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 29 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 19 reviews)); "They actually care about ALL team members" ((in 9 reviews)); "•decent money" ((in 7 reviews)); "Great work life balance" ((in 5 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 29 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 6 reviews)); "Long hours, but it is railroading afterall" ((in 6 reviews)); "Bonus programs are given and taken away without warning and raises are low." ((in 4 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

Watco Companies reviews

3.5

66% would recommend to a friend

(286 total reviews)

Dan Smith

77% approve of CEO

61% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (286 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

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).

Reviews by job title

286 reviews

3.0

Jun 1, 2017

Less money than class one railroads but you won't get laid off (furloughed)

Railroad conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Decent money, most of your coworkers are good people, work in the outdoors, railroad retirement, it's in the great town of hodge, LA

Cons

It's all about who you're related to or being an extremely manipulative liar if you want to move up in the company or if you want to get a decent schedule.

3.0

Dec 21, 2016

Good pay Bad schedule

Unloader/conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Get paid for 40 hours minimum no matter what. Lots of "free time"

Cons

On call 24/7 and have to be within 2 hours of getting to job site. No real set days off. Even if there is no work planned for the day you still need to be within 2 hours of getting there just in case. Minimal staffing no extra in case someone is ill or on vacation. If you need a day off you have to use vacation.

1.0

Jul 23, 2016

Worst company I have even worked for/seen

Train crew

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good co workers and literally nothing else trust me do not apply to this company or you will regret it

Cons

Everything else you can read below to just just a glimpse in the life of a watco employee stay away

Viewing 13 - 15 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

Deckhand - New Johnsonville, TN

Switchman - Sheridan, WY

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS

Conductor - Winfield, KS

Watco Companies

Watco Companies reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Less money than class one railroads but you won't get laid off (furloughed)

Good pay Bad schedule

Worst company I have even worked for/seen

Top companies for "Compensation and Benefits" near you

Jobs at Watco Companies