Does CN pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, CN employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.9 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at CN. This rating has improved by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at CN?

56% of CN employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated CN 2.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.8 for culture and values and 3.1 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at CN?

Railroad Conductor (126) , Locomotive Engineer (75) , Train Conductor (55) , Conductor (49) , Freight Conductor (49) , Intern (23) , Manager (21) , Project Manager (21) , Trainmaster (19) , Analyst (15) , Supervisor (15) , Carman (14) , Heavy Equipment Operator (14) , Engineer (13) , Freight Train Conductor (13)

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

"Pay is good and stock plan is nice.." ((in 280 reviews)); "The benefits are good and it’s steady" ((in 228 reviews)); "Good salary and IT challenges" ((in 81 reviews)); "pension and benefits are good" ((in 75 reviews)); "Some good people working for the company and trying to make a difference." ((in 66 reviews))

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

"no work life balance and 24/7 scheduling" ((in 91 reviews)); "Long hours and being on call at all hour can be difficult for most people with families at home." ((in 64 reviews)); "Constant layoffs and employee/management shortage" ((in 29 reviews)); "They don't care about you or your family they just want the bottom $. 1 in 4 managers are good." ((in 22 reviews)); "Terrible leadership who have made mistakes after mistakes but are not held accountable." ((in 21 reviews))

What are employees saying about CN layoffs in 2026?

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

What are the top reviewed CN locations?

Homewood , Chicago , Memphis , Stevens Point , Fond du Lac , Gary , Jackson , Baton Rouge , Champaign , Duluth , Battle Creek , Detroit , Waterloo , Proctor , Superior , Milwaukee , Flat Rock , Port Huron , New Orleans , Joliet , Markham , Decatur , Wisconsin Rapids , Burlington , Minneapolis , Mattoon , Libertyville , Naperville , Willow Springs , Effingham

CN reviews

3.3

56% would recommend to a friend

(1,533 total reviews)

Tracy Robinson

46% approve of CEO

46% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.9

Compensation and benefits

3.5

Diversity & inclusion

3.1

Career opportunities

2.8

Culture & values

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.6

Senior management

CN has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 1,533 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The CN 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

2K reviews

3.0

Feb 17, 2023

Illinois central conductor

Railroad conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great pay for a transportation job.

Cons

Horrible hours, absolutely no life outside of the work place.

CN Response

3y

Thank you for sharing your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great pay. When we recruit talent to our teams, we spend a lot of time going over the realities associated with the railroad operating 24/7/365 days a year, including how being on call can disrupt your family life and important events. Please share your thoughts during our regular Pulse surveys. We thank you for helping move our business and the economy forward.

2.0

Feb 16, 2023

Good pay poor treatment of unionized employees

Railroad signal maintainer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great pay, good camaraderie, challenging work environment. Loved working outside with lot’s of freedom to drive to different locations.

Cons

Management micro-manages, bullies, belittles unionized employees. Management lies and keeps employees in fear of their jobs.

CN Response

3y

Thank you for sharing your feedback and for your hard work. We pride ourselves on providing our team members with great pay. We strive to create a work environment where all employees have an opportunity to develop and grow their career. With a 24/7/365 operation CN could not function without our dedicated employees. We thank you for helping move our business and the economy forward. Please share your thoughts during our regular pulse surveys.

3.0

Feb 13, 2023

Canadian National

Yard hostler

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Decent work environment when in a shop

Cons

Insurance and pay rate could be a lot better

CN Response

3y

Thank you for sharing your feedback and for your hard work. With a 24/7/365 operation CN could not function without our dedicated employees. We thank you for helping move our business and the economy forward.

Viewing 154 - 156 of 1,533 Reviews

Jobs at CN

Railway Car Technician (Car Mechanic)

North Fond du Lac, WI

Signals & Communications Apprentice

CN

CN reviews

Ratings by category

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Illinois central conductor

Good pay poor treatment of unionized employees

Canadian National

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