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 such as retirement" ((in 26 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 19 reviews)); "Railroad retirement" ((in 7 reviews)); "friendly work environment" ((in 6 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 25 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 5 reviews)); "average bonuses." ((in 3 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

4.0

Apr 29, 2021

It's ok

Locomotive driver train driver

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Average money, good life style, rock up without managers all over you, early finishes!

Cons

Pay compared to Aurizon or Pacific National is quite abit lower, better off driving with Aurizon Or Pacific National for far better money and conditions, ALOT of WATCO drivers have handed in resignations recently putting them into a large hole with barley enough drivers.

5.0

Apr 28, 2021

Great environment

Track laborer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Very Good family Work environment

Cons

You work some busy hours!

Watco Companies Response

Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. It's good to hear that you have a great work environment at your location.

2.0

Mar 30, 2021

Mostly Bad, Low pay , Bad equipment

Car department

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of down time due to equipment breaking down and/or traveling to job location. Decent benefits

Cons

Low pay. I was making less than 50% of a class 1 railroad and the job was more physically demanding.

Watco Companies Response

If you're willing to discuss your concerns further, feel free to reach out to me - rpeterson@watco.com.

Viewing 136 - 138 of 287 Reviews

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Jobs at Watco Companies

Traffic Coordinator - Houston, Texas

Safety Specialist - Houston, TX

Deckhand - New Johnsonville, TN

Conductor - Wolfforth, TX

Student Conductor / Conductor - Corpus Christi, TX