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 24 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 21 reviews)); "They actually care about ALL team members" ((in 8 reviews)); "Railroad retirement" ((in 7 reviews)); "•decent money" ((in 7 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 25 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 5 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

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 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

Feb 2, 2021

Watco Hodge LAS

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great schedule and time home

Cons

Very low pay scale in comparison to other railroads

Watco Companies Response

5y

Thanks for the feedback. It's always good advice to pass along "thanks" to our Team Members.

2.0

Jan 18, 2021

Poor Management

Locomotive engineer

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good team environment with other crew members

Cons

Poor management more concerned about whose butt to kiss then actually managing crews.

Watco Companies Response

5y

Appreciate you taking the time to provide your feedback. It's good to hear about the team environment. If you'd every like to further discuss the concerns you mention, feel free to email me at rpeterson@watco.com.

1.0

Jan 12, 2021

Good for a step stone

Mechanic

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

If youre a quick learner then this is for you. You will learn a lot and be cross trained

Cons

All the promises but no delivery on them. I learned a lot in my my time there and made some amazing connections. But there is no care for the employees and this is not a long term job. And the pay is below the standard.

Watco Companies Response

5y

If you're ever interested in discussing your feedback in further detail, feel free to email me at rpeterson@watco.com. We're always looking for ways to continuously improve.

Viewing 217 - 219 of 286 Reviews

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Jobs at Watco Companies

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Watco Companies

Watco Companies reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Watco Hodge LAS

Poor Management

Good for a step stone

Top companies for "Compensation and Benefits" near you

Jobs at Watco Companies