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 28 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 22 reviews)); "They actually care about ALL team members" ((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 7 reviews)); "friendly work environment" ((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 28 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 5 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

Skip to content Skip to footer

Notifications

Watco Companies

Watco Companies reviews

3.5

66% would recommend to a friend

(286 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 286 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

286 reviews

3.0

Dec 29, 2023

Overall decent

Train conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

7 days on/7 days off. Leaves you with tons of free time.

Cons

All bonuses have been replaced with 20 hours of additional pto per quarter, pay is not competitive, and the company does nothing for retention of employees.

Watco Companies Response

Thanks for providing your thoughts for improvement. If you'd ever like to discuss further, feel free to reach out to rpeterson@watco.com.

5.0

Dec 23, 2023

Great job if you fit the culture

Site manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

You will be surrounded by motivated, dedicated and hard working people with this company who genuinely care about their people and the customers. A company that, if given the right work ethic, can offer you positions to move up the ladder in little time. Benefits are great. The ability to transfer/move to different locations if the need is there. Set schedules for the most part.

Cons

The pay is great if you start from the bottom and work your way up. If you want to start a career with watco late in your career, you probably wont be able to reap the benefits vs someone with company longevity. Otherwise If money is your goal, go with a bigger railroad company. Some sites stick to a bare minimum roster for team members and the turnover can constantly deplete senior team member moral due to constant overtime.

Watco Companies Response

Appreciate the thoughtful feedback.

1.0

Dec 18, 2023

Account Manager

Account manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Friendly Team Members, welcoming Team

Cons

Lots of favoritism and nepotism.

Viewing 40 - 42 of 286 Reviews

Top companies for "Compensation and Benefits" near you

Union Pacific

3.5★Compensation & Benefits

ALSTOM

3.5★Compensation & Benefits

BNSF Railway

3.7★Compensation & Benefits

Norfolk Southern

3.5★Compensation & Benefits

Jobs at Watco Companies

Switchman - McIntosh, AL

Sprinter Van or Box Truck Delivery Driver (Independent Contractor)

Memphis, TN

View job

Deckhand - New Johnsonville, TN

Switchman - Sheridan, WY

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS