordinator (8) , Customer Service Representative (6) , Customer Service Representative (CSR) (5) , Guitar Gallery - Guitar Handler (5) , Guitar Technician (5) , Inventory and Shipping Specialist (5) , Packer (5) , Customer Service (4) , Distribution Center (4) , Product Support Specialist (4)

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

"It is a pleasure to be surrounded by so many great people." ((in 65 reviews)); "the benefits are great." ((in 39 reviews)); "The culture of Sweetwater is great for the most part but often feels forced and not fed." ((in 35 reviews)); "On site diner Cool coworkers" ((in 15 reviews)); "Sweetwater is an awesome place to work." ((in 13 reviews))

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

"micro management and cubicles" ((in 40 reviews)); "Low pay and no chance for advancement." ((in 31 reviews)); "Long hours if you want to even have a chance of making any money." ((in 21 reviews)); "Long hours are a must at the start if you wish to do well for yourself." ((in 12 reviews)); "Bad work life balance" ((in 11 reviews))

What are employees saying about Sweetwater layoffs in 2026?

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

What are the top reviewed Sweetwater locations?

Fort Wayne , Litchfield Park , Fort Wayne , Arlington , New York , Glendale , Ann Arbor , Austin , Houston , Bloomington , Indianapolis , South Bend , Las Vegas , Charleston , Sandy Springs

Sweetwater reviews

4.1

80% would recommend to a friend

(541 total reviews)

Mike Clem

89% approve of CEO

74% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

4.2

Culture & values

4.0

Diversity & inclusion

4.0

Career opportunities

3.9

Work/Life balance

3.9

Senior management

3.9

Compensation and benefits

Sweetwater has an employee rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, based on 541 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an excellent working experience there. The Sweetwater employee rating is 21% above average for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.4 stars).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

541 reviews

1.0

Apr 26, 2019

Truth

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Awesome to be around gear non stop!! Company is a sales and marketing machine.

Cons

Sales and marketing is their expertise and business, the rest is hype, specifically controlled to furthur increase brand image and sales...drink their kool aid or else.

Sweetwater Response

7y

It's slightly difficult to respond to this review because it doesn't give many specifics. We carry 34,000 products from hundreds of vendors. In our view and apparently in the view of millions of satisfied customers, those products and brands do represent the best our industry has to offer. No retailer carries every brand and product that is made; we strive to carry great quality products from vendors who share our commitment to superior quality and customer service. Our brands don't "grease the company hands." If that were the case we would carry any number of our own private house brands that would provide a higher margin. We have chosen not to do so in order to be a great partner with our vendors. We're sorry this former employee wasn't happy here. Jeff McDonald, Sr. VP of Human Resources

5.0

Apr 15, 2019

Phenomenal Experience

Store merchandiser

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Everything! The atmosphere is incredibly positive and everyone there is trying to better themselves and the company. Plenty of room to move up in the company and moving from a lower position is very possible given the drive and persistence to achieve something greater.

Cons

Basically nothing. If you prefer jobs with more casual dress codes this might not be for you though, given all employees minus those in the shipping department are required to wear business casual attire (no polos!).

Sweetwater Response

7y

We're so happy this employee enjoyed the company and their time here. Best of luck in all future endeavors; we're glad Sweetwater had a positive impact on your life. Jeff McDonald, Sr. VP of Human Resources

5.0

Apr 3, 2019

Excellent Place to Work

Sales engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Very rewarding Strong Culture Talented Individuals in all areas Upward Mobility Growth Mindset Company

Cons

Work in Sales here is demanding (but rewarding) so work life balance can be hard at times. It may take some personal adjustment and effective time management

Sweetwater Response

7y

Thanks for the great review, and we're happy that you're happy. Time management is a very important skill set for a Sales Engineer. We neither request nor demand that a Sales Engineer here work a ridiculous amount of hours. There is a lot to be done, especially at the beginning when a Sales Engineer is building their client base. Those who successfully manage their time and efficiency can accomplish a tremendous amount while still having a good balance with their personal lives. Again, thanks for the great review. Jeff McDonald, Senior VP of Human Resources

Viewing 454 - 456 of 541 Reviews

Jobs at Sweetwater

Kitchen Inventory Associate

Fort Wayne, IN

View job

Part Time Guitar Photographer

Weekend Shift- Distribution Center Associate

Sweetwater

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