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

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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

5.0

Oct 11, 2023

Can't recommend enough

Director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

You are valued as a part of the team Safety is the most important thing Your input is valued

Cons

I don't have any issues or cons to report.

Watco Companies Response

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's good to see that Watco's values (valuing people and safety) are listed as some of your "pros".

1.0

Oct 5, 2023

Bizarre

Revenue account specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Do not have anything positive to say.

Cons

Unusual processes, horrible software, position is basic data entry invoicing.

Watco Companies Response

It looks like you've moved on from Watco, so best of luck as you continue on in your career. If you're ever interested in sharing your ideas for improvement, feel free to email me at rpeterson@watco.com.

5.0

Sep 17, 2023

Solid Company to work for

Locomotive engineer/conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

With my experience at WATCO they definitely care about you and your success. I've had hard times while working for WATCO and my manager has been more than helpful and understanding. I put in the hard work to climb up the ladder and the company saw that and moved me up to a higher position quick

Cons

The only downside for me is at the site I work at. It has a very high turnover rate. It is more so because a lot of the people that hire on haven't had a job that requires a lot of physical and mental labor.

Watco Companies Response

Thanks for sharing your feedback. It's good to see that you're receiving support from your local management team.

Viewing 49 - 51 of 286 Reviews

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Jobs at Watco Companies

Switchman - McIntosh, AL

Deckhand - New Johnsonville, TN

Switchman - Sheridan, WY

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS

Conductor - Winfield, KS