Is Sweetwater a good company to work for?

Sweetwater has an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on over 571 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has increased by 19% over the last 12 months. 82% 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 4.0 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Sweetwater. This rating has improved by 17% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Sweetwater?

82% of Sweetwater employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Sweetwater 4.0 out of 5 for work life balance, 4.2 for culture and values and 4.1 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 67 reviews)); "Great benefits and plus's for being an employee." ((in 47 reviews)); "The culture of Sweetwater is great for the most part but often feels forced and not fed." ((in 34 reviews)); "Great coworkers" ((in 17 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 39 reviews)); "Low pay and no chance for advancement." ((in 29 reviews)); "Long hours if you want to even have a chance of making any money." ((in 20 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

4.2

82% would recommend to a friend

(541 total reviews)

Mike Clem

90% approve of CEO

74% positive business outlook

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Sweetwater has an employee rating of 4.2 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 24% above average for employers within the Retail & Wholesale industry (3.4 stars).

Reviews by job title

541 reviews

5.0

Jun 1, 2018

Be prepared for amazing

Sales engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Chuck is amazing. There are very few companies of this size where you will meet the owner your first few days. When you do you will realize that both him and his wife Lisa are some of the most caring and generous people you will probably ever meet in your life. Your co-workers are great people who will quickly become some of your best friends. The campus is absolutely incredible and located in a city that is really a great place to live. The company itself has DEEP values that value ALWAYS doing the right thing and taking care of the customer. You will not find another organization that spends the time and money investing in its people like Sweetwater will. You will look forward to getting up in the morning and going to work. The wages and benefits are good and the perks are great.

Cons

The company values hard work from the CEO down to the janitor. Work/life balance can be hard sometimes, however, loyalty to the company is rewarded and there are many long time employees.

Sweetwater Response

7y

Thanks for the great, upbeat review! We agree that this is an amazing place. --Jeff McDonald, Senior VP of Human Resources

5.0

Feb 1, 2018

Our company is exceptional

Senior sales engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

If you work hard at this job, you will be making commissions in the six figure range quickly. In addition to the high pay, management gives you the tools to succeed and then leaves you alone. They aren't breathing down your neck and are only there to help you and the company succeed.

Cons

You will work a lot of hours. The tone is set by the owner Chuck Surack, who tirelessly works around the clock. This is not a relaxed environment, so if you aren't conscientious, you won't make it in sales.

Sweetwater Response

7y

Thanks for the very positive review. As we've stated before, we are very transparent about this being a hard working company that offers great rewards for those that put forth the effort to be successful. It sounds like you are having a great career, and that is extremely rewarding for us to hear. Jeff McDonald, Senior VP of Human Resources

5.0

Jan 3, 2018

Great People, Great Culture, Great Experience!

Sales engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Everything runs incredibly smoothly for a company this size. As a Sales Engineer I have a huge amount of freedom on the clients I choose, the pace I work, and the way I interact with my customers. You are basically your own music store with an incredibly company to back you up with all the resources they offer to employees and their customers. If you are looking for your dream job and love talking about gear, look no further.

Cons

There is very little that I can complain about but one of the things that is unfortunate is that as a new employee you really need to put in the hours in the first several years to build to success. For some it comes easy, for others not so much.

Sweetwater Response

8y

Thanks for the great review! Jeff McDonald, Senior VP of Human Resources

Viewing 190 - 192 of 541 Reviews

Jobs at Sweetwater

Music Store Sales Engineer

Home Audio Copywriter

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Be prepared for amazing

Our company is exceptional

Great People, Great Culture, Great Experience!

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