Does Smithfield Foods pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Smithfield Foods employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.4 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Smithfield Foods. This rating has decreased by 4% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Smithfield Foods?

38% of Smithfield Foods employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Smithfield Foods 2.5 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.6 for culture and values and 2.8 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Smithfield Foods?

Production Supervisor (39) , Production (32) , Maintenance Technician (30) , Production Worker (29) , General Laborer (26) , Manager (19) , General Production (12) , Machine Operator (12) , Maintenance Supervisor (12) , Material Handler (12) , Supervisor (12) , Director (11) , Sales Account Manager (11) , General Production Worker (9) , Maintenance Mechanic (9)

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

"The pay is good but they make you work like slaves and don’t treat you with respect." ((in 203 reviews)); "Good benefits and start work early so you get off earlier in the day" ((in 135 reviews)); "Good people to work for and with" ((in 89 reviews)); "Good salary" ((in 20 reviews)); "Money was good and all the other you could want" ((in 20 reviews))

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

"Long hours and lots of days too" ((in 65 reviews)); "Bad management and other workers are rude" ((in 63 reviews)); "No work life balance for employees" ((in 51 reviews)); "Conservative company and long hours" ((in 25 reviews)); "Poor culture and company values" ((in 24 reviews))

What are employees saying about Smithfield Foods layoffs in 2026?

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

What are the top reviewed Smithfield Foods locations?

Smithfield , Tar Heel , Kansas City , Tarheel , Sioux Falls , Grayson , Lisle , Milan , Kinston , Middlesboro , Suffolk , Saint Charles , Monmouth , Peru , Chicago , Clinton , Cudahy , Denison , North East , Crete , Cincinnati , Wilson , Junction City , Vernon , Omaha , Fayetteville , Edwardsville , Mason City , Newport News , Princeton

Skip to content Skip to footer

Notifications

Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods reviews

Great company to use for experience, don't let them get their hooks in your for long term. - Director Smithfield Foods Employee Review

2.0

Aug 1, 2008

Director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great place to gain experience if you are starting out, but use them and leave them. You will gain enough experience (trial by fire) in 2 to 4 years that you will be very marketable elsewhere. The exposure and stories you will have for the next interview table will make you seem like a 10 year veteran in whatever field you may choose.

Cons

People are disposable and the margins are very low and at times non-existant. This is a mix that is recipe for disaster. As with other commodities when the market turns look out because the senior management knees start jerking in reaction. Senior leadership talks a good game and says the right thing, but at the facility level the employee conditions are terrible and at times 3rd world.

Explore other reviews about Smithfield Foods

5.0

Jan 15, 2026

Production operator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Same as any production line

Cons

Cold every day due to cooler

1.0

Jul 9, 2026

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I can't say, they will see and try to take that away too.

Cons

I am fairly certain that leadership has been reading these reviews and instead of resolving problems decided to take away the good things too. The end goal must be to make this place as miserable as possible for employees in the hopes of keeping stakeholders happy. Vacation was decreased starting in 2026 (with no carry-over). People continue to disappear month after month since the second half of 2024. Still no planning for work coverage. Employee Resource Groups are being halted at least temporarily. People commented that the pay is good. Well that's being cut and if you are on the upper end of your range, no annual increases for you no matter how well you perform. Other things to look forward to for 2027- 401k contribution decreases Annual bonus decreases After all that, what's left?

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All

Jobs at Smithfield Foods

Senior Director, Operations

Senior Director, Transportation

Director, Enterprise Project Management

Managing Director, Operations

Director, Corporate EHS

Smithfield Foods reviews FAQs

Smithfield Foods reviews Smithfield Foods Director reviews Smithfield Foods review

Smithfield Foods

Great company to use for experience, don't let them get their hooks in your for long term. - Director Smithfield Foods Employee Review

Explore other reviews about Smithfield Foods

Jobs at Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods reviews FAQs

Want the inside scoop on your own company?

Bowls

Followed companies

Job searches

Smithfield Foods reviews FAQs

Jobs at Smithfield Foods