My opinion as a former salaried employee... - Salaried IT Employee BNSF Railway Employee Review

1.0
Dec 4, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If you're union, it is the sweetest gig around. I was salaried/exempt on the IT side and it was the worst job I have ever had in my entire life, in every way imaginable. The day I tendered my resignation was one of the happiest days of my life (no joke, I now celebrate that day every year). Quite frankly, it is one of the few companies left where the less time and money spent on education, the better. So if you are someone who is not really into school, than a union job at BNSF is the place for you. DO NOT work here unless you are represented by a union, you will get screwed otherwise.

Cons

If you hire on as a salaried/exempt employee, you might find yourself contemplating suicide within a year (I'm not even kidding, it is really that bad in some departments). As a salaried/exempt employee, you can expect poor medical/dental benefits, below market pay, promotions based on gender (women seem to get promoted and compensated, men seem to be passed over), endless nonproductive meetings and emails, and the most toxic and passive-aggressive political environment imaginable. Be VERY careful about getting trapped by a signing bonus; BNSF uses the signing bonus as an attempt to create 1-3 year indentured servitude contracts. Get any proffered bonus money rolled into your salary, but DO NOT take a signing bonus or you will be a wage slave for 1-3 years. Human Resources is your enemy at this company: Never let your guard down and don’t believe a word they tell you.

Explore other reviews about BNSF Railway

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Great Benefits -People Forward culture -Railroad Retirement

Cons

-Some working policies are as forward as they can be for a railroad but are not as flexible compared to other industries

5.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people and strong coworkers across the organization. The company offers competitive pay, strong benefits, and good overall stability. There are many experienced employees who care about the work and are willing to help others succeed.

Cons

The organization can be very hierarchical, which sometimes makes it difficult to drive change or move quickly. Decisions often require multiple layers of approval, so it can take longer than expected to finalize direction or make progress. There is also limited flexibility compared to what many other companies offer, especially when it comes to working arrangements.

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