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 21 reviews)); "They actually care about ALL team members" ((in 7 reviews)); "Railroad retirement" ((in 6 reviews)); "friendly work environment" ((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)); "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

2.0

Sep 18, 2019

GM dont even know who works under him or anything about MOW....

Mow track foreman

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Closer to home. I enjoy working on or around the tracks. R&R Retirement. Matching I believe 4% on 401k the benefits are good. All in all not a bad company its self....

Cons

Really hard to stay at a company when the big boss aka the GM dont even know your name or position at the railroad even after he awarded me the employee of the quarter... was told I would have a company truck one year later still waiting.... wants to cut hours so his bonus is bigger... but to really top it and this is on the company but hes the GM and dont even know what the tools are any of the work dont even know what a joint tie defect is SMH.... let's just say I'm looking for a different job every day and pray that he quits or gets let go.. plenty more I could list...

Watco Companies Response

Glad to hear that you are doing work that you enjoy and that this role is keeping you closer to home. If you ever want to further discuss your thoughts for improvement, please email me at rpeterson@watcocompanies.com.

3.0

Sep 3, 2019

Good place to work if you want to be home every day

Railroad conductor

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Home time is good and benefits are as well.

Cons

Trainmasters think they are what makes that railroad work. They are not.

Watco Companies Response

Our Team Members are most definitely what makes this company. Couldn't agree more. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback.

1.0

Sep 3, 2019

Backwards thinking company with major diversity issues!

Human resources

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Some of the people are very hardworking.

Cons

Some of the people including management are clueless in diversity issues

Watco Companies Response

100% agree that diversity matters and makes us better. If you could, please email me at rpeterson@watcocompanies.com, so we can further understand your thoughts/concerns.

Viewing 175 - 177 of 286 Reviews

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Jobs at Watco Companies

Transportation Coordinator - Lowell, AR

Entry Level Railcar Repairman - Decatur, IL

Traffic Coordinator - Houston, Texas

Trainmaster - Toledo, OH

Conductor - Davenport, OK