Does Watco Companies pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Watco Companies employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.4 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Watco Companies. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Watco Companies?

66% of Watco Companies employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Watco Companies 3.5 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.5 for culture and values and 3.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Watco Companies?

Railroad Conductor (12) , Conductor (10) , Operator (10) , Manager (9) , Engineer (6) , Switchman (6) , Customer Service Representative (5) , Account Manager (4) , Locomotive Engineer (4) , Locomotive Engineer/Conductor (4) , Safety Manager (3) , Supervisor (3) , Account and Administrative Coordinator (2) , Accountant (2) , Analyst (2)

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

"Good Benefits and vacation package" ((in 28 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 20 reviews)); "Railroad retirement" ((in 7 reviews)); "Good team members most people are friendly." ((in 7 reviews)); "When there is no barges then it's laid back in the shade doing nothing easy money and the crew are all good guys that got each other's backs" ((in 6 reviews))

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

"Poor management more concerned about whose butt to kiss then actually managing crews." ((in 29 reviews)); "Upper management has lost touch with their sites and only concerned with spending." ((in 11 reviews)); "6 different managers in the last 3 years." ((in 7 reviews)); "Long hours, but it is railroading afterall" ((in 6 reviews)); "And to top it all the pay is terrible and they will not give you a raise unless you are a senior employee." ((in 4 reviews))

What are employees saying about Watco Companies layoffs in 2026?

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

What are the top reviewed Watco Companies locations?

Pittsburg , Houston , Overland Park , Wichita , Kansas City , Birmingham , Madison , Osceola , Springdale , Tioga , Tuscaloosa , Oklahoma City , Toledo , Baton Rouge , Ferndale , Cherryvale , Linden , Wood River , Janesville , Tulsa , Hawesville , Wright , Austin , Freeport , Belle , Whiting , Keenesburg , Minden , Fitzgerald , Newark

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Watco Companies

Watco Companies reviews

3.5

66% would recommend to a friend

(287 total reviews)

Dan Smith

77% approve of CEO

61% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.5

Culture & values

3.5

Work/Life balance

3.5

Career opportunities

3.4

Compensation and benefits

3.3

Diversity & inclusion

3.2

Senior management

Watco Companies has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 287 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Watco Companies 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

287 reviews

3.0

Aug 2, 2021

Management has poor decision making.

Rail car repairer a

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good benefits for you or the whole family.

Cons

Upper management has poor managing skills.

Watco Companies Response

It's great to hear that the benefits provided are good for your family. If you ever want to discuss any ideas for improvement, feel free to email me at rpeterson@watco.com.

4.0

Jul 29, 2021

Good company

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Growing quickly, diverse operations and focus on customer

Cons

Limited pathway for upward mobility

Watco Companies Response

Thank you for your feedback. I agree that opportunities for growth are critical for our team members. If you ever have any ideas for improvement, feel free to email me at rpeterson@watco.com.

1.0

Jul 9, 2021

They will take advantage of you, make empty promises. Management constantly gets caught in lies.

Conductor/engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Scheduled work and bi-weekly paycheck. Vacation is generous... But people usually can't stick around long enough to enjoy it.

Cons

Pay raises get smaller the more years you put in. Productivity is key, don't take breaks, do as you are told. Obey. Hope you like using a bucket as a toilet, being treated like absolute sub-human garbage and indoctrinated with plenty of anti-union propaganda from a company that more-so resembles a cult! Turnaround is out of control, they can't keep people around because thankfully most people are able to break free from the Stockholm Syndrome.

Watco Companies Response

If you are willing to discuss your concerns further, please email me at rpeterson@watco.com.

Viewing 124 - 126 of 287 Reviews

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